Which of the following describes a form of forgetting where memories fade over time?

Fading is a concept in memory theory that refers to the gradual loss of memory retention over time. This phenomenon occurs when the neural connections that represent a memory weaken, leading to a decrease in recall accuracy and the overall clarity of the memory. According to the decay theory of forgetting, if a memory is not regularly accessed or rehearsed, it is likely to fade. This understanding is essential in the study of memory retention and is particularly relevant for instructors when considering how frequently students should review material to solidify their knowledge and improve recall.

In contrast, retrieval failure focuses on issues that arise during the process of bringing a memory to consciousness, rather than the actual degradation of the memory itself. Interference involves the disruption of memory retrieval due to the presence of similar information, while repression/suppression deals with the unconscious mechanisms that block out distressing memories. Fading specifically highlights the natural decline of memory strength over time, making it the correct choice in this context.