Memory Flashcards
What is memory?
Cornerstone of cognition, required for most higher-order functions (e.g. problem solving, reading, language, and social connections)
What are the caveats (warning) of memory?
Limitations
Vulnerability
Tremendous system, powerful, despite idiosyncrasies
What are the 3 processes of memory?
Encoding - get it in
Storage - keep it in
Retrieval - get it out
What is encoding?
Acquiring information, detecting the information (the code) prepare it to be placed in memory,
code can sound pattern, letter sequences, image, tactile cue, smell, and etc.
translated into a neural code
What is storage?
Encoded information has to be retained
Has to be a memory trace
What is retrieval?
Accessing memories, try to remember what was stored, recall, & recognition
What is Sensory Register/memory?
It holds raw sensory input and is volatile (interruptions)
How does memory hold raw sensory input?
Iconic store - visual information; lasts fractions of a second (1/4)
Echoic stores - auditory information; lasts about 2 secs, partial trace can last longer
What is the purpose and function of STS/STM now Working Memory?
Conscious awareness
integrate information
temporary working area
hold current plants - strategies
How is information represented in working memory?
Mental representations/memory codes
- these codes can takes various forms
What are the various forms of memory codes in working memory?
Images (visual), sound (phonological), meaning (semantic), and physical action (motor)
Does the form of memory code in working memory correspond to the form of the original stimulus?
No
What is the capacity of STS/STM?
The magical number: 7+/- 2. this means that individuals can typically hold 5-9 meaningful items in the STS/STM
How is the capacity of STS/STM assessed in adults?
By using tasks like the digit span task, which requires individuals to repeat back a sequence of digits, and the typical capacity is within the range of 7 items, in line with the magical number.
What is the duration of information in STS/STM?
Must be actively “worked” on or it will be lost