Memory Encoding and Consolidation Flashcards
What does encoding refer too?
Storage of information into long term basis
What does consolidation refer too?
Strengthening of information into long-term memory
What is the levels of processing theory?
Craig and Lockhard - retrieval is enhanced by deeper encoding (meaningful) compared to shallow encoding (physical characteristics)
Craig and Tulving - experiment
Proportion of words recognised increase with depth of incoming, manipulated:
shallow encoding - is the word capitalised
deeper encoding - does the word rhyme
deepest encoding - does the word fit in a sentence
Found - proportion increased with levels of processing
Evidence of levels of processing theory
Recall is enhanced by deeper processing through:
embedding words in complex sentences
creating visual mental imagery
self reference - does this word describe you?
generating information - generate words related to given words
organisation - organising words into categories
the testing effect - learning information by testing yourself
Evaluation of levels of processing theory
It is useful in explaining memory tools such as elaboration, distinctiveness of processing
But..
difficult to define depth of processing
descriptive not explanatory - is it the brain?
doesn’t take into account relevance of the processing method to the memory test
Ways of enhancing memory (5)
Encoding specificity principle State dependent encoding Transfer appropriate processing Spacing effect Sleep
Encoding specificity principle
Encoding is enhanced when the retrieval context matches the encoding context
Evidence for the encoding specificity principle
Godden and Baddeley
asked pots to recall words, encoded/tested on land or underwater. When conditions match, they remember more
Grant et al - encoded in short or noisy, took a short answer test in short conditions or noisy conditions. Encoding was better when match
State dependent encoding
Retrieval is enhanced when peoples internal state during encoding and retrieval matches
Evidence for state dependent encoding
Eich and Metcalfe
Played happy or sad music and asked to think about happy or sad thoughts
Recall more when matched
Transfer appropriate processing
Retrieval is enhanced if the memory test is consistent with the method of encoding
Evidence for transfer appropriate processing
Morris et al
Coded either semantically or rhyming
Then given standard recognition test or rhyming
Match of test increases the proportion of words recognised
Spacing effect
If learn materials over different intervals, retrieval is enhanced
Sleep effect
Sleeping shortly after encoding enhances retrieval
