Structures of memory

Question 1

What is the multi store model of memory?

Answer 1

A model to represent how we encode and store memories: Sensory input - Short term memory - (with repetition and revision) Long term memory.

Question 2

Features of STM

Answer 2

Acoustically encoded, approx. 20-30 seconds, Small capacity - about 7 items

Question 3

Features of LTM

Answer 3

Semantically encoded, Has an infinite (theoretical) storage, pulls things out into short term memory to recall

Question 4

Describe Murdocks serial position study

Answer 4

Murdock did a lab based experiment on psychology students. He read them words, and then they were asked to recall the words. Words that were read out at the start and end were remembered significantly better than the ones in the middle. This is because of maintenance and rehearsal.

Question 5

Describe the primary Effect

Answer 5

The primary effect - Higher recall for the words first on the list

Question 6

Describe the recency effect

Answer 6

These were the words that were the most recent so they are remembered well.

Question 7

Bartlett’s War of the ghosts Study

Answer 7

Bartlett wanted to prove memories are reconstructed, and our own opinions and experiences effect the reconstruction. He showed participants a story, and then asked them to recall it over various time periods.

Question 8

Results of the War of the ghosts study

Answer 8

Each participant interpreted the story differently - changing the facts to fit within their own frames of reference. The story was shortened with omissions, Phrases were changed to language from the participants own culture eg: Canoes to boats.

Question 9

'’Effort after meaning’’

Answer 9

We make an attempt to focus on the meaning of what we interpret, and then make an ‘‘effort’’ to reconstruct the fragments we have recorded in more familiar terms.