memory

Question 1

State what memory involves and what memories are

Answer 1

Memory involves encoding, storage and retrieval of information. Memories include past experiences, knowledge and thoughts

Question 2

Describe the route that information can take when entering the brain

Answer 2

All information entering the brain passes through sensory memory and enters short-term memory (STM). Information is then either transferred to long-term memory (LTM) or is discarded

Question 3

explain what sensory memory is

Answer 3

Sensory memory retains all the visual and auditory input received for a few seconds and only selected images and sounds are encoded into the short-term memory

Question 4

Explain what short term memory (STM) is

Answer 4

Short-term memory (STM) has a limited capacity and holds information for a short time

Question 5

explain chunking

Answer 5

The capacity of STM can be improved by “chunking”. Chunking involves grouping items together to make a single item e.g. phone numbers

Question 6

explain working memory model

Answer 6

STM can also process data, to a limited extent, as well as store it. This “working memory model” explains why the STM can perform simple cognitive tasks e.g. counting door in your house from memory.

Question 7

explain STM rehearsal, displacement and decay

Answer 7

Items can be maintained in your STM by rehearsal and lost by displacement and decay.

Question 8

explain the serial position

Answer 8

The serial position effect influences items entering the STM. Those items that enter first and last are better recalled than the intermediate items.

Question 9

Explain what long term memory (LTM) is

Answer 9

Long-term memory (LTM) has an unlimited capacity and holds information for a long time.

Question 10

explain LTM rehearsal

Answer 10

Rehearsal is regarded as a shallow form of encoding (converting nerve signals into a form the brain can receive) and involves repetition.

Question 11

explain LTM organisation

Answer 11

Organisation is a method of encouraging transfer of information to LTM by adding structure e.g. grouping similar items together.

Question 12

explain LTM elaboration

Answer 12

Elaboration is regarded as a deeper form of encoding which leads to improved information retention. Elaboration involves adding meaning/picture to things

Question 13

explain contextual cues

Answer 13

Retrieval is aided using contextual cues. Contextual cues relate to the time and place when the information was initially encoded into the LTM.