Chapter 6 - Models for Explaining Human Memory

Question 1

Define Memory

Answer 1

The processing, storage and retrieval of information acquired through learning.

Question 2

Define Encoding

Answer 2

The process of converting information into a useable form so that it can be represented and stored in memory.

Question 3

Define Storage

Answer 3

The retention of information in memory over time.

Question 4

Define Retrieval

Answer 4

The process of locating and recovering the stored information from memory so that we are consciously aware of it.

Question 5

What are the 3 models for explaining human memory?

Answer 5

• Atkinson and Shiffrin’s Multi-Store Model
• Baddeley and Hitch’s Model of Working Memory
• Craik and Lockhart’s Levels of Processing Framework

Question 6

Define Atkinson and Shiffrin’s Multi-Store Model of Memory

Answer 6

Represents memory as consisting of three separate components called the sensory register, the short-term store and the long-term store.

Question 7

Define Structural Features

Answer 7

The permanent, built-in fixed features of memory that do not vary from one situation to another.

Question 8

Define Control Processes

Answer 8

Selected and used by each individual and may vary in different situations.

Question 9

Define Sensory Memory/Sensory Register

Answer 9

The entry point of memory where new incoming sensory information is stored for a very brief period.

Question 10

Define Iconic Memory

Answer 10

Visual sensory memory; that is, the brief sensory memory incoming visual information.

Question 11

What is the typical duration of Iconic Memory?

Answer 11

0.2-0.4 seconds.

Question 12

Define Short-Term Memory

Answer 12

A memory system with limited storage capacity in which information is stored for a relatively short time, unless renewed in some way.

Question 13

What is the duration of STM?

Answer 13

12-18 seconds, but has been known to last up to 30 seconds.

Question 14

What is the capacity of STM?

Answer 14

7 ± 2 (5-9) items.

Question 15

Define Working Memory

Answer 15

Emphasises the part of memory where information is temporarily held actively ‘worked on’ as we undertake our everyday tasks.

Question 16

Define Rehersal

Answer 16

The process of consciously manipulating information to keep it in STM, to transfer to LTM or to aid storage and retrieval.

Question 17

Define Maintenance Rehearsal

Answer 17

Involves repeating the information being remembered over and over again so that it can be retained in STM.

Question 18

Define Elaborative Rehearsal

Answer 18

The process of linking new information in a meaningful way with other new information or information already stored in LTM to aid in its storage and retrieval from LTM..

Question 19

Define the serial Position Effect

Answer 19

A finding that free recall is better for items at the end and beginning of the list than for items in the middle of the list.

Question 20

Define the Primacy Effect

Answer 20

Describes the superior recall for items at the beginning of a list. Items are remembered because they have had enough time to be adequately rehearsed and may have transferred to LTM.

Question 21

Define Recency Effect

Answer 21

Describes the superior recall for items at the end of a list. Items are remembered because they have been presented recently and may still be present in STM. If not tested on the words immediately, the Recency Effect is not as impactful. If tested immediately, words at the end of the list have a more superior recall rate than words at the beginning of the list.

Question 22

Define Chunking

Answer 22

The grouping, or ‘packing’, of seperate bits of information into a larger single unit, or ‘chunk’, of information.

Question 23

Define Baddeley and Hitch’s Model of Working Memory

Answer 23

Describes the structure and function or working memory in terms of three components called the phonological loop, visuo-spatial sketchpad and the central executive. these components are separate and can function relatively independently but also interact.

Question 24

Define Phonological Loop

Answer 24

Temporarily stores a limited amount of verbal speech-like information for a brief time. The verbal information is stored in a sound-based or ‘phonological’ form.

Question 25

Explain the Word-Length Effect

Answer 25

As the length of the words increases, the number of words you can remember declines.

Question 26

What is the average duration of the Phonological Loop?

Answer 26

About 2 seconds.

Question 27

Define Visuo-Spatial Sketchpad

Answer 27

Temporarily stores a limited amount of visual and spatial information for a brief time.

