Memory

Question 1

The ________________ proposes our brains are similar to computers.

Answer 1

The information processing model (IPM) proposes our brains are similar to computers.

Think: IPM, like IBM, like computers.

Question 2

Briefly summarize the steps of the IPM.

Answer 2

We get input from environment, process it, and output decisions. INPUT -> PROCESS -> OUTPUT

Question 3

T/F: The IPM is a bottom-up or stimulus driven model.

Answer 3

True

The IPM is a bottom-up or stimulus-driven model.

INPUT -> PROCESS -> OUTPUT

Question 4

What assumptions are made with the IPM?

Answer 4

The IPM assumes:

• limited storage capacity, i.e. brain has limited capacity for attention.
• serial processing; although brain is capable of parallel processing.

Question 5

What is the key limitation of the IPM?

Answer 5

The IPM doesn’t describe where things happen in the brain.

Question 6

Describe the first stage of the IPM.

Answer 6

Input -> Process -> Output

The first stage of the IPM is getting input – occurs in sensory memory (sensory register).

• first interaction w info in environ
• Temporary register of all info your senses are taking in.

Question 7

Sensory memory, or sensory register, comprises which stage of the IPM?

Answer 7

The input stage involves sensory memory/register and is the first stage of the IPM.

Input -> Process -> Output

Question 8

What two components contribute to the input, or sensory memory/register, stage of the IPM? How are they differentiated?

Answer 8

The two components of the input (sensory memory/register) stage of the IPM are based on type of input and differentiated by duration.

• Iconic - memory for what you see; lasts half a second
• Echoic - memory for what you hear; lasts 3-4 seconds.

Question 9

Iconic and echoic memory are two components of which stage of the IPM?

Answer 9

Iconic and echoic memory are two components of the input (sensory memory/register) stage of the IPM.

Question 10

What is working memory?

Answer 10

Working memory (short-term memory) is memory that is stored while it is held in attention; it is sensory info you actually process.

It consists of what you are thinking about at the moment

Question 11

What is the capacity of working (short-term) memory?

Answer 11

The capacity of working (short-term) memory is 7 (magic #).

• Working memory can hold 7 +/- 2 pieces of info at a time.
  
  • Why phone #s are 7 digits long.
• Capacity varies based on how complicated the sensory info/stimuli are and how old you are.

Question 12

What two factors contribute to the capacity of working (short-term) memory?

Answer 12

Capacity varies based on how complicated the sensory info/stimuli are and how old you are.

Recall: Capacity is typ 7 +/- 2.

Question 13

_______ memory is memory that is stored while it is held in attention.

Answer 13

Working memory is memory that is stored while it is held in attention.

Question 14

What are the two main categories of long-term memory?

Answer 14

The two main categories of long-term memory are explicit (declarative) and implicit (non-declarative) memory.

Question 15

T/F: The capacity of long-term memory is unlimited.

Answer 15

True

The capacity of long-term memory is unlimited.

Question 16

What is explicit memory?

Answer 16

Explicit (declarative) memory are facts/events you can clearly/explicitly describe; a type of long-term memory that focuses on recalling previous experiences/info.

Two categories: episodic and semantic.

• Semantic - Simple facts; meaning of words.
  
  • E.g. vocab test or state capitals.
• Episodic - event-related memories, e.g. last bday party

Question 17

What are the two categories of explicit (declarative) memory?

Answer 17

Two categories of explicit (declarative) memory: episodic and semantic.

• Semantic - Simple facts; meaning of words.
  
  • E.g. vocab test or state capitals.
• Episodic - event-related memories
  
  • E.g. last bday party

Question 18

What is implicit memory?

Answer 18

Implicit (non-declarative) memories involve things you may not articulate; type of long-term memory in wh previous experiences aid performance of a task w/o conscious awareness of these previous experiences.