4. Learning & Cognition: Intro to memory

Question 1

what is encoding

Answer 1

attending & acquiring info from experiences & mental processes
- info registered to sensory regions of the brain
- interpret & integrate experiences w/ PRIOR KNOWLEDGE

Question 2

what is storage?

Answer 2

consolidating into memory
- neurons store info
- diff memories stored in diff networks
- info stored w/in memory traces exist W/IN CONNECTIONS b/w neurons

Question 3

what is retrieval?

Answer 3

• remembering, knowing, doing
• explicit: intentional & effortful
• implicit: happens w/o needing to think, actively regenerating memory

Question 4

what determines if STM is transferred to LTM?

Answer 4

• depends on how deeply we encode info & relate it to existing memory
• relies on REHEARSAL for STIM > LTM
  LTM = outcome of perception & comprehension (how well you interpret & work w/ info coming in)

Question 5

what is iconic & echoic memory

Answer 5

iconic - visual
echoic - auditory

Question 6

what is sensory memory?

Answer 6

temporary, sensory-based representation of input received.
only SOME info stored will be retained
- BRIEF duration (decays quickly)
- large capacity (~ STM)

Question 7

desc the Sperling experiment

Answer 7

• vary the RETENTION INTERVAL b/w stimulus & cue (estimate the duration of iconic trace ~ 500 ms)
• speech output process COMPETES w/ duration of visual trace (only 4 letters can be recalled at 1 time)
• showed that ANY 4 can be obtained, person just needs a CUE as to what LINE to recall