Why do people forget names quickly?

Answer: Shallow encoding without context

Names aren't important information — Wrong. The brain doesn't filter by 'importance'—forgetting names happens because they're encoded poorly (just sound, no meaning/context).

Brain has limited name storage — Wrong. Memory capacity isn't the issue. Names are forgotten because they're abstract words without inherent meaning or strong associations.

Shallow encoding without context ✓ — Correct! Names are arbitrary labels—no inherent meaning linking sound to person. When you hear a name, you often don't deeply process it (shallow encoding). Without meaningful associations or rehearsal, the memory trace is weak. Faces are remembered better because visual processing is deeper. Tip: Create mental associations to remember names!