STM and LTM Flashcards
capacity
a measure of how much memory can be held
coding
the way information is changed so it can be stored in memory. Enters brain through senses and then stored semantically, acoustically or visually
duration
how long memory lasts until its no longer available
how is the capacity of STM measured?
digit span (jacobs)
why is it easier to recall more digits than letters?
there are more letters than there are digits
outline Millers magic number
reviewed psychological research - immediate span of memory is 7 items (sometimes less, sometimes more)
duration of STM
peterson + peterson - 24 students
given three letters and three numbers
asked to recall letters after counting down with the numbers given
duration of LTM
Bahrick - tested 17-74 year olds on memory of classmates using photo recognition tests and free recall. The older they were, the less accurate they were
what is one criticism of millers 7 item theory?
studies have proven stm may not be as extensive as was thought
why is there not a fixed capacity figure?
because of individual differences - not everyone can hold the same amount of information. For example age can affect capacity.
how could STM test be seen as artificial?
because the activities do not reflect everyday memory activities - however it has some relevance (phone numbers and postcodes)
how does displacement criticise STM study?
because the retention interval was putting more numbers into the brain which was displacing the old information
