YR12 - Chapter 5, Memory Flashcards
(44 cards)
memory
the process of encoding, storing, and retrieving information that has been previously encountered
Atkinson-Shiffrin multi-store model of memory
a model of memory which outlines the three separate stores of memory (sensory, short-term,
and long-term) each of which interact through the processes of encoding, storage, and retrieval
process of memory stores
- sensory memory
- if attended to then encoded in STM
- if rehearsed in STM then more likely to be encoded into LTM
- info in LTM is stored and be retrieved
sensory memory
a store of memory which very briefly stores raw information detected by the senses
duration: 0.2 to 4 seconds
capacity: unlimited
Short term memory (STM)
a store of memory that temporarily stores a limited amount of information that is consciously being attended to and actively manipulated
- aka working memory
- capacity: 7±2
- duration: 18-30s, mostly 18-20s but some can remain until 30s
- ways to improve: chunking info, maintenance rehearsal (keep repeating info), elaborating rehearsal (meaningfully linking info)
Rehearsal
a controlled process which involves consciously repeating or manipulating information in short-term memory
Encoding
the process of converting information into a useable form which can be manipulated and stored in the brain
Long term memory (LTM)
a store of memory in which a potentially unlimited amount of information is stored for
a relatively permanent amount of time
- capacity: potentially unlimited
- duration: relatively permanent
- doesn’t mean you can retrieve all info forever, need the right retrieval cues,
Storage
the retention of information over time
Retrieval
the process of accessing information, that has been stored in LTM, and bringing it into our conscious awareness in STM
strengths of model
- distinguishes between the different stores involved in memory.
- outlines that each memory store has a different capacity and duration.
- provides a good understanding of the structure and process of memory.
- Findings from memory studies support the distinction between STM and LTM outlined in the model. The model can help explain why amnesia patients may have difficulty retrieving memories from LTM or encoding information from STM to LTM.
limitations of model
- may be considered to be oversimplified
- STM is more complex than the model suggests. Baddeley and Hitch (1974) propose that STM is not just a singular store but rather encompasses different components within it.
- ignores factors, such as motivation and strategy, which can facilitate learning and assist in encoding information from STM to LTM.
- Initially proposed that rehearsal was necessary for information to be transferred into LTM. However, studies show that transferring information into LTM can occur without rehearsal.
- does not account for individual differences in memory processes, storage duration, and capacity.
types of LTM
explicit (episodic and semantic)
implicit (procedural and classically conditioned)
explicit memory
a type of long-term memory that is consciously retrieved
episodic memory
a type of explicit memory that consists of personal experiences or events
example - memory of getting your driver’s license
semantic memory
a type of explicit memory that consists of general knowledge or facts
example - knowing that there are 7 continents
implicit memory
a type of long-term memory that is unconsciously retrieved
procedural memory
a type of implicit memory that involves knowing how to carry out tasks that are facilitated by motor skills
example - knowing how to tie your shoelaces
classically conditioned memory
a type of implicit memory that involves an involuntary response, such as fear, to a stimulus which has repeatedly been associated with an emotionally-arousing stimulus
example - had a scary experience in the ocean and now associate oceans with fear, get scared when you see the oceann
Hippocampus
a brain structure that is primarily involved in encoding explicit memories
damaged hippocampus = difficulty forming new memories
Amygdala
a brain structure that is primarily involved in encoding the emotional components of memories, particularly classically conditioned and explicit memories
- fear centre
- contribute to the memories being encoded in greater detail
Neocortex
a brain structure that stores explicit memories
- part of cerebral cortex
- different parts of memories are stored in different parts of brain, strengthening neural connections when thinking of a memory of a song for example
Connection between brain structures in memory
- Amygdala signals to the hippocampus to strengthen the encoding of explicit memories that have implicit emotional components
- Hippocampus encodes explicit memories
- Neocortex stores explicit memories
Basal Ganglia
a brain structure involved in encoding and storing implicit memories, specifically those related to habit formation, procedural sequences of movements, and reward pathways
more detail:
* encodes and stores memories related to reward processing, supporting learning that is driven by feedback.
- encodes and stores procedural memories related to motor skills and sequential movements through its connection with the cerebellum
