Ch. 8 Memory Flashcards
Memory
any indication that learning has persisted over time through the encoding, storage and retrieval of info
- our ability to store and retrieve information
Encoding
the processing of information into the memory system (ex: by extracting meaning)
Storage
the process of retaining encoded information over time
Retrieval
the process of getting information out of memory storage
Forgetting
we cannot remember what we have not encoded (encoding failure), memories that are discarded (stored memories decay), or memories we are unable to retrieve
-Storage Decay and Amnesia
3 Types of Memory
- Sensory Memory
- Working Memory
- Long-term Memory
Sensory Memory
Memory for sensory info that is stored in sensory form; the immediate, very brief recording of sensory info in the memory system
- Capacity: virtually unlimited
- Duration: varies, but generally seconds or less
- –Sight: 5 sec long
- –Hearing: 3-4 sec long
Working Memory
Briefly stores and processes selected information from the sensory registers; newer understanding of short-term memory that adds conscious, active processing of incoming auditory and visual-spatial information, and of information retrieved from long-term memory
- Allows us to selectively attend to info that is relevant or unimportant, and hold info for a short period of time until you decide what to do with it
- Capacity: 7 + - 2 units
- Duration: limited duration (~12 sec unrehearsed)
Long-term Memory
Everything we “know”; the relatively permanent and limitless storehouse of the memory system, includes knowledge, skills, and experiences
- Capacity: unlimited
- Duration: more or less permanent
- Encoded according to its meaning (semantically), not exact words (NOT a tape recorder)
Eidetic Imagery
Memory for a sensory event that is as accurate as if the person were still viewing, or hearing, the original object or event
- Only a few, rare individuals
- Evidence for memory errors and reconstruction
3 Types of Long Term Memory
- Semantic
- Episodic
- Procedural
Semantic Memory
stores facts and information
-hippocampus
Episodic Memory
stores personally experienced events
-hippocampus
Procedural Memory
stores info relating to skills, habits, and other perceptual-motor tasks
-cerebellum
Effortful Processing
Encoding that requires attention and conscious effort (rehearsal, conscious repetition, elaboration)
Chunking
grouping of information into meaningful units
Acronyms
Hierarchy
complex information broken down into broad concepts and further subdivided into categories and subcategories
Outlines
Imagery
creation of visual images helps memory
Concrete vs. abstract words- concrete are easier to memorize
Spacing Effect
we retain information better long-term when rehearsal is over time (spaced/ distributed)
Different from spatial automatic processing
Testing Effect
repeated quizzing helps retention; quizzing is better than “re-studying”
Works because practice retrieval aids later retrieval, identifies gaps in knowledge, improves “metacognition”- knowing what you know
Deep/Semantic Processing
we remember meaning
What types of encoding are most memorable ?
- Semantic (type of…)
- Acoustic (rhymes with…)
- Structural/ Visual (written in capitals?)
What does Ebbinghaus’ retention curve demonstrate?
Amount remembered depends on the time spent learning
The more times the nonsense syllables were practiced on Day 1, the fewer repetitions were required to remember them on Day 2
Serial Position Effect
tendency to recall best the last (recency) and first (primacy) items in a list
Recency Effect
recall better for last items (recent)
Primacy Effect
recall better for first items
When and why do recency and primacy effects occur?
Depends on time before recall
Immediate recall: regency & primacy (involves short term memory)
Delayed recall: primacy only (long term memory bc of rehearsal)
Amnesia
Damage to hippocampus
- People can often learn now to do something (implicit), but not tell you how they learned it (explicit)
- –HM has muscle memory for mirror drawing but doesn’t know
- Most real life cases are anterograde, not retrograde
Anterograde Amnesia
loss of memory for new info (inability to form new memories)
Retrograde Amnesia
loss of memory for the past (inability to retrieve info from one’s past)
Storage Decay
Forgetting is initially rapid and then levels off over time
Ex: Alzheimer’s
Ebbinghaus’ Forgetting Curve
Forgetting Curve
the course of forgetting is initially rapid, then levels off with time
Misinformation Effect
Incorporating misleading information into one’s memory of an event
False Memories
Can be implanted in individuals (ex: lost at mall, hot air balloon); fell real, imagery increases confidence
-Misinformation Effect and Source Amnesia
Problems with Eyewitness Testimony
Picking suspect can influence or form a new (false) memory
People become convinced that they identified the right perpetrator by reinforcement
How should lineups be conducted to avoid false witness testimony?
- Have someone independent administer lineup
- Show suspects one at a time, give a warning that it could be none of them
- The person should be quick to choose suspect if they really recognize the person
Repressed Memories (Freud)
defense mechanism that banishes anxiety-arousing thoughts, feelings, and memories from consciousness (but an unconscious process)
Evidence?
Actually, heightened emotions (stress related or otherwise) make for strong memories
-we do NOT unconsciously “repress” memories
What kinds of information do we encode automatically?
Incidental info, such as space, time, and frequency (ex: where you ate dinner yesterday), and of well-learned info, such as word meanings
Long Term Potentiation (LTP)
an increase in a cell’s firing potential after brief, rapid stimulation. Believed to be a neural basis for learning and memory
State-dependent memory
what we learn in one state- be it drunk or sober- may be more easily recalled when we are again in that state
Mood-congruent memory
the tendency to recall experiences that are consistent with one’s current good or bad mood
