models for explaining human memory Flashcards
(34 cards)
Model 1 - Multi-store model of memory (Atkinson-Shiffrin)
the memory model that visualises memory as a system consisting of multiple memory stores through which a stream of data flows for processing
Sensory memory
the first stage of the multi-store model of memory; it receives and stores an unlimited amount of sensory information for up to a few seconds - iconic, echoic
Iconic memory
the subsystem of sensory memory that receives and stores an unlimited amount of auditory information in the form of a visual image for approximately 1/3 to 1/2 of a second
Echoic
the subsystem of sensory memory that receives and stores an unlimited amount of auditory information in the form of an echo for up to 3-4 seconds
Short term memory (STM)
the second and most effective memory in the multi-store model of memory; stores a limited amount of information entering from sensory memory or retrieved from LTM for a short period of time unless the information is rehearsed
Long term memory (LTM)
the third memory system in the multi-store model of memory; used for relatively permanent storage of an unlimited amount of information
magic number
- 7 (+ or - 2)
- the number of single items of information that the average short term memory can hold at any one time
chunking
- Atkinson and Shiffrin
- grouping separate items of information at any given time
maintenance rehearsal
- Atkinson and Shiffrin
- rehearsal technique involving the repletion of information a number of times (usually meaningless, note fashion)
- can be held in the short term memory for longer than the usual 18-20 seconds
- repetion may not necessarily be “vocab” it may be done sub-vocally or through the use of images
advantages of maintenance rehearsal
- allows info to be stored in STM for longer than the usual 18-20 seconds
- good for remembering meaningless information
limitations of maintenance rehearsal
- easily interrupted by information entering STM from sensory memory of LTM
- does not add to understanding
- restricts entry of new information into STM
- limited effectiveness in transferring information from STM to LTM
elaborative rehearsal
- Atkinson and Shiffrin
- rehearsal technique involving in linking new information in some meaningful way with other pieces of new information
- to hold it in STM for longer than the usual 18-20 seconds
- may involve the analysis of semantic, sensory or physical attributes of the item to be remembered which is then associated with items that are already stored in the LTM ir with other new info to aid anchoring or using the ‘learning tips’ given
advantages of elaborative rehearsal
- increases understanding because it requires deep processing
- adds more detail, which increases retrieval chances
- increases the possibility of long term retention because it organises new information according to meaning
- makes information more accessible because it creates ore potential retrieval cues
limitations of elaborative rehearsal
- takes longer than maintenance rehearsal
- is difficult to practice in situations where information entering STM is rapidly changing
- relies on the ability to retrieve information previously stored in LTM
- requires more conscious effort than maintenance rehearsal
serial position effect
- a pattern of recall for list items, where recall is better for items at the beginning or end of a list than for items in the middle
- Psychologists claim that it’s existence supports the theory that STM and LTM are indeed separate subsystems within the memory system
recency effect
-the SERIAL POSITION EFFECT where recall is best for items at the END of the list, then for items at the BEGINNING, then for items at the MIDDLE of the list
-Psychologists believe the recency effect occurs because when recall immediately follows learning the last few items on a list are able to be accessed because they are still stored in STM
end, beginning, middle
primacy effect
- the SERIAL POSITION EFFECT where recall is best for the FIRST items on the list than for items at the END of the list, than for items in the MIDDLE of the list
- beginning, end, middle
Model 2 - Model of Working Memory (Braddeley and Hitch)
- according to Baddeley and Hitch is an active subsystem of STM that temporarily stores and manipulated a limited amount of information needed to preform cognitive tasks
- central executive, phonological loop, visuo-spatial sketchpad, episodic buffer
central executive
- Baddeley and Hitch (working memory)
- an area of wm that monitors, coordinates and integrates information received from the phonological loop, visuospatial sketchpad, episodic buffer and LTM
- works like the “boss” in an organisation, deciding on which issues deserve attention although it does have limited ability to preform more than one task at a time
phonological loop
- Baddeley and Hitch (working memory)
- an area of wm that stores a limited number of sounds (speech based an acoustic)
- endes and stores auditory information and is active whenever you read, listen, speak
- received from echoic memory and/or LTM for up to two seconds unless the information is rehearsed
phonological store
- Baddeley and Hitch (working memory) subsystem of phonological loop
- holds representations of sounds for up to two seconds
- known as the ‘inner ear’
articulatory control system
- Baddeley and Hitch (working memory) subsystem of phonological loop
- holds the sounds we want to keep or are preparing to speak, in their order, for up to two seconds, by subvocalising them
- known as the ‘inner voice’
visuo-spatial sketchpad
- Baddeley and Hitch (working memory)
- responsible for the temporary storage and manipulation go a limited amount of visual (anything you can see) and spatial (the visual location of objects in space) information for a brief period of time
- ‘inner eye’
episodic buffer
- Baddeley and Hitch (working memory)
- a subsystem that enables different components of working memory to interact with the LTM
- briefly stores a limited amount of information in any form from the phonological loop and the visuo-spatial sketchpad and companies this with information retrieved from the LTM and integrates it into an “episode”
- it is also under control of the central executive
- the term ‘buffer’ is used to imply a temporary working place where information can be processed like a mental workbench
