cognitive approach Flashcards
What is Sensory Memory?
Holds sensory inputs briefly (<1 second)
Sensory memory captures immediate sensory information from the environment.
What is the capacity of Short-Term Memory (STM)?
Holds 7 +/- 2 items or 4 ‘chunks’ for ~30 seconds
Short-term memory is limited in both duration and capacity.
What is Long-Term Memory (LTM)?
Stores information indefinitely with unknown capacity
Long-term memory can retain information for extended periods, possibly a lifetime.
What is Encoding in memory processes?
Converting information into a storable mental construct
Encoding is the first step in creating a memory.
What are the types of encoding?
- Acoustic
- Visual
- Elaborative
- Semantic
Different types of encoding can enhance memory retention.
How does depth of encoding affect retention?
Deeper encoding (e.g., semantic) improves retention
Semantic encoding involves understanding the meaning, leading to better memory.
What is the function of retrieval in memory?
Recalling stored memories
Retrieval is essential for accessing previously encoded information.
What is Explicit Memory?
Requires conscious thought
Explicit memory is also known as declarative memory.
What are the types of Explicit Memory?
- Semantic: Facts, knowledge
- Episodic: Personal experiences
Semantic memory includes general knowledge, while episodic memory relates to personal events.
What is Implicit Memory?
Operates unconsciously
Implicit memory includes skills and tasks that do not require conscious thought.
What are examples of Implicit Memory?
- Riding a bike
- Typing on a keyboard
Implicit memories are often formed through repetition and practice.
What are Schemas?
Mental frameworks that organize and interpret information
Schemas help in understanding and recalling information by providing context.
What is Amnesia?
Partial or total memory loss
Amnesia can occur due to various causes, including injury or psychological factors.
What is Retrograde Amnesia?
Loss of memories before an event
Retrograde amnesia affects memories that were formed prior to a traumatic incident.
What is Anterograde Amnesia?
Inability to form new memories after an event
Anterograde amnesia affects the ability to create new memories following a specific event.
What is the Serial Position Effect?
Participants remember the first (primacy effect) and last (recency effect) items in a list better
This phenomenon illustrates how position in a sequence affects recall.
What is the Primacy Effect?
Due to rehearsal and storage in LTM
The primacy effect occurs because early items in a list are transferred to long-term memory.
What is the Recency Effect?
Due to items still being in STM
The recency effect occurs because the last items are still fresh in short-term memory.
What is the main limitation of the multi-store model?
Over-simplistic, reduces memory to a linear process
The model does not account for the complexities of memory processes.
What is the Central Executive in the Working Memory Model?
Acts as the ‘boss’ of working memory, coordinating and directing attention
The central executive allocates resources to other components of working memory.
What is the Phonological Loop?
Processes verbal and auditory information
The phonological loop is responsible for holding and rehearsing verbal information.
What are the subcomponents of the Phonological Loop?
- Phonological Store
- Articulatory Control Process
These subcomponents work together to manage auditory information.
What does the Visuospatial Sketchpad do?
Processes visual and spatial information
The visuospatial sketchpad is crucial for tasks involving visual imagery and navigation.
What is the function of the Episodic Buffer?
Integrates information from the phonological loop, visuospatial sketchpad, and LTM
The episodic buffer creates a cohesive memory episode by combining different types of information.
What is the Word Length Effect?
Shorter words are easier to recall than longer words
This effect demonstrates the limited capacity of the phonological loop.
What is the conclusion of dual-task experiments?
Performance declines when both tasks use the same component
These experiments support the idea of separate components for verbal and visual processing.
What is one strength of the Working Memory Model?
Provides a more nuanced understanding of STM compared to the multi-store model
The model accounts for the active processing of information in short-term memory.
What is a limitation of the Working Memory Model?
Incomplete theory, focuses only on STM
The model does not address the processes involved in sensory memory and long-term memory.
