CHAPTER 5 - STM & working memory Flashcards
what is memory?
the process involved in retaining, retrieving, and using information about stimuli, images, events, ideas, and skills after the original information is no longer present
what did Richard Atkinson and Richard Shiffrin make?
The modal model of memory
what does the modal model of memory propose?
three types of memories: + control processes (rehearsal)
1. sensory memory: Initial stage that holds incomplete information for seconds or fractions of a second
2. STM: holds 5 to 7 items for about 15 to 20 seconds
3. LTM: hold large amounts of infomation for years or decades
what are control processes?
dynamic processes associated with structural features that can be controlled by the person and may differ from one task to another.
ex: rehearsal, strategies such as relating a phone number to a historical date, or strategies to help focus attention
what is sensory memory?
the retention for brief periods of time, of the effects of sensory stimulation.
ex: trail left by moving sparkles
what is short-term memory?
the system involved in storing small amounts of information for 15 to 20 seconds
what is a measure used to test the capacity of STM?
digit span
what is the average recall of digits?
5 to 9 items
by how much does chunking increase our retaining of information?
5 to 8 unrelated words , but chunking increases to 20 words or more
what is working memory?
a limited-capacity system for temporary storage and manipulation of information for complex tasks such as comprehension, learning, and reasoning.
what composes Baddeley’s working memory model?
- phonological loop
- central executive
- visuospatial sketch pad
what is the phonological loop composed of?
- phonological store - limited capacity and holds information for only a few seconds
- articulatory rehearsal process - responsible for rehearsal that can keep items in the phonological store from decaying
what is the visuospatial sketchpad?
holds visual and spatial information.
ex: finding your way around campus or when you form a picture in your mind
what is the central executive?
“ATTENTION CONTROLLER” - where all of the major work of working memory occurs. It pulls information from long-term memory and coordinates the activity of the phonological loop and visuospatial sketch pad by focusing on specific parts of the task and deciding how to divide the attention between different tasks.
what was added to Baaddeley’s revised model of working memory?
an episodic buffer and that the phonological loop and visuospatial sketchpad are connected to LTM
