Dot Point 1 Flashcards
What are the 3 main processes involved in memory?
Encoding, Storage and Retrieval
Define encoding
Information is changed into an electrochemical code that the brain can utilise
Define storage
Information is organised and stored to be used later
Define retrieval
The process or accessing information to be used
Draw and label Attkinson s ad Shiffron multi-store model
Environmental stimuli - sensory memory - attention - short term memory - elaborating rehearsal - long term memory - retrieval - maintenance rehearsal - information retrieval
What is sensory memory?
information in its raw form from our external environment immediately enters sensory memory, (sight, sound, taste, touch and smell - 5 senses)
Duration - holds for a 1/3 of a second to 4 seconds
Capacity - unlimited
No conscious control over information entering sensory memory
- selective attention allows us to filter this information
What is iconic memory?
Iconic memory holds an exact replica of a visual image
Duration - approximately 1/3 of a second just long enough to be encoded
Capacity - unlimited
Form of encoding - visual
What is Echoic memory
Holds and exact replica of auditory stimuli
Duration : 3-4 seconds long enough to be encoded
Capacity : relatively unlimited
Form of encoding - acoustic
What is short term memory?
Capacity - 5/9 items,
Duration - 12-30 seconds if not encoded
Store a limited amount of information for a short period of time
Selective attention determines what information from sensory memory makes it to STM
Information also enters STM from LTM, during retrieval
If Information is not continuously paid attention to it will be lost
If attention is continuous further processing and encoding occurs
What is chunking?
Is the grouping together of separate items into a single, larger unit or ‘chinch’ of information
This allows us to increase the capacity of STM by occupying less locations in short term memory
E.g 95577605 (takes up 8 locations) 9557 - 7605 (takes up 2 locations)
This frees up space for other information
What is rehearsal?
Rehearsal is a process by which STM duration can be increased
What are the 2 types of rehearsal
Maintenance and Elaborative rehearsal
Define maintenance rehearsal
Simple repetition of information a certain number of times to hold it in short term memory longer than 12-39 seconds.
Usualy involves silent or verbal repetition without assigning meaning
Advantages of maintenance rehearsal
Increase STM duration
Good for meaningless information
Disadvantages of maintenance rehearsal
- does not assist long term retention.
- is easily interrupted by new information
- only processes information at a shallow meaningless level
Define Elaborative rehearsal
Connects new information in a meaningful way with information already stored in LTM or with other new information
E.g Self referencing - linking information to yourself and your experiences
Advantages of Elaborative rehearsal
- increase understanding as it requires deeper processing
- adds more detail increasing chances of retrieval
- increases LT retention
- creates more retrieval cues
Disadvantages of Elaborative rehearsal
- more time consuming
- requires more conscious effort
- difficult to implement in situations where information is constantly entering STM
- relies on successful retrieval from LTM
What is long term memory
Is a relatively permanent memory system that holds vast amounts of information for a long period of time
Duration - unlimited
Capacity - unlimited
What is the series position effect?
It is the finding that free recall is Better for items at the end and beginning of a list than the Middle
What is the primacy effect?
Describes superior recall of items at the beginning of the list
What is the decency effect?
Describes superior recall of the items at the end of the list
Explain the serial position effect with immediate recall
The last few items are remembered best because they are still in STM (recency effect)
The first few are in LTM as they received more attention and rehearsal (primacy effect)
Series Position effect with a delayed recall of more than 12-39 seconds
Recall is best for the items at the beginning (primacy effect) because these words have been repeated enough to be transferred into LTM
BUT THERE IS NO RECENCY EFFECT as words at the end of the list drip our of STM with the delay due to the limited duration (12-39 seconds) of STM
