U3KA3 Flashcards
Why are memories important?
To retrieve past experiences, knowledge and thoughts. It enables us to make sense of our environment and learn new skills or information.
How does a memory work?
Through encoding, storage and retrieval.
What does encoding mean?
A memory being converted into a form that the brain can process.
What does storage mean?
Storing a memory effectively in the brain.
What does retrieval mean?
A memory being accesible when required.
What is sensory memory?
Sensory information is processed.
Why is sensory memory useful?
Allows us to understand important sitmuli because majority of sensory information is not encoded into short term memory.
What does STM (short term memory) do?
STM has limited capacity, and holds information for a short time.
What happens if more items enter the STM?
Memories are displaced and forgotten.
What happens if items were held for too long at time in STM?
Memories decay and get forgotten.
How can chunking improve STM?
By involving grouping items as 1, instead of many (e,g phone numbers.)
What does working memory do?
Temporarily store and work with 2 or 3 bits of information to perform simple tasks (such as assembling, matching or calculating.)
What does LTM (long term memory do?)
Unlimited capacity and holds information for a long time. Information passed from STM to LTM.
How can you improve transfer of information from the STM to LTM?
Rehearsal, organisation and elaboration.
What is rehearsal?
Repeating information over and over. Results in a shallow form of encoding in the LTM that can easily decay.
