Chapter 5A Flashcards
atkinson-shiffrin multi store model of memory
memory
memory is the processing, storage and retrieval of information acquired through learning. it consists of encoding, storage and retrieval
encoding
is the conversion of information into a useable form that can be neurologically represented and stored in memory
storage
retention of the encoded information over time
retrieval
the recovery of stored information through bringing the information into our conscious awareness when needed
the atkinson shiffrim multi store model of memory
the atkinson shiffrim multi store model of memory states that there are 3 different stores or components to memory: sensory memory, short term memory and long term memory. each of these stores process information separately and have different functions, durations and capacity
sensory memory
sensory memory is the entry point of memory where new sensory information is stored for a brief amount of time
- sensory memory has an unlimited capacity
- duration of 0.3-4 seconds
incoming information is belied to be stored in sensory registers. when we pay focused attention to sensory information, it will be transferred to our short term memory
sensory memory can be lost through decay or replacement as old memories are overwritten by new sensory information unless we pay attention to them and move them to our short term memory
two key types of sensory memories
- iconic memory: is used to describe visual sensory information, which we can retain in its sensory form for about 0.3 seconds
- echoic memory: is used to receive auditory sensory information which is stored for 3-4 seconds. this is what allows us to comprehend speech
short term memory
short term memory is a memory system which allows us to actively work on and manipulate information
- it has a limited capacity of 7 + 2 units of information at any given time
- duration of 12-30 seconds depending on whether the information is rehearsed
Our short term memory receives information from our sensory memory, as well as our LTM when information is being received and is bought back into consciousness.
how can information be lost from our STM
- decay: whereby information is lost because it is not being renewed or use
- displacement: whereby information is lost as it is pushed out by incoming information
manipulating the capacity and duration of STM
We can increase STM capacity and duration in a few ways.
Chunking
Group smaller ‘chunks’ of
information into larger
‘chunks to increase capacity
Maintenance rehearsal
Repeating new information
over and over again to keep
the information in STM for
as long as possible
Elaborative rehearsal
Meaningfully linking new
information with stored
information in LTM
long term memory
long term memory is a memory store that holds a potentially unlimited amount of information for a potentially permanent duration of time. there are two categories of LTM
- explicit
- implicit
explicit memory
refers to memories that can be consciously retrieved, and hence is considered memory with awareness. explicit memories are sometime called declarative memories because we can actively declare and talk about these memories. it includes
- episodic memory
- semantic memory
episodic memory
refers to the long term memory of personally experienced events. in other words it is a mental personal diary and consist of information regarding details of time, place, physiological state etc
implicit memory
involves memory that doesn’t require conscious or intentional retrieval, and is
therefore considered memory without awareness. They are non-declarative, as they are difficult
to describe and are better expressed through behaviour.
it includes
- procedural memory
- classically conditioned memory
semantic memory
is the long term memory of facts and knowledge. they are not detailed with tags of time and space. examples of semantic memories include general knowledge, definitions, meaning, rules, formulas etc
weakness
- The Atkinson-Shiffrin multi-store model of memory may be considered
to be oversimplified. - STM is more complex than the model suggests. Baddeley and Hitch (1974)
propose that STM is not just a singular store but rather encompasses
different components within it. - The model ignores factors, such as motivation and strategy, which can
facilitate learning and assist in encoding information from STM to LTM. - Initiallv, the model proposed that rehearsal was necessarv for information
to be transferred into LTM. However. studies show that transferring
information into LTM can occur without rehearsal. - The model does not account for individual differences in memory
processes, storage duration, and capacitv.
procedural memory
refers to memory of motor skills and actions that have been previously
learned. These are demonstrated through behaviour because they are particularly hard to put
into words (e.g. imagine writing out instructions for how to tie your shoelaces).
classically conditioned memory
refers to the implicit memory of conditioned responses
to conditioned stimuli acquired through classical conditioning, particularly involving fear and
anxiety responses (conditioned emotional responses). This may also involve simple reflex
responses such as blinking in response to a puff of air. These are considered implicit memories
as there is no conscious effort to develop or retrieve a classically conditioned response.
strengths of the model
- The model distinguishes between the different
stores involved in memory. - The model outlines that each memory store
has a different capacity and duration. - The model provides a good understanding
of the structure and process of memory. - Findings from memory studies support the
distinction between STM and LTM outlined
in the model. The model can help explain
why amnesia patients mav have difficultv
retrieving memories from LTM or encoding
information from STM to LTM.
limitations of the model
*The Atkinson-Shiffrin multi-store model of memorv mav be considered
to be oversimplified.
*STM is more complex than the model suggests. Baddeley and Hitch (1974)
propose that STM is not just a singular store but rather encompasses
different components within it.
*The model ignores factors, such as motivation and strategy, which can
facilitate learning and assist in encoding information from STM to LTM.
* Initially, the model proposed that rehearsal was necessary for information
to be transferred into LTM. However, studies show that transferring
information into LTM can occur without rehearsal.
*The model does not account for individual differences in memorv
processes, storage duration, and capacitv.
