Chap 4: memory and forgetting Flashcards
what is memory ?
its the retention of information or what is learned earlier overtime.
what is the process of memory ? and what are the steps?
Memory processes are the mental activities we perform to put information into memory , keep it there and make use of it later.
what are the steps of memory process?
- encoding : the form in which an item of information is to be placed in memory
- storage : the persistence of information in memory
- retrieval :material in memory storage is located, brought into awareness and used
why could there be a failure to remember
it could result from problems during any of the 3 phases.
what is memory structure?
its about how information is represented in memory , how long it lasts and how its organized.
what are the structures of memory according to Atkinson and Shiffrin?
there are 3 main storage structures
1. sensory memory
2.short term memory
3.long term memory
what is sensory memory?
Its where information arriving from the environment goes first, memory is held there until the information needed the most is selected .
what are the characteristics of sensory store?
- its large
- its short lived
- a small portion of information that was attended to will be transferred to short term memory
what is short term memory ?
Its a part of our memory that holds the contents of our attention, it stores information for about 18 seconds. its important in a variety of tasks such as thinking, reading, speaking, and problem solving.
what are the characteristics of short term memory?
there are 4:
1. its active : information remains as long as its being consciously processes, examined or manipulated.
2. rapid accessibility: information is readily available for use
3. preserves the temporal sequence of information: it helps maintain the info in sequential manner for a temporary period of time
4. limited capacity: on average people can hold about seven pieces of info at a time
how can we prevent information from decaying?
information can be prevented from decaying if its rehearsed, a conscious repetition of information.
How can we overcome the problem of limited capacity ?
we can overcome this problem by grouping small groups of information into larger units or chunks, they expand memory by making large amounts of information more manageable.
what is long term memory ?
its the large repository of information in which is maintained all information that is generally available to us, its the permanent storage of meaningful information , it has no practical limits of storage and for indefinite periods, it enables us to learn and build a sense of identity and personal history
what is the different sub systems that LTM is composed of?
- Declarative memory: the conscious recollection of information such as specific
facts or events that can be verbally communicated. It is further subdivided into semantic and
episodic memories. - semantic memory: factual knowledge like the meaning of words, concepts and our ability to
do math. - episodic memory: memories for events and situations from personal experience
- non declarative: how to knowledge of skills
- serial position effect: retention of a particular item will depend on its position in the list. Recalling will be best at the beginning of the list due to the primacy effect and at the end of the list due to the recency effect.
the items in the middle of the list however are not so well retained because by the time they get into short term memory its crowded
what are the factors affecting memory
- Ability to retain :
- good health
- age of the learner : younger people remember better
- maturity : to help retain complex material
- will to remember
- intelligence
- interest
- over learning = leads to better memory
- speed of learning : quick learner remember better
- meaningfulness of the material:
- sleep or rest: sleeping after learning helps
