Unit 3.2.3 Models of Memory

Question 1

Memory

Answer 1

• The processing, storage + retrieval of info
• Acquired through learning

Question 2

3 fundamental processes in memory

Answer 2

1. Encoding
2. Storage
3. Retrieval

Question 3

Encoding

Answer 3

• The conversion of info
• Into a usable form
• That can be processed by the brain

Question 4

Storage

Answer 4

• Retaining info in memory
• Over time

Question 5

Retrieval

Answer 5

• The recovery of stored info
• Through bringing the info into our conscious awareness (STM)
• When needed

Question 6

3 stores/components to memory

Answer 6

1. Sensory memory
2. Short term memory
3. Long term memory

Question 7

Sensory memory

Answer 7

• Memory store
• Receives + stores an unlimited amount of incoming sensory info
• For a brief time

Question 8

Two key types of sensory memory

Answer 8

1. Iconic (visual) memory
2. Echoic (sound/auditory) memory

Question 9

Function, capacity, duration of sensory memory

Answer 9

• F: entry point for new info
• C: unlimited
• D: 0.2 - 4 seconds

Question 10

Short term memory (STM)

Answer 10

• Memory system
• Has limited capacity of short duration
• Unless info is renewed
• AKA working memory

Question 11

Function, capacity, duration of STM

Answer 11

• F: helps store info while you work on it
• C: 7 + pr - 2 pieces of info
• D: 12 - 30 seconds

Question 12

Decay

Answer 12

• When info is lost/fades from STM
• When not maintained by rehearsal

Question 13

Displacement

Answer 13

• When info is lost from STM
• As it is pushed out by incoming info

Question 14

Chunking

Answer 14

• Grouping pieces of info together
• To represent one ‘piece’/’unit’
• Improves STM capacity

Question 15

Rehearsal

Answer 15

• The conscious manipulation of info
• To keep it in STM for longer or to transfer to LTM
• Improves STM duration

Question 16

Maintenance rehearsal

Answer 16

• Involves simple, rote repetition
• Of info being remembered
• So that it can be retained

Question 17

Elaborative rehearsal

Answer 17

Attaching meaning to info to be remembered

Question 18

Long term memory (LTM)

Answer 18

• Memory that is relatively permanent
• Holds huge amounts of info for a long time
• Possibly lifelong

Question 19

Function, capacity, duration of LTM

Answer 19

• F: info is encoded + stored and can be retrieved with correct cues
• C: unlimited
• D: unlimited (relatively permanent