Types Of Memory

Question 1

Main types of memory

Answer 1

1. Sensory memory
2. Short term memory
3. Long term memory

Question 2

How does it fit together ?

Answer 2

Three stage memory model (Atkinson & Shiffrin, 1968)

Question 3

Sensory memory

Answer 3

The first system in the process of memory where information from the sense is encoded into sensory memory.

Speaks to raw information from the senses and is held for a very brief period of time

Question 4

Iconic sensory memory

Answer 4

A visual memory system that lasts for a fraction of a second.

Old information is kicked out by new information through a process called masking

Helps one view their surroundings as continuous and stable

Question 5

Echoic sensory memory

Answer 5

Auditory memory system that lasts 2-4 seconds

Has a smaller capacity than iconic memory but it lasts longer

You are able to remember what you heard long enough to recognise the meaning. It is useful in conversational settings.

Question 6

2. Short term memory

Answer 6

Sensory memory > short term memory

Temporary holding station that helps people keep track of things
E.g. counting

Question 7

Maintenance rehearsal

Answer 7

Continued attention paid to information, the attention paid is how the information enters short term memory (until rehearsal stops)

Question 8

Selective attention

Answer 8

Ability to focus on one stimulus among all other sensory inputs

It is through selective attention that information enters STM

Question 9

Model 1 (how does it enter STM? )

Answer 9

Broadbent’s filter model

Question 10

Broadbent’s filter model

Answer 10

Bottleneck theory - important stimulus will make it past the bottleneck to be consciously analysed in STM. Filter is based on the physical properties

Inputs > sensory buffer > filtering > short term memory

Question 11

Cocktail party effect

Answer 11

Area’s of the brain that are involved in selective attention working (unconscious)

• NB information (your name) just appeared because brain areas filter the information into your conscious awareness

Question 12

Model 2: Treisman’s attenuation theory

Answer 12

Stage 1: incoming stimuli in sensory memory are filtered based on physical properties. But unimportant information > attenuation of signal strength

Stage 2: stimuli that meet threshold of importance are processed. Important info is “ plucked” out of the attenuated incoming stimuli

Question 13

Working memory

Answer 13

An active system that processes and manipulates information from short term memory
Emphasises a wider role in cognition

Contents of working memory originate from sensory input but retrieved from long term memory

Question 14

What are the interrelated systems of working memory ?

Answer 14

1. Phonological loop
2. Visuospatial sketch pad
3. Episodic buffer
4. Central executive