cognitive processing

Question 1

models of memory

Answer 1

• provide a framework to conceptualize human memory processes

Question 2

MSM

Answer 2

• multi store model
• atkinson and shiffrin (1968)
• information flows through 3 stores

first store
- sensory memory, fraction of a second

second store
- short term memory, transferred through rehearsal, 7 items +/- 2
- sound 30 seconds

third store
- long term memory
- unlimited

when information is not rehearsed, new information that enters STM will displace older information

Question 3

strengths of MSM

Answer 3

• evidence supporting
• primacy effect and recency effect studies

Question 4

limitations of MSM

Answer 4

• simplistic
• doesn’t show how different stores interact with each other
• studies supporting the model lack ecological validity, random lists

Question 5

WMM

Answer 5

• working memory model
• baddeley and hitch (1974)
• argued STM is not a static store but complex,dynamic information processor

central executive
- monitors and coordinates visuospatial sketchpad, phonological loop and relays information to LTM
- decides where to send information

phonological loop
- 2 parts, phonological store, articulatory control processes
- spoken and written material
- phonological store, inner ear, speech based 1-2 seconds
- articulatory control processes, written words, repeat information in our brains

visuo-spatial sketchpad
- what things look like, how we are in relation to other objects as we move around
- seeing an image in our minds

episodic buffer
- backup store
- communicates LTM and other components of working memory

Question 6

strengths of WMM

Answer 6

• more detailed the MSM
• studies to support the model

Question 7

limitations of WMM

Answer 7

• little evidence how central executive works
• unknown capacity of central executive
• does not explain changes in processing ability

Question 8

schema theory

Answer 8

• bartlett (1932)
• unconscious mental structures that represent an individual’s experience and knowledge of the world
• past experiences impact current understanding and memory, how we categorise information
• automatic process

Question 9

dual processing model

Answer 9

• kahneman (2011)

system 1 thinking
- unconscious, automatic
- low effort, non logical
- large capacity

system 2 thinking
- conscious
- high effort, rational
- small capacity

Question 10

algorithms

Answer 10

• well defined process producing the right solution/best decision
• system 2 thinking
• solve problems and make decisions

Question 11

heuristics

Answer 11

• mental shortcuts, usually produce the right outcome
• system 1 thinking
• quick decision

Question 12

representative heuristic

Answer 12

• making decisions based on what we expect
• system 1 thinking
• ignoring other information

Question 13

availability heuristic

Answer 13

• judging the likelihood of an event based on how easily examples come to mind