Memomry Flashcards
What does encoding mean?
How our brain converts sensory information to be able to use it and store it in our brain.
What are the three types of encoding?
Semantic, visual, audio
What are the key features of short term memory?
STM- interim store only lasts about 18 seconds. Can hold up to 7 bits of info.
How is info coded into STM?
Acoustically through rehearsal, can move to LTM
How long can LTM last for?
minutes or a potential lifetime
How is LTM encoded?
Largely semantic but also visually and acoustically.
Why is info in our STM forgotten?
because of displacement- when STM becomes full and new info pushes out older info.
Why is info in our LTM forgotten?
- simply decay if memory trace is not used
- some info may be overwritten by new info (interference)
-may just be simply because we cannot find the memory because we lost the link.
What is amnesia?
memory loss, often because of disease or injury.
What is anterograde amnesia?
inability to store any NEW LONG-TERM memories following a brain injury. Intact STM so can process sensory info but can’t store new info for more than a few mins.
What is retrograde amnesia?
Someone who suffered brain injury and cannot remember info prior to accident. This forgetting can be limited to one memory, perhaps the one where the individual gets injure, or a specific time period. It is possible to regain some memories.
What is a schema?
A packet of knowledge about an event, person or place that influences how we perceive and remember info.
What does Bartlett’s theory of reconstructive memory propose (1932)?
Proposes that our memory does not have specific stores like the MSM, and or not stored in their exact form. Instead, he says our memories are a brief outline of what we experienced and not in their exact forms.
Under bartlett’s theory, what does active reconstruction mean?
Active reconstruction is an interpretations or “construction” of events that are influenced by our schema and expectation when we remember them again.
What is the meaning of omission?
when our brain leaves out unfamiliar, irrelevant and unpleasant info, as our schema simplifies this.
Transformation of memories meaning?
Details of memory changed to make them more familiar and rational
Familiarisation meaning?
Changing info to make it align with our schemas.
Rationalisation meaning?
we add details into our recall to give a reason for something that may have not originally fitted with schema.
what does primacy mean?
the tendency to recall words at the beginning of a list when asked to remember it.
What does recency mean?
the tendency to recall words at the end of a list when asked to remember it.
What are two strengths of Bartlett’s theory of reconstructive memory?
Real world practical application as it can help us understand why memory can become distorted.
He conducted his research using folk stories and images and then asking them to remember after shorter and long intervals. remembering stories is a realistic use of memory so his theory can be seen as ecologically valid.
What are two weaknesses of Bartlett’s theory of reconstructive memory?
He analysed each story and picture himself and gave his own interpretation of the information participants recalled. Therefore his finding can be subjective, therefore reducing the reliability of his theory.
The research used to find this theory could be weak because he did not used standardised procedures or controls as he was more interested in participants memories.
