6: memory codes, imagery and memory strategies Flashcards
What are memory codes? What types of memory codes are there?
representations used to store items in memory
- visual image
- acoustic code
- semantic code
What is the levels of processing theory?
There are different ways to code material and some memory codes are better than others
- Depth of processing determines how well items are remembered
What are shallow levels of processing?
phonemic, orthographic
What are deep levels of processing?
semantic, sentence-context
How does elaboration help with encoding?
can associate memory traces with more retrieval cues
How does distinctiveness help with encoding? What types of distinctiveness are there?
helps to remember if it stands out from other items that could interfere with memory
- Primary distinctiveness: relative to immediate context (eg physical characteristics of the item)
- Secondary distinctiveness: relative to all other items in LTM (eg orthographic, phonemic distinctiveness)
- Emotional distinctiveness: strong emotional responses (flashbulb memories: vivid recollection of the circumstances surrounding their discovery of a shocking piece of news)
- Processing distinctiveness: how we process the stimulus
What is encoding specificity?
the effectiveness of a retrieval cue depends on how well it relates to the initial coding of an item
- environment
- mood
What is transfer appropriate processing?
encoding material in a manner related to how it will be used later can benefit later recall
What are the evidence of mental imagery?
visual scanning: suggests the existence of visual codes and mental pictures. scanning time of mental maps correspond to actual distances on maps
mental rotation and transformation: time taken depends on how long it takes to actually physically rotate an object
- shows existence of visual codes and mental pictures
memory for pictures: easier to recognise pictures rather than words
visual info processed in parallel more readily than verbal info
How can memory be improved?
- Dual coding theory
- Keyword mnemonic
- imagery
- Method of loci: memory palace
What is the dual coding theory?
memory is improved when items are represented by both verbal and visual mental codes
- logogens, imagens, we can place names on pictures and pictures on names
- difficult for abstract ideas
What is keyword mnemonic?
associate a familiar, concrete keyword with the to-be-learned word
What is imagery?
can make info more memorable, esp if they are concrete, imageable items
What is the method of loci?
Creating an elaborate, interactive image of all the items to be remembered
