Ch 3: Memory: How Do We Remember What We Know? Flashcards
Memory
Not a single, simple function
The parts of memory system
- Sensory Information Storage (SIS)
- Short-term memory (STM)
- Long-term memory (LTM)
Two other possible parts of memory system
1) Interpretive mechanism
2) Overall memory monitor or control mechanism
Image/sensory event time of sensory information storage
several tenths of a second after receiving from senses
Function of SIS
make it possible for the brain to process the sensory event after it has occurred
Image/sensory event time in short term memory
a few seconds or minutes
SIS vs STM in regards to image
SIS = holds complete image STM = holds interpretation of image
Primary STM characteristic
Severe limitation on capacity – only hold 4-7 items at one time
Due to STM limited capacity, people have to make choices
Pay attention to remembering
Pay attention to taking notes
Pay attention to interpreting
Pay attention to information received moments ago
Retrieval of information STM vs LTM
STM retreival = direct and immediate
LTM retrieval = indirect and effortful
Number of neurons in brain
10 billion
Octopus arms on neurons
axons and dendrites
Storage of memories
Patterns of connections between neurons
Image of memory
massive spider web
Factors influencing retrievability
1) the number of locations in which information is stored
2) the number and strength of pathways from this information to other concepts that might be activated by incoming information
concept of schema
useful concept in memory organization
definition of schema
any pattern of relationships among data stored in memory
key factor in transferring information from STM to LTM
Development of associations between the new information and schemata already available in memory
Two variables influencing transfer of information from STM to LTM
Variable 1) the extent to which the information being learned relates to current schemata
Variable 2) the level of processing given to the new information
Four examples of order of depth of mental processing from least to greatest
1) say how many letters there are in each word
2) give a word that rhymes with each word
3) make a mental image of each word
4) create a story using each word
Three ways to commit information to memory
1) rote
2) assimilation
3) mnemonic device
Memory processes with best
With generalized categories
