Memory I: Processes and systems Flashcards
What is memory?
The faculty by which information is encoded, stored, and retrieved when needed
What are the three primary processes of memory?
Encoding, storage, and retrieval
What is encoding and the error?
Information enters memory system - or slips away
What is storage and the error?
Information is reserved for recollection in the future - or is forgotten
What is retrieval and the error?
Information is recollected - or sits ‘on the tip of your tongue’
Who is Clive Wearing and what happened to him?
Highly accomplished musician and conductor when he fell ill with herpes simplex encephalitis (1985).
Ever since, Clive has lost the ability to form new memories.
Lacks the ability to form new memories
Cannot recall aspects of held memories
Like waking from a comatose state
Anterograde and Retrograde amnesia
Retains the ability to play music
What does the case of Clive Wearing demonstrate about memory taxonomies?
Demonstrate that not all memories are the same
and multiple models exist to categorise memories
How do we categorise memories?
By time and by content
Who proposed the modal model of memory?
Atkinson and Shiffrin, 1968
What is the modal model of memory?
Input –> sensory memory (a moment) –> short-term memory (a few seconds) –> long-term memory (permanent but not perfect)
What is the modality of sensory memory?
Modality specific -
Iconic memory (visual impressions) Echoic memory (auditory impressions)
What is the duration of sensory memory?
Very brief - 250ms-500ms for iconic memory. A few seconds for echoic memory
Describe Sperling’s study 1968
Partial report - How many letters of the middle row could you recall?
Sperling (1968) performed this experiment with tones to indicate which row to recall
High for top row – Low tone for bottom row
Participants reported complete rows even for large arrays - even when tone is presented following stimuli presentation
What did Sperling’s study show about the capacity of sensory memory?
The capacity of sensory memory is large - but can only recall a few select items
How do you retain information into your STM?
We have to apply attention to sensory information
What is the duration of short term memory?
Up to 30-50s
What is the capacity of short term memory?
Capacity of 5-9 information elements
How can you boost short term memory?
Boosted by active rehearsal and chunking.
Describe Miller’s 1956 magical number 7.
Participants are asked to memorise a series of letters/numbers. On average participants get 7 ± 2 correct. Informed us about the capacity of STM.
What is the link between STM and LTM?
Information can be transferred from STM to LTM
Information can be retrieved from LTM to STM
What is the duration of LTM?
Unlimited - but still not perfect.W
What is the capacity of LTM?
Unlimited - but still not perfect