Question 28

Define Visual Information

Answer 28

Anything you can see or visualise, including feature of the images.

Question 29

Define Central Executive

Answer 29

Controls attention; integrates information from the phonological loop and visuo-spatial sketchpad, as well as information retrieved from LTM; and coordinates the flow of information between the working memory system and LTM.

Question 30

What are some of the Central Executive does?

Answer 30

• Directs your attention to activities you are currently undertaking
• Filters essential from non-essential information
• Combines information from the other two components
• Selects, deletes and reorders information
• Adds information when required from LTM to guide mental processes and behaviour, and when information is no longer needed, directs its flow to LTM.

Question 31

What is the disadvantage of the Central Executive?

Answer 31

Has a limited ability to perform only one task at a time.

Question 32

Define Episodic Buffer

Answer 32

A sub-system of working memory that enables the different components of working memory to interact with LTM.

Question 33

What is the capacity of the Episodic Buffer?

Answer 33

Holds about four chunks of information.

Question 34

Define Craik and Lockhart’s Levels of Processing Framework

Answer 34

Proposes that the level, or ‘depth’, at which we process information during learning determines how well it is stored in LTM.

Question 35

What are the 3 levels of processing?

Answer 35

• Shallow
• Intermediate
• Deep

Question 36

Explain Shallow processing

Answer 36

Physical and perceptual features are analysed. The colours, shapes and patterns that make up the physical appearance of an object such as a flag are detected.

Question 37

Explain Intermediate processing

Answer 37

Stimulus is recognised and named. The object is identified as the Australian flag.

Question 38

Explain Deep processing

Answer 38

Semantic, meaningful characteristics are used. Associations with the flag are made; for example, you might think about the time you attended a sports final and sang the national anthem as the flag was raised, or you might think of an ambition to represent Australia in a particular sport at the Olympics.

Question 39

Define Long-Term Memory

Answer 39

The memory system that stores vast amounts of information for a very long time, possibly permanently.

Question 40

What are the two sub-systems of LTM?

Answer 40

Declarative and Procedural Memory.

Question 41

What kind of memory is Declarative Memory?

Answer 41

Explicit Memory - Facts and events.

Question 42

What kind of memory is Procedural Memory?

Answer 42

Implicit Memory - Actions and skills.

Question 43

Define Procedural Memory

Answer 43

The long-term memory of actions and skills that ave been learned previously. Such as tying shoelaces and brushing teeth.

Question 44

Define Declarative Memory

Answer 44

The long-term memory of specific facts and events, most of which can be stated or ‘declared’. Identifying a type of flower or remembering what you ate for dinner the previous night.

Question 45

Define Episodic Memory

Answer 45

The declarative memory of personally experienced events. Memory of the Black Saturday bush fires.

Question 46

What are the two types of Declarative Memory?

Answer 46

• Episodic Memory

- Semantic Memory

Question 47

Define Semantic Memory

Answer 47

The declarative memory of facts or knowledge about the world.

Question 48

What kind of things are remembered in Semantic Memory?

Answer 48

• Facts and knowledge of the kind learned in school
• Everyday facts and general knowledge
• The meaning of words
• Rules
• Areas of expertise

Question 49

Define Explicit Memory

Answer 49

Occurs when information can be consciously or intentionally retrieved and stated.

Question 50

Define Implicit Memory

Answer 50

Occurs when remembering something does not involve conscious or intentional retrieval but memory can be expressed through actions or behaviour.

Question 51

Define Semantic Network Theory

Answer 51

Proposes that information in LTM is organised systematically (hierarchically structured) in the form of overlapping networks (or ‘grids’) of concepts that are interconnected and interrelated by meaningful links.

Question 52

What is a node?

Answer 52

A concept that is linked with a series of other nodes in the network.

Question 53

Define Spreading Activation

Answer 53

Proposes that activating one node during retrieval from a semantic network increases the likelihood that associated nodes become activated.