Memory Flashcards
Memory
The process by which we retain information about events that have happened in the past. This includes the STM and the LTM
Storage
Retaining information in memory, temporarily and permanently
Retrieval
Accessing information that is stored in memory
What are the strengths of research into memory?
High control over variables and it is easy to replicate.
Strength of research into memory: high control over variables
E: This means that the research is conducted in the controlled setting of a lab which makes sure EVs are controlled.
E: For example, each experiment would have been the same noise level, the same lighting and the materials to remember would be the same.
L: This is positive as the research will measure what it intends to measure. This gives it high internal validity.
Strength of research into memory: research is easy to replicate.
E: This means that the research is done in a standardised setting so everything is carefully controlled so it can be repeated with the same variables.
E: For example, standardised procedures mean that each replication can have the same instructions, same lighting, same materials to remember.
L: This is positive because it can be treated for reliability (consistency)
What is a problem of research into memory?
The materials used in the research are meaningless. This means that they do not reflect much of the kinds of information we use our STM and LTM for remembering in the real world. For example, remembering list of letters, numbers or similar sounding words doesn’t reflect real life memory activities where it is usually more meaningful and varied. This is a problem as findings may not be representative of real life STM and LTM.
Capacity
The amount of information the memory store holds
What is the capacity of the STM?
7 +/- 2 items
Who conducted the experiment for capacity? What did they do?
Miller did the ‘digit span technique’. This involved reading a series of digit sets that get longer and the participant must recall the digits in the right order. On average they could recall 7+/- 2 items, so he concluded that the STM has a limited capacity and pushes out old information.
Duration
The length of time the memory store holds information
What is the capacity of the LTM?
Unlimited
What is the duration of the STM?
18-30secs (can be extended through rehearsal or chunking the information)
Who conducted the experiment for duration? What did they do?
Peterson and Peterson used nonsense trigrams. In the experiment they would say the nonsense trigram and they would count back in 3s from a random 3 digit number after 3,9,18 seconds they were asked to repeat the nonsense trigram. This concluded that the duration of the short term memory was 18-30secs
What is the duration of the LTM?
unlimited even if the person cannot retrieve.
