Semantic Netowrk Flashcards
What is each concept called?
Each concept is called a node and is linked with a number of other nodes.
Elaborate on nodes
Each concept (node) in the network is organised into a hierachy in which one concept is a sub-category of another. At each node certain characteristics of that concept are stored
Why do we store things in this way?
Storing things in terms of their characteristics (meaning), enables effective retrieval of info.
How does retrieval work
Process begins with us searching a particular region of our LTM
We trace associations for links among memories in that region using retrieval cues (rather than randomly searching the whole of LTM)
EG. Googling- you type in a word which works as a retrieval cue to provide a list of websites
Explain nodes and links
The shorter the links between nodes the stronger their association and the less time it takes to activate
Longer links indicate weaker associations and therefore take longer to activate
Example of a semantic network
Animal - bird or fish - Canary and ostrich or shark and salmon
What does the semantic network theory propose?
Proposes that information in LTM is organised systematically (heirachically) in the form of overlapping networks of concepts that are interconnected and interrelated by meaningful links.
