process of memory Flashcards
define memory
- the processing, storage and retrieval of info acquired through learning
- consists of a collection of interconnected & interacting systems
what are the 3 processes of memory?
- encoding
- storage
- retrieval
what is encoding
converting info into a usable form so it can be neurologically represented in the brain and stored in memory
what is storage
saving encoded info overtime
what is retrieval
locating & recovering previously stored info into conscious awareness
what does the atkinson shiffrin multi-store model of memory propose?
memory consisted of 3 different components:
- sensory memory
- short-term memory
- long-term memory
what are the structural features of memory?
permanent, fixed features that do not change
- function
- capacity
- duration
what are the control processes of memory?
under conscious control of individual and is selected and used depending on situation
- attention
- rehearsal
- retrieval strategy
what is needed for info to be encoded into STM?
Attention
- awareness is needed
- transferred into conscious awareness
- lost from SM if not attended to
how is info encoded into LTM? how can STM duration be increased?
rehearsal: continual repetition of info to aid storage in STM & transfer to LTM
- chunking: divide into smaller bits of info
what happens if we don’t retrieve info over time?
- access to some info may be lost or become inaccessible
what is sensory memory and its function?
- entry point where raw sensory info is registered
what is the capacity of sensory memory?
- unlimited capacity
what is the duration of sensory memory?
brief -> 0.2-4 seconds
how is the duration of sensory memory helpful?
- long enough for us to filter what is important to be transferred to STM
- long enough for each sensory impression to slightly overlap the next= perceive world as continuous rather than disjointed
what are the two types of sensory memory and their function?
iconic memory: stores visual images
echoic memory: stores sound stimuli
what is the duration of iconic memory and how is it helpful?
0.3 seconds
- stores long enough for images to overlap
- allows perception of flowing movement
what is the duration of echoic memory and how is it helpful?
- 3-4 seconds
- each sound slightly overlaps
- allows comprehension of speech by connecting individual sounds into coherent words and sentences
why is stm also called working memory?
- emphasises active processing & use of info
- info from sensory memory is processed
- info retrieved from LTM to be manipulated
what is the function of STM?
- temporarily hold info
- info actively ‘worked on’ and used in conscious cognitive activity
what is the duration of STM?
12-18 seconds
- can last up to 30s
what is the capacity of STM?
limited capacity of 7+/-2 bits of info
what are 2 ways info can be lost from stm?
decay: not being used through rehearsal eg. distractions
displacement: being pushed out by new info
what is the function of LTM?
- relatively permanent storage of info to be retrieved in the future
