Memory Flashcards
Memory (definition)
The process by whichever take something we have observed and convert it into a form we can store, retrieve and use.
Mental representations of memory (3)
Sensory: retrieval of something experienced by senses (eg. visual image of a dog or sound of a gunshot)
Verbal: information stored in words (eg. Concept of freedom)
Motoric: memories of motor actions (eg. Swinging a racket)
Information processing model of memory
Stimulus
Sensory registers
>
Short term memory
> (rehearsal)
Long term memory ^ (retrieval from here back to STM)
information can be lost at any stage
Sensory Registers
Definition
Hold information about a perceived stimulus for a fraction of a second after stimulus disappears.
one sensory register for every sensory system
Types of storage in sensory registers (2)
Iconic Storage: momentary storage of visual information
Echoic Storage: momentary storage of auditory information
Short Term Memory
What goes in - what it holds - how it stays
Information from sensory registers that is ATTENDED TO moves into the STM.
Holds small amount of information (limited capacity of approx 7 items) for short period of time (approx 20 - 30 seconds)
If material is REHEARSED than it can be maintained in the STM for a longer period (eg. Chanting a phone number until it is dialled = maintenance rehearsal)
Long Term Memory
What is it - how to use it - duration/capacity
Representations of facts, images, actions and skills that may persist over a lifetime (potentially limitless duration)
Theoretically limitless in capacity
Extracting information from LTM is called RETRIEVAL
Working Memory (What it does - why it's used)
The temporary storage and processing of information.
Easily accessed but is limited in capacity
Used to:
Solve problems
Respond to environmental demands
Achieve goals
Working Memory Systems
3 types
Central Executive: controls the flow and processing of information (limited capacity)
Visual memory store (visuospatial sketchpad): a temporary image (20 - 30 seconds) that stores information about the location and nature of objects
Verbal memory store (phonological loop): involves storage of verbal items (equates to STM) - limited capacity
Neuropsychology of Working Memory
Working memory is thought to be directed by the PREFRONTAL CORTEX
Verbal and visual working memory activate different cortical regions of the brain. This demonstrates the independence of different components of working memory
Working Memory & LTM Deficits (2)
LTM DEFICIT: person shows normal working memory but cannot transfer information to LTM
WORKING MEMORY DEFICIT: person had a memory span of 2 digits but normal LTM
Chunking (what it is & purpose)
The use of knowledge from the LTM to increase the capacity of working memory
*breaking up information into small memorable pieces or relating new information to information already in LTM to help memorise (my definition from figures in book)
Overview of long term memory
- flow chart *
(Factors that affect successful long term memory storage - two sides)
ONE SIDE:
Type of knowledge stored =
>
- Procedural memory (skills/habits)
Or
- declarative memory
^^ - generic/semantic (general knowledge)
- episodic (specific events)
OTHER SIDE:
Way knowledge is expressed =
>
- Implicit memory (memory expressed in behaviour)
Or
- Explicit Memory
^^^ - Recall
- Recognition
Varieties of long term memory: (2)
Declarative memory: memory for facts and events which can be stated or declared.
Procedural memory: memory for the ‘how to’ of skills or procedures
Types of Declarative Memories (2)
Declarative memories are a type of long term memory
Semantic: General world knowledge or facts
Episodic: memories of specific events which is autobiographical in nature
