Memory Process

Question 1

Memory can work on autopilot

Answer 1

Eg: regular routine

Question 2

Memory like a notebook

Answer 2

Take down references that help write up report later by filling in gaps with knowledge

Question 3

Memory is influenced by knowledge & background

Answer 3

While memory will be truthful it may not be factual

Question 4

Memory is selective

Answer 4

People do not remember everything they experience

Question 5

Memory is reconstructed

Answer 5

Mind reconstructs events rather than plays back like a video recording

Question 6

Memory may be organised like a filing system

Answer 6

One theory - we organise memories like a filing system

Question 7

Recall works like filing clerk

Answer 7

Recall works like clerk, goes to filing cabinet relating to incident, finds folders and headings

Question 8

Further detail = deeper in memory

Answer 8

Further detail = deeper in memory

Question 9

Memory reinforced by repeating experience

Answer 9

Regularly repeating experience enablers you to respond to that experience without thinking about it.

Question 10

Memory stages

Answer 10

Short term

Working term

Long term

Question 11

Short term memory

Answer 11

Used by working memory to interpret what our senses are telling us.

Question 12

Working memory

Answer 12

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.

Question 13

Long term memory

Answer 13

Controller stores many factors - location, weather, smells, sounds, people etc

Likely to store reactions and emotions

Question 14

Recall

Answer 14

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.

Question 15

Ability to remember varies on

Answer 15

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

Question 16

Factors affecting memory

Assumption

Answer 16

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.

Question 17

Factors affecting memory

Perception & attitudes

Answer 17

Confidence of witness does not guarantee accuracy - memory may be affected by p&a.

Careful listening and questioning can establish facts.

Question 18

Factors affecting memory

Implanting

Answer 18

Where witness is present at event and stores in memory as a fact something they have been told or heard.

Question 19

Factors affecting memory

Forgetting

Answer 19

Information was not encoded in the first place

Encoding system broke down

Question 20

Factors affecting memory

Time since event

Answer 20

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

Question 21

Factors affecting memory

Blocks

Answer 21

Stress or trauma can cause temporary blocking of retrieval paths

May be beneficial to interview stressed witnesses again at some point after event

Question 22

How to assist in memory retrieval

Interruptions

Answer 22

Obtain uninterrupted account

Do not interrupt or try to help while witness pausing to remember

Ask open questions and let them answer

Question 23

How to assist in memory retrieval

Setting the scene

Answer 23

Context re-instatement

Take witnesses back to the incident

Get them to picture being there

Question 24

How to assist in memory retrieval

Cueing memory

Answer 24

Techniques to aid memory

Witnesses can link memories to sights, sounds smells etc

Careful not to ask leading questions

Question 25

How to assist in memory retrieval

Concentration

Answer 25

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

Question 26

How to assist in memory retrieval

Relaxation

Answer 26

Tension during recall process can hinder recall

Concentrating too hard can be counter-productive