Chapter 6 - Memory Flashcards
Define memory.
Memory is often defined as the storage and retrieval of information acquired through learning. Essentially, memory is an internal record or representation of some prior event or experience.
What are the three fundamental processes of memory?
Encoding, storage and retrieval.
Define encoding.
Encoding is the process of converting sensory information into a useable form or ‘code’ so that it can enter and be stored in memory.
Define storage.
Storage is the retention of information over time.
Define retrieval.
Retrieval is the process of locating and recovering the stored information from memory so that we are consciously aware of it.
Explain the interrelationship between the processes of encoding, storage and retrieval.
How information is encoded determines exactly what information is stored and how that information is stored, which in turn can limit what can subsequently be retrieved.
Explain the meaning of the term model of memory.
A model is used to represent, describe and explain memory and its components and processes.
Why is the Atkinson-Shiffrin multi-store model also known as the stage model?
It proposes that the flow of information moves in stages through each component of memory.
How does the Atkinson-Shiffrin multi-store model represent memory?
It represents memory as consisting of three distinguishable components called the sensory register, the short-term store and the long-term store.
What is the sensory register?
A component of the Atkinson-Shiffrin multi-store model that is the entry point for all new information into memory from the external environment.
How much visual information is stored in the sensory register and for how long?
It stores vast quantities of incoming visual information for up to several hundred milliseconds.
What happens to information in the sensory register?
Any information in the sensory register that is attended to is transferred to the short-term store. If the sensory information is not attended to, its ‘memory trace’ (neural imprint) simply decays and disappears forever.
What is the function of the short-term store?
The short-term store receives inputs of information from the sensory register as well as information retrieved for use from the long-term store.
Describe the capacity of the short-term store.
The short term store has a limited capacity, being able to hold up to around seven items of information at the same time.
How long can information be held in the short term store?
For about 30 seconds unless a conscious effort is made to keep it there longer (e.g. through rehearsal). Otherwise, it is lost forever.
How important is rehearsal according to the Atkinson-Shiffrin model?
Rehearsal of information in the short-term store is a crucial process. It enables the information to be further encoded and transferred to the long-term store for more permanent storage.
How did Atkinson and Shiffrin describe the long-term store?
They described it as holding information relatively permanently in a highly organised way and having an essentially unlimited capacity.
What are structural features?
Structural features are the permanent, built-in fixed features of memory that do not vary from one situation to another.
Give examples of structural features.
The three different stores/components, the function of each component, the storage capacity of each component and the duration that information can be held by each component.
What are control processes?
Control processes are selected and used by each individual and may vary across different situations. They are under the conscious ‘control’ of the individual and which control process is used depends on what the individual does.
Give examples of control processes.
Attention, rehearsal, retrieval.
Describe limitations of the Atkinson-Shiffrin multi-store model.
It is now clear that information from the environment does not simply ‘flow’ through the stores as a three-stage sequence. There is now evidence that short-term working memory consists of a number of separate, interacting components that process different types of information. Long-term memory is also made of different components.
What is a limitation of the Atkinson-Shiffrin model in relation to their assumption about rehearsal?
There is an emphasis placed on maintenance rehearsal (which has been found to be limited), while elaborative rehearsal is overlooked (also used and provides a deeper way of processing information).
Define sensory memory.
Sensory memory is the entry point of memory where new incoming sensory information is stored for a very brief period of time.
Describe the capacity of sensory memory.
We are able to store vast amounts of sensory information in sensory memory.
How is information transferred from sensory memory to short-term memory?
When attention is directed to information, we transfer the information to short-term memory and become consciously aware of it.
What is iconic memory?
Iconic memory is used to describe visual sensory memory; that is, the brief sensory memory for incoming visual information.
How long are images retained in their sensory form in iconic memory?
About one-third of a second.
What is echoic memory?
Echoic memory is used to describe auditory sensory memory; that is, the brief sensory memory for incoming auditory information.
How long is information retained in echoic memory?
About 3-4 seconds.
What is short-term memory?
A memory system with a limited storage capacity in which information is stored for a relatively short period of time, unless renewed in some way.
Describe the duration of short-term memory.
Information is retained well for the first few seconds. After 12 seconds, recall starts to decline. After 18 seconds, almost all of the information disappears unless renewed in some way.