psychobiological process of memory Flashcards
what is memory
Memory is often described as the encoding, storage and retrieval of information acquired through learning
3 fundamental steps in memory
Encoding – conversion of information into a useable form so that it can be neurologically represented and stored in memory
Storage – retention of the encoded information over time
Retrieval – recovery of stored information for use when needed
what is the atkinson shiffrin multistory model of memory
Represents memory as consisting of 3 separate stores (components) called sensory memory, short-term memory and long-term memory
Each store:
Processes information in a different ways
Differs in terms of its function, capacity and duration
They operate simultaneously and interact in an integrated way
what are the three different stores of memory
sensory memory
short term memory
long term memory
what are the control processes
Control processes are selected and used by each individual and may vary in different situations.
attention
Rehearsal
Retrieval
what is sensory memory
Entry point of memory where sensory information is stored for a brief period of time
Info retained here is in its original ‘raw’ form, before its processed.
Potentially unlimited storage capacity
Important function: stores sensory impressions long enough for each impression to overlap the next
Helps to ensure we perceive world around us as continuous rather than a series of disconnected images and sounds
whats iconic memory (sensory)
VISUAL sensory information
Retain visual imagine in their original sensory form in iconic memory for about 0.2-0.4 seconds
Last long enough to recognise & process sensory information
whats echoic memory (sensory)
AUDITORY sensory information
Memory is also retained in the original form
Lasts longer in sensory memory about 3 – 4 seconds
Important for understanding speech
what is short term memory
Limited storage capacity in which information in stored for a relatively short time, unless renewed in some way
Information is no longer an exact replica of the sensory stimulus, but an encoded version
When you pay attention to something in your sensory memory, the information enters your STM
what is semantic memory
Facts and knowledge
what is episodic memory
personal experiences and events
what is procedural memory
motor skills and actions
what is classically conditioned memory
conditioned responses to conditioned stimuli
What is explicit memory
Memory with awareness
Involves memory that occurs when information can be consciously or intentionally retrieved and stated.
Memory with awareness
Can involve words or concepts, visual images or both
Also called declarative memories because, if asked, we can consciously retrieve the information and can ‘declare’ (state) or ‘explicitly’ (openly) express it
what is implicit memory
memory without awareness
Involves memory that does not require conscious or intentional retrieval
Not aware you are remembering, nor are you necessarily trying to remember or aware of every having to remembered something you know you know or can do
Memory without awareness
Non-declarative because people often find if difficult to state or describe in words what is being remembered, but the memory can be expressed through behaviour
