Memory - WMM and Forgetting

Question 1

What do we mean by the term encoding?

Answer 1

Encoding refers to how we store information in memory

Question 2

Give two ways in which information could be encoded - define each.

Answer 2

Acoustically, semantically, proceedurally, visually, phonologically, episodically

Question 3

Is the capacity of STM larger or smaller than that of the Sensory Memory Store?

Answer 3

Smaller

Question 4

What is the duration of STM without rehearsal?

Answer 4

18-30 seconds

Question 5

What is the capacity of STM?

Answer 5

5-9 items (7+-2)

Question 6

Can you identify one study that investigated capacity in STM?

Answer 6

Jacobs, Miller, etc

Question 7

What is the duration of the Sensory Memory store?

Answer 7

Less than 1-2 seconds (i.e. very short)

Question 8

What do we mean by proceedural memory?

Answer 8

Remembering HOW we do something - eg. riding a bike

Question 9

Which part of the WMM monitors and controls the function of the ‘slave systems’

Answer 9

Central Executive

Question 10

Name one ‘slave system’

Answer 10

Episodic Buffer, Visuo-spatial sketchpad, Phonological Loop

Question 11

This element of the the WMM encodes speech sounds by repeating them over and over again

Answer 11

Phonological Loop

Question 12

This element of the WMM temporarily stores information and integrates it creating a mental construct of what is happening at any given time

Answer 12

Episodic Buffer

Question 13

This element of the WMM encodes visual information of spearate objects and their arrangement in the visual field

Answer 13

Visuo-spatial sketchpad

Question 14

This element would allow you to make a good attempt at navigating through a crowd of people

Answer 14

Visuo-spatial sketchpad

Question 15

This element would be crucial when trying to remember what somebody just said

Answer 15

Phonological Loop

Question 16

The phonological loop can be subdivided into two part sometimes known as the inner voice and the inner ear. What are the correct terms?

Answer 16

Phonological Store - Articulatory process

Question 17

Identify 2 theories of why we might forget new information. Summarise each theory in one sentence. One mark for correct identification and one mark for brief description.

Answer 17

1. TRACE DECAY - suggests that the chemical change / memory trace in the brain fades over time and disappears. 2. DISPLACEMENT - as new information enters short term memory other information is moved out or displaced which means it can no longer be rehearsed. 3. INTERFERENCE This idea suggests that information in long term memory may become confused or combined with other information during encoding thus distorting or disrupting memories. 4. LACK OF CONSOLIDATION - whereby the process of permanent chemical change in the brain does not occur and information is not stored in long term memory.