Multi-store Memory Model Flashcards
Cognitive Approach 1.2 (25 cards)
Memory
Memory refers to the process of encoding, storing, and retrieving information
Model of memory
A model of memory is a hypothesized representation of how memory might work, based on available evidence
* outline different stores and processes involved in memory
* they evolve over time as new evidence becomes available
Memory processes (3)
- encoding
- storage
- retrieval
Memory encoding
Information is processed and converted into a memroy trace
* happens through sensory input
Memory storage
The encoded information is maintained in STM for immediate use or transferred to LTM for future retrieval
Memory retrieval
Stored information is accessed when needed, either through recognition (identifying something familiar) or recall (retrieving details without prompts)
Sensory memory(5 types)
A brief collection of information from your senses
* Echoic memory: The melody of your favorite song continuing even after the song finished playing
* Haptic memory: Continuing to feel the grasp after someone lets go of your hand
* Gustatory memory: The taste of dinner remaining after you’ve finished your meal
* Iconic memory: Seeing the color of fireworks after they’ve faded
* Olfactory memory: Continuing to smell bread after walking out of a bakery
Short term memory
Short term memory is the different systems of memory involved in retaining pieces of information, or memory chunks, for a relatively short time, typically up to 30 seconds
Long term memory
Long term memory is the the memory process in the brain that takes information from the short-term memory store and creates long lasting memories
Declarative/explicit memory
Term used for the long term storage of facts and events
* 2 types: episodic & semantic
* Examples:
* E- remembering what you and the love of your life said to each other when you first met
* S- being able to remember the parts of the brain involved in reading comprehension
Episodic memory
The long storage of information regarding experiences
* Examples include information about past events, such as what happened, how we felt or who said what to whom
Semantic memory
The long term storage of facts
* Example: memorising the names and birthdays of relatives
Procedural/implicit memory
Our often unexplainable knowledge of how to do things
* Example: walking, speaking to another person in English
Emotional memory
Memory tied to emotions, strengthened by the amygdala, but may not always be accurate
* Example: remembering a breakup vividly due to strong emotions
Facial recognition
The ability to recognize and differentiate faces, processed by the Fusiform Face Area (FFA)
* Example: instantly recognising a close friend in a crowd
Flashbulb memory
Vivid, detailed memories of shocking or emotional events - believed to be accurate, but subject to distortion
* Example: remembering exactly where you were when hearing about a global tragedy
Multi-store memory Model
Sensory buffer
Temporary store holds information from the environment very briefly in the form in which it is percieved - visual, auditory etc.
* iconic memory: linked to visual stimuli
* echoic memory: linked to auditory stimuli
* unknown capacity of duration: ‹1 sec
* required attention if it will begin the process of transfer to LTM
Short Term Memory
Limited capacity (7 +/- 2) and duration (12- 30 secs).
* Information enters STM from the sensory buffer if attention is paid to the stimuli
* If the information in STM is rehearsed, then it moves to long-term memory
* If new information is not rehearsed - or if more information disrupts rehearsal - then the information in the store may be displaced and lost
Long Term Memory
Is where memory is stored after it has been rehearsed while in STM
* LTM is of unlimited capacity and duration.
Serial position effect
The serial position effect, a term coined by Hermann Ebbinghaus, refers to the finding that recall accuracy varies as a function of an item’s position within a study list
Recency effect (+ when it is reduced)
When asked to recall a list of items in any order people tend to begin recall with the end of the list, recalling those items best
* reduced when an interfering task is given
* example: P may be asked to compute math problem prior to recalling list - requires working memory and interferes with any list items
Primary effect (+ when it is reduced)
Among earlier list items, the first few items are recalled more frequently than the middle items - have greater amount of processing devoted to them (rehearsed whilst second set is being read)
* reduced when items are presented quickly and is enhanced when presented slowly
Limitations of MSMM (4)
- Over-simplified: assumes that each of the stores works as an independent unit
- Does not explain memory distortion
- Does not explain why some things may be learned with a minimal amount of rehearsal
- Several times we rehearse information and it is not transferred to LTM
