Topic 1 (cognitive approach) Flashcards
What processes does memory involve?
encoding, storing and retrieving information
State the types of memory:
a) Declarative (explicit):
1. Episodic: events / experiences
2. Semantic: facts / concepts
b) Procedural (implicit): how to do things, procedures, skills…
Explain how does the multi store memory model work
- Information from the environment enters sensory memory store through eyes, ears.
- Information stays in sensory store for a few seconds
- Some information (the one paid attention to) will continue to short time memory store. The short term memory has a limited capacity of 7+-2 items with a duration of no longer than 30 seconds.
Is information stored on shot term memory forever?
No, it has a limited capacity of 7+-2 items for around 30 seconds. If it is not rehearsed the information will be lost. If it is rehearsed it will pass to the long term memory store.
Explain the long term memory store
It is a vast warehouse of info believed to be of indefinite duration and unlimited capacity. The stored information will not be an exact replica and the memories may be distorted.
Evaluate the multi store memory model
This model presents the basic understanding of memory, encoding, storage and retrieval.
To this day this model is considered too simplistic, it is said that instead of rehearsal for STM to pass to STL there has to be an interaction between them that depends on previous stored knowledge and experiences.
State criticisms of the MSM
- It focuses on processes rather than on processes
- Rehersal is an oversimplification.
What is the working memory model
The working memory model is a more complex model that MSM which explains how people are able to do 2 tasks at the same time. It also explains how STM is more complex and how it links verbal and visual components together. It has 4 components.
Explain what is the central executive on WMM.
It decides which information is attended to. It has a limited store capacity and acts like a system that controls attentional processes.
What 2 main jobs does the central executive work at an attentional level.
- Automatic level: routine procedures
- Supervisory attentional level: planning and decision making
Explain what is the phonological loop and its components.
It is a store that stores a limited amount of speech-based sounds for brief periods. it has two components:
1. Articulatory control system: it is the inner voice, it is linked to speech production. It allows sub-vocal repetition of the items stored in the phonological store .
2. Phonological store: the inner ear, it is linked to speech perception, it allows acoustically coded items to be stored.
Explain what is the visuo-spatial sketchpad.
The inner eye, responsible for setting up and manipulating mental images. It is a temporary store for visual and spatial information from either sensory memory or LTM.
From sensory memory: it helps us keep track of where we are in relation to objects around us.
From LTM: it displays and manipulates visual and spatial information from the LTM.
What is the episodic buffer?
The episodic buffer is responsible for our conscious awareness, it integrates auditory and visual information together, as well as information from the LTM. It recalls material from LTM and integrates it into STM when working memory N
needs it.
Explain the evidence the WMM
It is supported by many experimental evidence, brain scans show how the brain uses different areas of it when performing verbal or visual tasks, which supports there are different parts of memory for both. So, there are more than one STM stores. It proves that we can multitask.
Explain the weaknesses of WMM
The role of central executive is unclear, and how various components of the model is unclear. It tells us a lot from STM but little about LTM. It does not explain memory distortion or the role of emotions in memory formation.
