Attention and Memory Flashcards
What is working memory
Short term storage of information, but is different from short term memory as it allows you to manipulate material in short-term memory
How does working memory serve both maintenance and manipulation functions
Maintenance - mentally holding info for a short time until stimulus is over e.g. remembering postcode until you’ve typed it into satnav
Manipulation - performing a mental operation on the information. this takes more cognitive ability. e.g. someone calls out 5 letters and you have to repeat them in alphabetical order.
What is long term memory (LTM)
Information that is represented on a permanent basis. The information doesn’t need to be continuously rehearsed - you can stop thinking about it until you need it again in the future.
What have researchers suggested about STM + LTM.
What is the name of the model
Similar brain areas are activated in both, and it is the degree of activation that differs between them. Suggests the two types reflect different brain states.
It is called the two-state model
What is Explicit Long term Memory / declarative memory
The types of memories that we use in everyday life - it requires constant recollection of previous experiences. Opposite of implicit memory - you don’t need conscious recognition e.g. tying a shoe
What are the two main categories in your explicit long term memory
Semantic - facts e.g capital cities
Episodic - evets over time e.g. remembering when you went on holiday years ago
How does explicit long term memory link to communication
ELTM stores:
Word meanings (naming/identifying)
Verbal sequences (recalling messages you’ve made or received)
Name the examples of memory assessment that involve speech and language
Working memory: Digit span immediate recall forwards + backwards
Long-term memory: Word list, sentence or story recall after a longer interval
Verbal Fluency - (name as many animals as you can in one minuet) uses LTM (to access stored items) and WM (to monitor spoken items and not repeat them)
Describe information processing through cognitive processes
Sensory reception: selecting information at the level of sensory input - covert
Perception: filtering info - overt
Memory + cognitive functions - prioritising information processing
What are the 2 functions for attention
Physical orientation
Cognitive resource allocation
What is physical orientation
Putting the sensory system within gathering range of the stimulus - moving head/eyes to achieve this - Referred to as overt attention
What is cognitive resource allocation
Filtering stimuli
Diverting focus between cognitive processes to prioritise what to process
Sustained concentration
Referred to as covert attention
What is a measurement of attention and what does it involve
Stroop test
speeded reading (fastest), speeded colour naming, and speeded ink colour naming (slowest)
Why is speeded ink colour naming in the Stroop test the slowest of the tests
Conflict between cognitive processes of trying to read words, and trying to name the colours. It is up to our attention to select the appropriate process.
