Which term best describes the learning process that involves the loss of previously acquired knowledge?

The term that best describes the learning process involving the loss of previously acquired knowledge is forgetting. Forgetting is a natural phenomenon that occurs when information is no longer accessible in memory. It can happen due to various reasons, such as the passage of time, lack of use, or interference from new information. This process highlights the dynamic nature of memory, indicating that knowledge is not always permanently retained and that learners may need to regularly review or practice information to keep it fresh.

Retention, on the other hand, refers to the ability to retain information over time, contrasting with forgetting. Transfer is about applying knowledge learned in one context to different situations, which does not directly relate to the loss of information. Durability pertains to how long information lasts in memory but does not specifically address the aspect of losing acquired knowledge. Thus, forgetting accurately encapsulates the concept of losing previously learned information.