Chapter 8 (Memory) Flashcards
Amnesia (memory loss)
a deficit in memory where memory for new, or old (or both) things may be partially or totally lost.
Memory
the processes that allow us to record and later retrieve experiences and information
Encoding
getting information into the system by translating it into a neural code that the brain processes.
Storage
retaining information over time
Retrieval
processes that access stored information
Analogy to computer and memory
decent to some extent, but lacks the significant differences. We forget or distort information.
Sensory memory
briefly holds incoming sensory information.
Sensory registers
Iconic store: visual sensory register
Sperlig (12 letter test) 1960
Echoic Memory (auditory memory)
Short-term Memory
memory store that temporarily holds a limited amount of information.
Memory Codes
mental representations of some type of information or stimulus
Mental images = Visual codes
Sound = phenological codes
Meaning of stimulus = semantic codes
Physical actions = Motor codes
Capacity and duration (short term):
no more than 5-9 meaningful items in short-term memory. “7 +/- 2” - George Miller
Chunking
combining individual items into larger units of meaning
Working memory (short-term memory)
a limited-capacity system that temporarily stores and processes information.
A mental workspace that stores information, actively manipulates it, and supports other cognitive functions such as problem-solving and planning.
Different view than the original 3 stage model^ (holding station vs. Working station)
Components of working memory
- Phenological Loop
Temporarily store and manipulate auditory and verbal info in various situations.
Example: phone numbers, mental math, learning a new song. - Visuospatial Sketchpad
Temporarily stores visual and spatial information
Example: a face, spatial layout of your bedroom - Episodic buffer
Temporarily storage where information from long-term memory and from the phenological and/or visuospatial subsystems can be integrated, manipulated and made available for conscious awareness.
Example: doing mental math.
- Visuospatial = mental image of the numbers
- Phenological = repeat saying the math equation
- Long term = remembering the rules for math
- Long-term just briefly borrows these memories to the episodic buffer. - Central Executive
Directs the overall action.
Long-term memory
our vast library of more durable stored memories
Serial position effect (2 parts)
holds that the ability to recall an item is influenced by the item´s position in a series. Consists of 2 parts:
- Primacy effect: reflecting the superior recall of the earliest number
- Recency effect: representing the superior recall of the most recent items.
According to the 3 stage model, the primacy effect is due to the transfer of early words into long-term memory, whereas the recency effect is due to the continued presence of information in short-term memory.
What happens to recency effect if you wait 5 minutes before asking to recite the numbers?
2 basic types of encoding:
- Effortful Processing: encoding that is initiated intentionally and deliberately, and requires conscious attention.
Example: studying
- Automatic Processing: encoding that occurs without intention and requires minimal attention.
Example: spatial location and sequence of events
Effortful Processing
encoding that is initiated intentionally and deliberately, and requires conscious attention.
Example: studying
Automatic Processing
encoding that occurs without intention and requires minimal attention.
Example: spatial location and sequence of events
Levels of Processing
the more deeply we process information, the better we will remember it.
- Structural encoding: how the word looks
- Phenological encoding: sounding it to yourself
- Semantic encoding: pay attention to what it means.
Maintenance rehearsal
simple, rote repetition
Example: simply reading and re-reading a chapter and expect to understand it and remember it for the exam.
Elaborative Rehearsal
focusing on the meaning of information or expanding (I.e., elaborating) on it in some way.
Example: studying sleep, but instead of memorizing it – you elaborate it. Try connecting it to your own life, your friends and such.
Organizing material in a hierarchy:
enhances our understanding of how items are related: as we proceed from top to bottom, each category serves as a cue that triggers our memory for the items below it.
Hierarchy -> visual organization -> imagery used as supplemental memory code
Dual coding theory
theory which holds that encoding information using both verbal and visual codes enhances memory because the odds improve that at least one of the codes will be available later to support recall.
Example: Construct a mental image of 1) Fire truck vs. 2) Jealousy
Method of loci (loci = location):
a memory aid that associates information with mental images of physical locations.
Example: Working memory as Campus:
Central Executive = administration building
Visuospatial sketchpad = art studio
Phonological loop = music room
Episodic buffer = Campus newspaper
The enactment effect
memory for a subject performed task (SPT) is far better than memory for the same information when presented verbally.
Example: Comb your hair
SPT = hearing the command + doing the task vs. Just hearing it.
Mnemonic device
a memory aid. Mnemonic devices reorganize information into more meaningful units and provide extra cues to help retrieve information from long-term memory.
Example: Hierarchies, chunking, visual imagery, acronyms and the method of loci
Schema
a mental framework, an organized pattern of thought about some aspect of the world.
Example: library schema
books, quiet spaces, librarians, shelves, and the expectation of borrowing or reading materials.
