Memory Flashcards
(30 cards)
Define capacity
The maximum amount of information that can be held in a memory store at one time.
Capacity varies across different types of memory (e.g., sensory, short-term, long-term).
Define coding
The format in which information is stored in memory.
Coding can be auditory, visual, or semantic.
Define duration
The length of time information can be retained in a memory store.
Duration varies between sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory.
What are the characteristics of sensory memory?
Characteristics include:
* Very brief duration
* High capacity
* Information is unprocessed
* Specific to sensory modalities (iconic for visual, echoic for auditory)
Sensory memory acts as a buffer for stimuli received through the senses.
What are the characteristics of STM?
Characteristics include:
* Limited duration (about 15-30 seconds)
* Limited capacity (about 7±2 items)
* Information can be easily lost
* Primarily acoustic coding
STM is often referred to as working memory.
What are the characteristics of LTM?
Characteristics include:
* Potentially unlimited duration
* Potentially unlimited capacity
* Information is organized semantically
* Retrieval can be complex
LTM includes both explicit (declarative) and implicit (non-declarative) memories.
How does info enter STM?
Information enters STM through attention and rehearsal.
Attention focuses on specific stimuli, while rehearsal helps maintain information.
How does information stay in STM?
Information stays in STM through maintenance rehearsal and chunking.
Maintenance rehearsal involves repeating information, while chunking organizes information into manageable units.
How does info transfer into LTM?
Info transfers into LTM through elaborative rehearsal and meaningful associations.
Elaborative rehearsal involves connecting new information to existing knowledge.
What does unitary stores mean?
Unitary stores refer to the idea that memory stores are distinct and operate independently.
This concept is foundational to the Multi-Store Model of memory.
The stores are separate - what does this mean?
It means that sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory are distinct systems with different functions and characteristics.
Each store processes and retains information differently.
How does Glanzer & Cunitz support the MSM?
Their study demonstrated the serial position effect, showing that items at the beginning and end of a list are remembered better, supporting the idea of separate memory stores.
The findings indicate distinct processes for STM and LTM.
How does Clive Wearing support the MSM?
Clive Wearing’s case illustrates the distinction between STM and LTM, as he has a functioning short-term memory but severe long-term memory impairment.
This supports the idea of separate memory systems.
Why are flashbulb memories a limitation of the MSM?
Flashbulb memories are vivid and detailed recollections of significant events, suggesting that LTM can form without the typical encoding processes described in the MSM.
This challenges the idea of a linear process from sensory to short-term to long-term memory.
Why is Clive Wearing a limitation of the MSM?
Clive Wearing’s condition shows that LTM can be affected while STM remains intact, challenging the rigidity of the MSM’s structure.
It highlights the complexity of memory and the need for more nuanced models.
What are the two types of interference related to forgetting?
Proactive and retroactive interference
Proactive interference occurs when old memories inhibit the retrieval of new memories, while retroactive interference occurs when new memories interfere with the retrieval of old memories.
What is retrieval failure due to?
Absence of cues
Retrieval failure occurs when there are insufficient cues to access stored memories.
What are the factors affecting the accuracy of eyewitness testimony?
- Misleading information
- Leading questions
- Post-event discussion
- Anxiety
These factors can distort a witness’s memory and perception of an event.
How can the accuracy of eyewitness testimony be improved?
Use of the cognitive interview
The cognitive interview is a technique designed to enhance the retrieval of memories by using specific strategies.
What are the three components of the multi-store model of memory?
Sensory register, short-term memory, long-term memory
The multi-store model illustrates how information is processed through different stages.
What are the features of each store in the multi-store model?
Coding, capacity, duration
Each memory store has distinct characteristics that affect how information is retained.
What are the types of long-term memory?
- Episodic
- Semantic
- Procedural
Each type of long-term memory serves different functions in storing information.
What are the components of the working memory model?
- Central executive
- Phonological loop
- Visuo-spatial sketchpad
- Episodic buffer
The working memory model describes how we temporarily hold and manipulate information.
What features are associated with the working memory model?
Coding, capacity
These features help to explain how working memory functions in everyday tasks.