Chapter 7-Memory Encoding Flashcards
Attention (definition)
involves focusing awareness on a narrowed range of stimuli or events.
Memory involves 3 basic processes:
-encoding
-storage
-retrieval
Encoding (definition)
encoding refers to the process of converting information into a memory code that can be stored and later retrieved by the brain.
*attention is crucial for encoding
Storage (definition)
storage refers to the process of maintaining encoded information over time for later use.
Retrieval (definiton)
retrieval refers to the process of accessing stored information and bringing it into conscious awareness.
State-dependent memory
-focuses on effects of the subject’s internal state (sober, high, drunk, mood-state of bipolar patients)
-matched learning and recall in many cases; better recall of something if you’re in the same state as when you learned it
-note: lower overall performance if in drug condition
Context-dependent memory
-focuses on effects of the physical environment (location)
-e.g. deep sea diver memory:
-conditions: learning on beach vs. underwater
-context matters!: less is recalled if learning and recall contexts don’t match
-implications for studying: it’s okay if learning and testing contexts differ, but study location matters a lot!
selective attention (definition)
the process of focusing on a specific stimulus while ignoring other irrelevant information in the environment.
*this is something that we constantly have to do in order to read a book, have a conversation with a friend or even carry on a coherent train of thought.
Multitasking
-not actually focusing on multiple things at once, rather, attention-switching between tasks; it is not possible to effectively handle more than one attention-consuming task at a time.
-this is an encoding disadvantage (will negatively affect performance).
-e.g. divided attention while driving; speaking on the phone is worse than having a convo with your passenger.
cocktail party phenomenon
imagine you’re at a party and you’re focusing on the conversation you’re having with a friend, while filtering out the conversations occurring around you.
if someone in another conversation mentions your name, you’re going to notice it, even though you had been ignoring that conversation.
**The cocktail party phenomenon suggests that attention involves late selection, based on the meaning of input.
early selection theory
filtering occurs at a very early stage of processing stimuli—before meaningful analysis of the input.
**criticism: it doesn’t explain the cocktail party phenomenon
late selection theory
all incoming information is processed for meaning, but selection happens later, just before the response or conscious awareness. irrelevant information is discarded at this stage.
Levels of processing: shallow processing
-involves structural encoding
*sample word: STAR
e.g., does the word have capital letters in it? how many letters total?
Levels of processing: intermediate processing
-involves phonemic encoding
*sample word: STAR
e.g., how does the word sound? what does the word rhyme with?
Levels of processing: deep processing
-involves semantic encoding
*sample word: STAR
e.g. would the word fit in a sentence?: “he gazed at a ______ in the sky.”
