SAQ Cog Theories

Question 1

Explain one model of memory with reference to one study.

Answer 1

multistore model of memory
-3 separate locations:

1. sensory stores
   -> attention
2. short term memory
   -> rehearsal
3. long term memory
   -> retrieval = short term memory

The model argues that memory consists of three separate locations in which information is stored which are sequential and work in a uniform way. The model suggests that sensory information enters the sensory memory store which is related to different senses. Information in the sensory store stays here for a few seconds and only what is paid attention to will continue into the short-term memory (STM) store. STM is limited in both capacity and duration. Information in the STM store must then be rehearsed and repeated before it can enter the long term memory (LTM) store.

Question 2

Explain schema theory with reference to one study.

Answer 2

Schemas are mental representations of events, person or places that are derived from prior experience and knowledge. Schemas help us to predict what to expect based on what has happened before. They are used to organize our knowledge, assist recall, help make sense of current experiences.

Question 3

Explain reconstructive memory with reference to one study.

Answer 3

When people try to retrieve a past event, they may unknowingly fill in the gaps with information based on schemas, stereotypes or post-event information.
-> often happens in eye-witness in testimonies
-> called misinformation effects
Leading questions which are subjective in some way and post event information can facilitate schema processing which may influence the accuracy of the recall.

Question 4

Explain one model of thinking and decision-making with reference to one study.

Answer 4

The Dual Process Model of thinking and decision-making postulates that there are two basic models of thinking System 1 and System 2:
- System 1 :
- fast
- intuitive
- based on experiences
- efficient processing
- prone to errors
- System 2 :
- slow
- deliberate
- rational
- logical
- less prone to errors
- assumed to require more effort
- Rational thinking allows
- analyse what, why
- assess future scenarios → how we might influence the situation

Question 5

Explain the Working Memory Model with reference to one study.

Answer 5

Suggests that STM is not a single store but rather consists of a number of different stores. There are separate STM components for visual information and verbal information. Composed of central executive, phonological loop, episodic buffer, and visuospatial sketchpad. Central executive controls what is paid attention to and what subsystems are used to process information. Phonological loop contains articulatory control system which acts like an inner voice to rehearse information and converts written material into articulatory code. Visuospatial sketchpad stores visual and spatial information. Episodic buffer holds information until it is needed.