Memory Process Flashcards
Memory can work on autopilot
Eg: regular routine
Memory like a notebook
Take down references that help write up report later by filling in gaps with knowledge
Memory is influenced by knowledge & background
While memory will be truthful it may not be factual
Memory is selective
People do not remember everything they experience
Memory is reconstructed
Mind reconstructs events rather than plays back like a video recording
Memory may be organised like a filing system
One theory - we organise memories like a filing system
Recall works like filing clerk
Recall works like clerk, goes to filing cabinet relating to incident, finds folders and headings
Further detail = deeper in memory
Further detail = deeper in memory
Memory reinforced by repeating experience
Regularly repeating experience enablers you to respond to that experience without thinking about it.
Memory stages
Short term
Working term
Long term
Short term memory
Used by working memory to interpret what our senses are telling us.
Working memory
Allows brain to understand what senses are telling us.
Draws on knowledge in long term memory.
Controller decides whether information should be stored in long term memory.
Long term memory
Controller stores many factors - location, weather, smells, sounds, people etc
Likely to store reactions and emotions
Recall
Information can only be recalled in detail by addressing each encoding path.
Asking witness to recall sounds may strengthen other areas.
Impossible to recall information from all senses in one recall attempt.
Ability to remember varies on
Some people naturally better at remembering
More attention paid to event more likely to encode details
Rehearsal of detail likely to strengthen memory
Failure to refer to an event for a prolonged period may cause memory to deteriorate
Exposure to other factors such as media may create false memories
Factors affecting memory
Assumption
Frame of reference has an effect on memory storage:
Upbringing Attitudes Beliefs Knowledge Prejudices Values Education Stereotypes
Can cause assumption that something happened and store in memory.
Easy to shortcut memory process by using assumptions.
Factors affecting memory
Perception & attitudes
Confidence of witness does not guarantee accuracy - memory may be affected by p&a.
Careful listening and questioning can establish facts.
Factors affecting memory
Implanting
Where witness is present at event and stores in memory as a fact something they have been told or heard.
Factors affecting memory
Forgetting
Information was not encoded in the first place
Encoding system broke down
Factors affecting memory
Time since event
Memory fades with time
Most detail lost soon after event
More detail lost 24 hours - three days
Exception when witness suffers severe stress or trauma
Factors affecting memory
Blocks
Stress or trauma can cause temporary blocking of retrieval paths
May be beneficial to interview stressed witnesses again at some point after event
How to assist in memory retrieval
Interruptions
Obtain uninterrupted account
Do not interrupt or try to help while witness pausing to remember
Ask open questions and let them answer
How to assist in memory retrieval
Setting the scene
Context re-instatement
Take witnesses back to the incident
Get them to picture being there
How to assist in memory retrieval
Cueing memory
Techniques to aid memory
Witnesses can link memories to sights, sounds smells etc
Careful not to ask leading questions
How to assist in memory retrieval
Concentration
To achieve full and accurate recall takes a high level of concentration
Many people want interviewer to make task easy by asking lots of questions
With right encouragement people will eventually recall majority of what they have experienced
How to assist in memory retrieval
Relaxation
Tension during recall process can hinder recall
Concentrating too hard can be counter-productive
