1 Memory Flashcards
(36 cards)
What are the three processes involved in making a memory?
Encoding, Storage, Retrieval
Encoding refers to the initial input of information into memory, storage is the maintenance of that information, and retrieval is the process of accessing it when needed.
What is the capacity of short-term memory according to Jacobs?
9 numbers, 7 letters
This is based on Jacobs’ digit span test, which measures the capacity of short-term memory.
What does Miller’s theory suggest about short-term memory capacity?
7 +/- 2
Miller’s law indicates that the average number of objects an individual can hold in working memory is about 7.
What is the duration of short-term memory without rehearsal?
18-30 seconds
This duration is supported by the research of Peterson and Peterson.
What are the two main ways information can be lost from memory?
Decay, Displacement
Decay refers to the fading of memories over time, while displacement occurs when new information replaces old information.
Who proposed the Multistore model of memory?
Atkinson and Shiffrin (1968)
The Multistore model consists of three passive stores: sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory.
What is the serial position effect?
Tendency to remember the first and last items in a list
The first items are remembered due to the primary effect, and the last items due to the recency effect.
What is episodic long-term memory?
Recall of events, details, context, and emotions at the time
Episodic memory is explicit and requires conscious effort to recall.
What is semantic long-term memory?
Knowledge that everyone knows
Semantic memory is less vulnerable to distortion and forgetting than episodic memory.
What is procedural long-term memory?
Memory for actions and skills
Procedural memory is implicit and acquired through practice and repetition.
What are the components of the working memory model?
Central Executive, Phonological Loop, Visuospatial Sketchpad, Episodic Buffer
This model explains how information is processed and manipulated in short-term memory.
What is retrieval failure?
Inability to access memory cues needed to remember
Tulving (1983) identified this phenomenon, which can be influenced by external or internal context.
What experiment did Godden and Baddeley (1975) conduct?
Teaching divers words and recalling underwater vs. on land
This study demonstrated the effects of context on retrieval failure.
What is proactive interference?
Old memories prevent remembering new information
This can occur when previously learned information interferes with the acquisition of new information.
What is retroactive interference?
New memories mess up remembering old ones
This happens when newly learned information interferes with retrieval of older memories.
True or False: Anxiety can improve memory recall.
True
Yerkes-Dodson law indicates that moderate levels of anxiety can enhance memory performance.
What is the weapon focus effect?
Witnesses focus on a weapon rather than the crime
This phenomenon can lead to decreased accuracy in eyewitness testimony.
What are leading questions?
Questions that suggest a particular answer
Leading questions can cause response bias and alter memories.
What is memory contamination?
Memories alter/distort as they combine information
This can occur during post-event discussions, leading to inaccuracies in recall.
What are the four components of the cognitive interview?
- Report everything
- Reinstate the context
- Reverse the order
- Change perspective
These techniques aim to enhance the accuracy of eyewitness testimony.
What did Milne and Bull (2002) find regarding cognitive interview components?
Each component is important on its own
They concluded that using at least one component of the cognitive interview is better than using none.
What is an ethical issue associated with field studies in memory research?
Participants may know their answers have consequences
This can affect their responses and the validity of the study.
What is memory conformity
Witnesses copy others accounts to win social approval
What is source monitoring in memory
Distortion that occurs when alternative accounts are heard, creating confuse
