07a_Memory Flashcards
Memory:
Three Processes
Encoding
Storage
Retrieval
Information processing model (Multi-Store):
Three types of memory
Sensory memory
Short-term memory
Long-term memory
Sensory memory (aka Sensory register)
Brief storage of sensory stimuli (1-3sec)
Echoic Store
Iconic Store
Echoic Store
Sensory memory of auditory information
Iconic Store
Sensory memory of visual information
Short-term memory:
Overview
Limited amount of information
Without rehearsal, info begins to fade within 30sec
Short-term memory:
Encoding
Primarily acoustic
May also be semantic, visual, kinesthetic
Short-term memory:
Primary Memory
Passive memory storage
5-9 distinct units
Larger amounts held by chunking information
Short-term memory:
Working memory
Manipulation and processing of information
Converting Short Term Memory Into Long-Term Memory
2 Main Methods
Elaborative rehearsal
Maintenance rehearsal
Elaborative rehearsal
Relating new information to existing information
Maintenance rehearsal
Simply repeating information with little or no processing
Encoding of Long-term memory
Mostly semantic
May be encoded visually or acoustically
Long-term memory:
Capacity
Unlimited
Permanent
Long-term memory:
Two types of memory with different timeframes
Recent (secondary) memory
Remote memory
Serial Position Effect
Supports existence of separate short-and long-term stores
Primacy effect
Recency effect
Levels-of-Processing Model:
Overview
Depth of Processing is responsible for differences in memory
vs. info-processing model of different memory stores
Levels-of-Processing Model:
Three Levels of Processing
Structural
Phonemic
Semantic
Which processing level is deepest and produces greatest amount of recall?
Semantic Processing
Long-Term Memory:
Procedural memory
Learning “How”
Cognitive skills
Motor skills and habits
Long-Term Memory:
Declarative memory
Learning “What”
Acquisition of facts and other information
Semantic and Episodic memory
Declarative Memory:
Semantic Memory
General knowledge
Independent of any context
e.g, facts, rules, and concepts
Declarative Memory:
Episodic Memory
Autobiographical memory / personal experience
Flashbulb memories
Type of memory most affected by normal aging
Episodic Memory
Prospective memory
Capacity to remember to do things in the future
Prospective memory:
Older vs Younger Adults
In controlled conditions: Older Adults underperform
In naturalistic settings: Older Adults outperform
- due to increased likelihood of using external aids
(e. g. lists, calendars, reminders)
Multi-Component Model of Working Memory postulates a Central Executive System and these 3 subsystems…
Phonological loop
Visuospatial sketchpad
Episodic buffer
Multi-Component Model of Working Memory:
Central executive
“Attentional Control System”
Primary Component of Working Memory
Central Executive:
Three functions
Directs attention to relevant information
Suppresses irrelevant information
Coordinates the three subsystems
Multi-Component Model of Working Memory:
Phonological Loop subsystem
Temporarily stores auditory verbal information
Multi-Component Model of Working Memory:
Visuospatial Sketchpad subsystem
Temporarily stores visual-spatial information
Multi-Component Model of Working Memory:
Episodic Buffer subsystem
Temporarily integrates auditory, visual, and spatial information
According to the Multi-Component Model of Working Memory, what kind of tasks are most affected by aging?
Tasks that depend on the central executive working memory
Forward Digit Span Task
Phonological loop only
Not affected by aging
Backward Digit Span Task
Relies on phonological loop and central executive
*Affected by aging, due to its reliance on central executive system
Filter Theory of Selective Attention (Broadbent):
Overview
Explains how information is transferred from sensory memory to short-term memory
“Bottleneck” theory of attention
Filter Theory of Selective Attention (Broadbent):
Three Step Process
Two sensory stimuli maintained in sensory register
Filter selects one stimulus to pass through based on physical characteristics, other is held in temporary buffer
Stimulus that passes through is processed for meaning, and comes into conscious awareness
Filter Theory of Selective Attention (Broadbent):
Purpose of Filter
To prevent overloading of short-term memory capacity
Dichotic Listening Task (Split Span)
Lends support to Broadbent’s Filter Theory
Participants listen to speech sounds presented to each ear simultaneously
Pattern of recall indicates info processing is based on physical characteristics
** associated with “selective attention”
Feature-Integration Theory (Treisman & Gelade):
Two Stages of Visual Information Processing
Pre-attentive
Attentive
Feature-Integration Theory (Treisman & Gelade):
Pre-attentive stage
Basic features of object are perceived in parallel at automatic / subconscious level
E.g. size, color, orientation
Feature-Integration Theory (Treisman & Gelade):
Attentive stage
Features are processed serially to form a coherent whole
Feature-Integration Theory (Treisman & Gelade):
Illusory Conjunctions
Over time, features may disintegrate and flow freely to recombine in illusory ways
*Result of memory decay or interference
Yerkes-Dodson Law:
Influence of Task Difficulty
The more difficult the task, the lower the optimal level of arousal
