Module 24 (Encoding and Learning) Flashcards
Memory’s three basic functions
Encoding
Storage
Retrieval
Memory
an information processing system that works constructively to encode, store, and retrieve information and experience
Encoding
registering experience and information in the mind
Effortful processing
a type of elaborative encoding that requires attention and conscious effort: processing where meaning is added to information, which enhances storage and retrieval
Retrieval
-involves location and recovering information from memory
-Info may be available but not accessible
Stages of memory
-Sensory memory, working (short-term) memory, and long-term memory
-Three different “memory stages” encode and store memories in different ways, working together to transform sensory experience into a lasting, durable record (neural trace) that is meaningfully connected to other things we know
Sensory memory
-preserves very brief sensory impressions of stimuli
-The actual capacity of sensory memory can be 12 or more items
-All but 3 or 4 items disappear before they can enter consciousness (or working memory)
Iconic memory
a momentary sensory memory of visual stimuli; a photographic or picture-image memory lasting no more than a few tenths of a second
Echoic memory
a momentary sensory memory of auditory stimuli; if attention is elsewhere, sounds and words can still be recalled within 3-4 seconds
Haptic/Tactic memory
a momentary sensory memory of touch stimuli, like pressure, pain, itching
Olfactory memory
a momentary sensory memory of smell stimuli, quickly travels to brain
Gustatory memory
a momentary sensation of taste stimuli, helps identify foods through 5 basic flavors
Working memory
-a newer understanding of short-term memory; conscious, active processing of both incoming sensory info and info received from long-term memory
-Mental workspace where we sort, process, and encode info before adding it to enduring storage (LTM)
-Capacity= the magic number of 7+/-2
-Info stored for 20 seconds
Rehearsal leads to longer duration
Short-term memory
briefly activated memory of a few items (such as digits of a phone number while calling) that is later stored or forgotten
Maintenance rehearsal
process in which info. is repeated/reviewed to keep it from fading while in working memory
Chunking
-organizing pieces of info. into smaller number of meaningful info
-BCNCNCNSCASB -> ABC CBS NBS CNN
Effortful processing
-a process of elaborative rehearsal in which info. is actively reviewed and related to info already in longterm memory
-Memory goes where attention goes, because you can’t have effortful processing without attention
How effortful processing benefits memory
-Thinking about meaning of the to-be-remembered (TBR) info
-Forming associations between TBR info and other info already stored in LTM
Levels of processing theory
-explanation for the fact that info that is more thoroughly connected to meaningful terms in long-term memory will be better remembered
-Deeper, more effortful level of processing (such as semantic, “type of”) led to greater remembering than shallow processing (such as visual, “written in capitals”)
Distributed practice (spacing effect)
-distributed study leads to improved retention
-Cramming is “learning without remembering”
Types of repetition
massed and distributed
Massed repetition
repeated presentations that occur closely together in time (“cramming”)
Distributed repetition
repeated presentations that are spread out over time
Retrieval practice (the spacing effect)
-Those who study x4 (SSSS) were able to recall more after 5 min, but recalled significantly less after a week (85% and 40%), whereas those who studied and repeatedly tested themselves (STTT) were able to recall a lot both after 5 min and a week (70% and 60%)
-Feedback on testing makes effect stronger
