Fuzzy Trace Theory

Fuzzy Trace Theory is a psychological concept that explains how people remember and understand information. Instead of storing exact details, our brains keep general impressions or “traces” of events. This means we remember the gist or main idea rather than specific facts. For instance, when recalling a story, we might remember its overall theme instead of every detail. This theory helps us understand why we sometimes confuse facts or make decisions based on our interpretations rather than precise information. It highlights how our memory is influenced more by meaning than by exactness.