human memory

Question 1

Multi-Store Model: A Familiar Analogy

Answer 1

• In a Computer we have
• CPU Registers
• RAM
• Secondary Storage: SSD/HDD

Question 2

Multi-Store Model

Answer 2

• Sensory and long-term memory (LTM) are actual stores
• Working memory (WM) is not an actual store
• Subset of sensory and long-term stored information that
  becomes activated for conscious processing
• Also called “short-term memory” (STM) but WM
  captures better that this a subset of memory activated
  “to work on”

Question 3

Working Memory and Attention

Answer 3

Working memory retains information for a brief period while performing
mental operations on that information

• Attention is the process of focusing our awareness on a particular goal or
  information

working memory is related to attention, Can be triggered by perception, or by thought

Answer 4

• Central executive coordinates attention, makes decisions, triggers action
• Phonological loop processes speech, language and sound
• Inner voice that repeats speech input to keep longer
  in store
• Visuo-spatial sketchpad processes visual and spatial
  information
• Similarly, a visual representation for the inner eye
• Episodic buffer processes episodic information /
  experiences

Question 5

Working Memory has limited capacity

Answer 5

• Working memory can only store a very small number of items
• Only 3 or 4 items if they are random – More, if they have some connection
• words in a sentence / items that share features or are in some pattern

Question 6

Chunking

Answer 6

Memory limits are based on the number of chunks, not total information.

Chunking helps by grouping small bits into larger, meaningful units.

The way information is represented affects how easily it’s remembered.

Familiar formats (like words or phone number patterns) are easier to recall than random data.

Question 7

Working memory is volatile

Answer 7

• Information is only available for a brief period
• ”Refresh” in phonological loop and/or visual sketchpad requires unbroken
  attention
• Around 10 sec, up to 20-30s
• Information is easily lost from working memory
• Displaced when we shift attention from one (sub-)task to the next

Question 8

Encoding, storage and retrieval

Answer 8

Encoding creates mental representations of experiences (visually, acoustically, or by meaning).

Storing forms associations, strengthened through repetition or rehearsal.

Retrieval brings stored memories back into working memory, either by recognition (triggered by cues) or recall (active memory search).

Question 9

Retrieval: Activation of Memory

Answer 9

• Practice: how many times a chunk has been used in the past
• More easily retrievable when used frequently
• Recency: how recently a chunk has been used
• More easily retrievable when used recently
• Context: what is present in the person’s focus of attention
• More easily retrievable when associated with information in working memory

Question 10

Retrieval – Recall vs Recognition

Answer 10

• Recall: The ability to remember something without being prompted
• Recognition: The ability to recognize something that is seen before

Recognition is easy
* Retrieval aided by external information

Recall is hard
* Memory search without external help

Question 11

Spatial Memory

Answer 11

Spatial memory helps us remember locations and understand object positions.

It’s key in UI design, as consistent layouts improve recall and reduce search time.

Landmarks like toolbars and search boxes support easier navigation.

Spatial memory is fuzzy—we estimate locations and vary in accuracy.

It improves with use, so UI design should stay consistent and stable.

Use clear areas, visual boundaries, and cues like icons and text to support recognition.