lecture 3: working memory and long term memory

Question 1

elaborative encoding/rehearsal

Answer 1

• the process by which the subject organises and relates new info to material that is already held in LTM
• info is more likely to be recalled from long term memory if there is complex elaboration
• elaborative re

Question 2

depth of processing

Answer 2

• related to elaborative rehearsal
  shallow = sound, shape
  deep = meaning (semantic structure)
  –> much more likely to get into LTM if we can think about the words meaning instead of basic sounds

Question 3

Bransford and Johnson elaborative encoding (1972)

Answer 3

• half the group sees info prior to reading a para
  uniformed group = reduced comprehension
  informed group = increased comprehension
  –> elaborative encoding improves comprehension and memory
  –> elaborative processing allows prior knowledge to shape encoding

Question 4

schema

Answer 4

an example of prior knowledge, it is a mental framework or an organised pattern of thought about some aspect of the world
eg: a schema about washing clothes helps organise and encode the details you read about

Question 5

semantic networks

Answer 5

• a knowledge structure that shows how concepts are related to each other
• explains how long term memories are organised and retrieved

Question 6

anterograde amnesia

Answer 6

• the inability to form new memories after a traumatic event

Question 7

retrograde amnesia

Answer 7

the loss of memories from before the event

Question 8

can retrograde and anterograde amnesia occur together

Answer 8

yes

Question 9

memory consolidation

Answer 9

def = strengthening of a trace over time

-amnesia findings suggest that info in long term memory is initially in a labile form and then is consolidated over time into a more damage resistant form
- consolidation may occur over periods of yrs such that remote memories are more damage resistant

Question 10

what is the process of turning info into a memory

Answer 10

encoding = the conversion of info into a form that can be stored in memory

storage = the creation of a trace of this info within the nervous system

consolidation = the strengthening of this trace over time

retrieval = an attempt to recover a memory trace

Question 11

how can you use this knowledge to improve your memory

Answer 11

• visual imagery
• method of loci
• use of encoding retrieval context

Question 12

visual imagery

Answer 12

• encourages elaborate encoding by using visual images
• maintenance encoding isn’t as effective

Question 13

method of loci

Answer 13

associating info with specific locations in a familiar mental space

Question 14

use of encoding retrieval context

Answer 14

• more likely to remember the info if you are in the context where you initially learnt the info
  encoding context = physical/mental state of the person/environment when info is encoded
  retrieval context = environment/context in which info is retrieved