CA theory Flashcards
(26 cards)
encoding
one of three fundamental processes of memory
the process of converting information into a usable form which can be stored in the brain
storage
one of the three fundamental processes of memory
retaining information in the brain so it can be accessed in the future
retreival
one of the three fundamental processes of memory
recovery or accessing of stored information
function
definition
the store’s purpose or role
capacity
definition
the amount of information held in the store
duration
definition
the length of time in which the info is held in the store
sensory memory
definition
- entry level of memory
- for sensory info to be encoded and retained
- acts as a filter so there is not much info entering STM
capacity: unlimited
Duration 0.2 - 4 seconds
iconic memory
definition (devision on sensory memory)
- temprorary store of visually recieved info
- each image registered before previous one fades
Capactiy: unlimited
Duration: 0.2 - 0.4 seconds
echoic memory
definition (devision of sensory memory)
- store info recieved by auditory system
Capacity: unlimited
Duration: 3 - 4 seconds
Short term memory (working memory)
definition
- holds the info we are conciously aware of
receives info from two places
1. sensory memory to be encoded
2. from LTM to be manipulated or used
Capacity: 5-9 pieces of info
Duration: approx 18-20 seconds but more if rehearses
Maintenance rehearsal
definition
- the process of repeating something over and over again to keep it in STM
- increases duration
How info is lost from STM
- decay, info not maintained by rehearsal so fades
- displacement, new info pushes out old info in STM
Long term memory
definition
- holds info relatively perminantly
- different types of memory associated with diff types of info stored in diff spots
capacity: unlimited
duration: potentially periment
serial position effect
definition
- an experiment devised to tes the theory that memory is comprised of at least 2 diff parts, STM and LTM
Primacy effect
definition
- better recal of items at the begining of a list
- items have been rehearsed and stranderred to LTM
recency effect
definition
- better recall of items at the end of list
- items are still being rehearsed in STM
phonological loop
definition
- deals with auditory info and language both written (heard in your head) and spoken
part of the working memory model
phonological store
part of the phonological loop
- temporarily holds verbal and acoustic info in sound-based form and is passive in nature
articulatory contron system
part of the phonological loop
- turns visual stimuli into sounds in your head
- holds sounds we want to keep for up to 2 seconds
- allows the rehearsal of info in head
visuo-spatial sketchpad
part of the working memory model
- temporarily stores visual and spatial info
- information here can come from sensory or STM
central executive
part of the working memory model
- monitors and coordinates the phonological loop and visuo-spatial sketchpad but does not store or process it
- directs, divides and switches attention
- selects, deletes and reorganizes info from the other slave systems
episodic buffer
definition (part of working memory model)
- controlled by central executive
- can hold info in any form
- pulls together info form phonological loop, visuo-spatial sketchpad and from the LTM
- temporarily holds info until you decide whether it’s needed or not
schema
definition
- a cognitive structure that is a collection of basic knowledge about a concept or intity that serves as a guide to perception, interpretation, imagination or problem solving
how we aquire schema
- through generalizing personal experiences
- taught beliefs and stereotypes of a group or society
