Chapter 7 - Human Memory Flashcards
4-Step process of memory: short term memory
Duration: ~20 seconds
Capacity: 5-9 items, average 7
4-Step process of memory: encoding
The process between short term and long term memory
4-Step process of memory: long term memory
Duration and capacity varies
4-Step process of memory: retrieval
Act of retrieving information
Encoding and attention
Multitasking is bad
Encoding: elaboration
The more relevant information is to an individual, the easier it is to remember
Encoding: propositions
How things relate to each other; ex: chess player
Encoding: emotion (peak-end effect)
We remember the highs and lows of our day and fill in the details ourselves
Long term memory: schemas
How we organize memory according to clusters; a schema is a model of reality that we hold
Retrieval: cues
Tips for remembering things
Retrieval: Serial position effect
Memories flow in a series and the easiest to remember are the first and last parts
Retrieval: context effect
Where the memory was encoded and the environment in which it is retrieved affect how well one can remember them
Retrieval: State dependent memory
It is easier to remember something when you are in the same state of mind when it was encoded as when it is retrieved
Reconstruction
A memory is reconstructed when it is retrieved
Reconstruction: consistency bias
People will change their attitudes towards a subject to be consistent with how they feel today; one might hate obama while he is in office but 20 years later say he always like him
