Process of memory Flashcards
Define encoding.
Converting information to a useable form so it can be entered and stored.
Define storage.
Retaining information in memory over time.
Define retrieval.
Locating and recovering the stored information from memory when needed.
Outline and describe the three stages of the Atkinson Shiffrin’s Multi Store Model of Memory?
Sensory memory (SM). The entry point for new information. All information is stored in original sensory form, yet to be encoded. We are not consciously aware of most of this information. But if we direct attention to something specific then we can transfer it to STM. Has unlimited capacity and a 4 second duration (two types of SM are iconic and echoic memory).
Short term memory (STM). Where we hold information as it is being worked on. Has a capacity of 5-9 pieces of information for a duration of 12-30 seconds.
Long term memory (LTM). Information from the STM that has been encoded is stored here in semantic networks. LTM has unlimited capacity and duration.
Define rehearsal and its purpose.
Rehearsal is the process of doing something so that the information can be retained in memory and retrieved.
The purpose of rehearsal is to increase the duration of STM.
Outline and explain the two different types of rehearsal.
Maintenance rehearsal. Repeating information as it is being remembered so it can be retained.
Elaborate rehearsal. Attaching meaning to what is to be remembered.
Define procedural, declarative, episodic and semantic memory.
Procedural memory. Knowing how to do things (implicit memory).
Declarative. Specific facts or events (explicit memory). Two further categories within declarative memory are:
Episodic. Life events like a wedding or birthday.
Semantic. Information about the world like the meaning or words. (All in LTM).
Define implicit memory.
A LTM of learnt actions and skills we retrieve unconsciously from LTM.
Define explicit memory.
A LTM of events and factual information that we consciously retrieve from the LTM.
Define iconic memory.
Exact replica of all visual information in the SM. Stored for an approximate duration of 1/3 to 1/2 of a second with a relatively unlimited capacity.
Define echoic memory.
Exact replica of auditory information in the SM. Stored for an approximate duration of 3-4 seconds with relatively unlimited capacity.
What is the role of the cerebral cortex in memory?
Involved in formation and storage of implicit/ explicit memories in the STM.
What is the role of the cerebellum in memory?
Stores procedural memories of learnt motor skills.
What is the role of the amygdala in memory?
Adds the emotional content to declarative memories in LTM.
What is the role of the hippocampus in memory?
Integrates information from other brain areas to form declarative memories, that it transfers to LTM. Consolidates and retrieves LTM explicit/ declarative memories.
