Chapter 8 - Models for Explaining Human Memory Flashcards Preview

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Flashcards in Chapter 8 - Models for Explaining Human Memory Deck (35)
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1
Q

What is encoding?

A

The process of putting information into a form which will allow it to be stored.

2
Q

What is storage?

A

The process of putting information into the appropriate areas of the brain so they can be accessed easily

  • Dynamic process where memories can change overtime
  • Memories are rough replica’s rather than exact copies
3
Q

What is retrieval?

A

The process of obtaining information back for use. This relies on using the right cues so the information can be accurately located in our semantic networks for use.

4
Q

What is the process of memory?

A

Memory depends on three sequential processes called encoding, storage and retrieval.

5
Q

What is the multi store model of memory?

A

The Multi-Store Model of Memory was originally proposed by Atkinson and Shiffrin (1968)

Stores of Memory:

  • Sensory Memory
  • Short-term Memory
  • Long-term Memory
6
Q

What is sensory memory?

A
  • Information held in sensory memory has not yet entered conscious awareness
  • Information is received in it’s raw form before traces fade away or decay

Functions of Sensory Memory:

  • Prevent us from being overwhelmed
  • Duration is brief, but long enough for our brain to determine whether the incoming sensory information is important enough to be transferred to our short-term memory by paying attention
7
Q

What is a Tachistoscope?

A

Flashes stimuli briefly on a blank screen.

8
Q

Sperling Researcher on Memory

A
  • Participants flashed 12 symbols/letters for 1/20th of a second and asked to recall as many as possible.
  • Most recalled 4 symbols
9
Q

What is Short-Term Memory (STM)?

A

Where mental manipulation takes place

  • this is where we become aware of information that has been selected through attention and passed through the sensory memory store
  • STM CAPACITY: 7+- 2 UNITS
  • STM DURATION: 12-30 seconds
    • ​​when capacity is reached, the information can only be put into STM by displacing existing information.
10
Q

How can we increase the capacity of STM?

A

Chunking

Grouping together smaller/single items into larger single units

i.e. phone no. xxxx xxx xxx

11
Q

How can we increase the duration in the STM?

A

Maintenance Rehearsal

  • STM will last 12-30 seconds with no interference
  • Maintenance rehearsal allows us to keep information in STM for longer
  • Verbal
    • Vocal: saying words out loud
    • Sub-vocal: thinking words silently
  • Non-Verbal
    • Visualizing: keeping a picture in ones mind
    • Muscular: imagining how it feels to perform an action
12
Q

What is long-term memory (LTM)?

A
  • Unlimited capacity
  • information encoded by its meaning and stored in semantic networks
  • Information is generally encoded semantically but can also be held as visual, acoustic and procedural information
13
Q

What is elaborative rehearsal?

A

Where new information is given meaning to other information already in LTM thus leading to deeper encoding

14
Q

What is salience?

A

Something personal or relevant to aid encoding

15
Q

What are mnemonic devices?

A

A form of elaborative rehearsal using semantic network techniques.

16
Q

What is iconic memory?

A

Refers to visual sensory memory. Icon is from the Greek word meaning ‘image’.

  • Duration: 0.3 seconds
17
Q

What is echoic memory?

A

Refers to our auditory (sound) sensory memory.

  • Duration: 3-4 seconds
18
Q

What evidence supports the multi-store model of memory?

A

2 types of evidence in support of multi-store model (research & case studies)

  • Atkinsons & Shiffrins - information moves between different memory stores
  • Free Recall Studies - Serial Position Effect
  • Studies with patients with brain damage
19
Q

What is the serial position effect?

A

Where immediate free recall of items at the beginning and end is remembered better than those in the middle.

  • Primacy Effect: thought to have gone to LTM
  • Recency Effect: thought to still be in the STM
  • Asymptote: Items are either not stored in LTM or are displaced from STM.
20
Q

Criticisms of the Atkinson and Shiffrin Model

A
  • Does not explain the interaction between different memory stores
  • Doesn’t show why the encoding of information changes between stores
21
Q

What is Baddeley and Hitch’s Model of Working Memory?

A
  • STM is seen as a register that actively works information (working memory!)

Four separate but interdependent aspects of working memory (STM):

  • Storage Components
    • Phonological Loop
    • Visuospatial Sketchpad
  • Functional Components
    • Central Executive
    • Episodic Buffer
22
Q

What is the phonological loop?

A

Storage Component

Auditory working memory stage

23
Q

What is the visuospatial sketchpad?

A

Storage Component

Visual working memory stage

24
Q

What is the central executive?

A

Functional Component

Integrates other components of working memory

  • decides which information from LTM is needed to help process information in working memory
  • decides which information should be transferred to LTM
  • regulates and controls all cognitive processes
25
Q

What is the episodic buffer?

A

Functional Component

  • helps retrieve information from LTM
  • helps encode information which the central executive has selected to be placed in LTM
  • Links, organizes and sequentially orders all information from all parts
26
Q

Working memory and multi-tasking

A
  • Different memory stores are relatively independent
  • If tasks use same memory store the task being performed is more difficult
  • Better working memory = higher IQ, reading level and comprehension level
27
Q

Levels of Processing - Craik and Lockhart

A
  • Not made up of different memory stores
  • Continous dimension where memories are encoded depending on their relatedness
  • The deeper the processing of information, the greater the chance of it being retrieved
  • Levels of Processing: number & type of associations made between new and old knowledge (elaborative methods)
28
Q

Implicit and Explicit

A

Behaviours! (not memory stores)

  • Implicit
    • unintentional remembering (unconscious procedural memories)
    • amygdala
  • Explicit
    • intentional remembering (declarative memories)
    • hippocampus
29
Q

Organisation of LTM

A
30
Q

What are procedural memories?

A

Type of long-term memories involving processes and skills about how to perform a task which enables one to carry out a course of action

31
Q

What are declarative memories?

A

Is a type of long-term memory of specific facts or events which can be brought consciously to mind and usually communicated to others

Divided into two sub categories: Episodic and Semantic

32
Q

What are episodic memories?

A

A form of declarative memory which contains autobiographical information about personal events (episodes) and experiences in one’s life and contexts them in which they occur

i.e. date, place

33
Q

What are semantic memories?

A

A form of declarative memory which involves specialized information and knowledge of factual information about the world

i.e. general knowledge

34
Q

What is the semantic network theory?

A
  • Collins & Quillan (1969) suggested a model to explain how the LTM was organised
  • Suggested that NODES of information are stored in interconnecting and overlapping hierarchy of concepts that are linked
  • The shorter the LINK, the closer the relationship, and the faster information will be retrieved
35
Q

What is the spreading activation model?

A

Collins & Loftus (1975):

  • Activation of the NODES depends on the strength of the LINK (the association) between relevant nodes
  • The shorter the LINK, the shorter the association, and thus the stronger the association the more likely they will be activated
  • This model explains why we automatically think up of associated words (e.g. say hear up, think down)