6A - Atkinson-Shiffrin

Question 1

Encoding

Answer 1

The process of converting raw information from stimuli into a useable form which can be stored in the brain

Question 2

Storage

Answer 2

Retaining converted information so it can be accessed and used in the future

Question 3

Retrieval

Answer 3

Accessing information which has previously been stored in the brain

Question 4

Sensory Memory - What Happens To Them?

Answer 4

Information is lost if not attended to

Question 5

Short-Term Memory - What Happens To Them?

Answer 5

Information decays (fading away over time) or is displaced (pushed out by new incoming information) if not rehearsed

Question 6

Long-Term Memory - What Happens To Them?

Answer 6

Some information may be lost over time

Question 7

Sensory Memory

Answer 7

• briefly stores raw information detected by the senses.
  ↳ entry point for memory
• filters out unnecessary information
• stores information long enough so we perceive the world as continuous

Question 8

Sensory Memory Capacity, Duration And Encoding

Answer 8

Capacity - unlimited
Duration - 0.2-4 seconds
Encoding - raw information detected by senses

Question 9

Short-Term Memory

Answer 9

• STM holds all the information we are consciously aware of at any point in time
• actively manipulates encoded information, so it remains in conscious awareness
• the information in your STM can come from both your sensory or LTM

Question 10

Short-Term Capacity, Duration And Encoding

Answer 10

Capacity - 7 +or- 2 items
Duration - 18-30 seconds
Encoding - active or conscious processing of information and rehearsal

Question 11

Long-Term Memory

Answer 11

• the function of LTM is to store information which can be retrieved for future use
• this information is organised in different parts of the brain, processed into different types of LTM and forms neural connections with other pieces of information already stored in the brain

Question 12

Long-Term Memory Capacity, Duration And Encoding

Answer 12

Capacity - unlimited
Duration - relatively permanent
Encoding - physical changes in neurons of the brain for storage

Question 13

Chunking (How STM Is Manipulated)

Answer 13

Grouping smaller ‘chunks’ of information into larger ‘chunks’ in order to hold more information in STM
↳ Increases capacity

Question 14

Maintenance Rehearsal (How STM Is Manipulated)

Answer 14

Involves repeating new information over and over again to keep the information in STM for as long as possible
↳ Increases duration

Question 15

Atkinson-Shiffrin Strengths

Answer 15

• the model distinguishes between the different stores involved in memory
• the model outlines that each memory store has a different capacity and duration
• the model provides a good understanding of the structure and process of memory

Question 16

Atkinson-Shiffrin Weaknesses

Answer 16

• the model of memory may be considered oversimplified
• the model ignores factors such as motivation and strategy, which can facilitate in learning and assist in encoding information from STM to LTM
• the model does not account for individual differences in memory processes, storage duration and capacity