Nature of memory Flashcards
Memory
The psychological function of preserving information, involving the process of encoding, storage and retrieval.
STM - duration
18-30 seconds
STM - capacity
5-9 items (7±2)
STM - encoding
visually or acoustically
LTM - duration
unlimited
LTM - capacity
unlimited
LTM - encoding
semantically (has meaning)
Long term memory (LTM)
This is the memory for past events, which lasts a long time
Short term memory (STM)
Memory for immediate events, lasting for a brief amount of time (unless rehearsed). Also known as our working memory as it is used to understand language and solve problems
Encoding
This is the way information is changed so that it is easily processed and then stored by short term and long term memory. It can then be stored visually, acoustically or semantically.
Duration
A measure of how long memory lasts before it is no longer available
Capacity
The measure of how much can be held in short term or long term memory. It is measured in terms of bits of information (items).