Chapter 6 Flashcards
(83 cards)
Memory
the persistence of learning (knowledge and experiences) through the process by which information is encoded, stored, and retrieved
○ Memory is stored in some kind of chemical code, the nature of which scientists don’t really understand yet
Memory Models
○ Because memory isn’t yet understood, psychologists use “memory models” to help think about how our brain forms and retrieves memories
-Information-Processing Model
-Multi-Store Model
-Working Memory Model
-Levels of Processing Model
Information-Processing Model
Encoding 1
Storage 2
Retrieval 3
Multi-Store Model
○ To explain our memory-forming process, Atkinson and Shiffrin proposed a three-stage model in 1968
- Sensory Memory
- Short-Term memory
- long term memory
Encoding
(1st step in information processing model)
i. Modifying information so that it can be placed in memory
Storage
(2nd step in information processing model)
i. Placement and maintenance of information over time
Retrieval
(3rd step in information processing)
i. Locating stored information and returning it to consciousness
ii. To retrieve some information from our memories may rely on proper cues
iii. Metacognition - self-awareness of the ways in which our thinking works (thinking about thinking)
Long-term potential
(LTP) - the biological process for memory by which the synaptic connections between neurons become stronger with frequent activation (repeated firing)
○ Sensory Memory
-part of multi store model
i. Stage of memory first encountered by a stimulus
a. Holds impressions briefly (about a second), but long enough so that they appear to be connected or fluid (like making a circle with a sparkler)
ii. Sensory Register - registers that can briefly hold info that is entered by means of our senses
a. Psychologists believe there is a sensory register for each of our senses - tactile (touch), olfactory (smell), gustatory (taste), echoic (auditory), iconic (vision)
○ Short-Term memory
part of multi store model
i. If you focus on a stimulus in the sensory register you will tend to retain it in STM
a. You will hold the in formation for 15-25 seconds after the trace of the stimulus decays
ii. STM acts as a temporary storehouse for small amounts of information
○ Long-Term memory
part of multi store model
i. What we refer to as “photographic memory” (the ability to retain exact mental representations over long periods of time) is actually called eidetic memory/imagery
Working Memory Model
○ Working memory is being favored by current psychologists because it indicated its active role in manipulating and rehearsing the info being held in STM (as opposed to the view that it’s simply a brief storage space for recent thoughts/experiences)
i. WM makes sense of new input and links it with long-term memories - how info is perceived depends on the context and our experiences
ii. Working memory is made up of several components:
a. Central executive: a supervisory system which controls the flow of info and directs attention
b. Phonological loop: stores and rehearses verbal content/auditory info
c. Visuospatial sketchpad: holds and manipulates visual and spatial info
Memory Capacities
George Miller proposed that we can store about 7 (+-2) pieces of information in short term memory
Levels of Processing Model
○ Memory researchers have discovered that we encode verbal information at different levels, and that affects our long-term retention
○ Shallow processing encode words based on their structure, appearance, and sound (all superficial); tends to be maintenance - Ex. Noticing font color, typing there instead of their
○ Deep processing encodes words based on their meaning (semantically); tends to be elaborative
○ The more meaningful the material is to us, and the more we can relate it to information we already know, the better the chance of retention…
Declarative memories
memories of facts and experiences that one can ‘declare/describe’; aka explicit memories
Effortful processing
how we encode explicit memories; (requires our attention)
○ Declarative memories are either semantic or episodic
i. The network that processes and stores new explicit memories for these events and facts includes your frontal lobes and hippocampus
Episodic Memories
i. Memories of events that occur to a person or take place in the person’s presence; aka autobiographical memory
ii. Tends to be ‘I remember’ things
Effortful processing
Semantic Memories
i. Generalized knowledge/ the stuff you learn
ii. Tend to be ‘I know/heard about…’ things
effortful processing
memory consolidation
○ Memories are not stored permanently in the hippocampus - it acts more as a ‘loading dock’ where the brain holds the incoming elements (smell, feel, sound, location, etc.)
-The process of storing memories in various brain regions long-term is called **
ii. Sleep supports the process of memory consolidation, especially deep sleep
Procedural memories
i. Skill memories and incidental info, aka implicit memories
ii. Automatic processing - the unconscious encoding of incidental info (space, time, frequency, and well-learned info such as word meanings)
iii. Even if you do not use the skill, it is unlikely you will forget it over time
iv. Frontal lobe is active, the more you do it aids in muscle memory - shifts to cerebellum
Prospective memory
i. Type of memory related to intended future actions; ‘remember to remember’
ii. This category of memory allows us to accomplish tasks in the future that we aren’t immediately able to take care of
When we forget to do things, we are often left with a feeling of disappointment or guilt
Mnemonic device
any/tool technique to help remember and retrieve info; items are related to vivid imagery or information (such as acronyms, phrases, or jingles)
Method of loci
mentally placing items along a familiar route or associating items with specific locations; aka journey method
Chunking
breaking items into familiar or manageable units
i. Most people tend to be able to recall seven chunks of information +-1
