Unit 3 (K3) - Memory Flashcards
What are two forms of information that can enter the short term memory?
- Auditory
- Visual
How long is visual and auditory input received for?
A few seconds (between 0.5 to 2 seconds).
How much and for how long can the short-term memory retain information?
STM can hold 7 pieces of information for about 30 seconds.
What is displacement?
This is where items of information are lost due to new items entering the short term memory. May also be lost by decay.
Name 3 ways to increase the capacity of the short term memory
- Chunking
- Rehearsal
What is chunking?
This is where items of information are organised into smaller units or a chunk. for example, phone numbers.
What does rehearsal involve?
This is where information is repeated to yourself many times.
How does rehearsal increase the capacity of the STM?
It extends the period of time the information is held in the STM and increases the chance it will be transferred and encoded into LTM.
What is the serial position effect?
This is where the first few and last items from a string of facts are remembered best.
How are the first few items in a list of facts remembered more easily?
There has been more time to rehearse them and they have been transferred into the LTM.
How are the last few items in a list of facts remembered more easily?
They are still in the STM (recency effect).
What is working memory?
Working memory is an extension of the STM. It can process data while still held in the STM.
What capacity does STM have?
Limited capacity.
What capacity does the LTM have?
Unlimited capacity.
Name 3 things that help improve the transfer of information into the LTM
- Rehearsal
- Organisation
- Elaboration
How does organisation help improve the transfer of data into the LTM?
Allows information to be grouped and categorised in a way that is logical to the learner.
How does elaboration help improve the transfer of data into the LTM?
Gives information more detail to make it more meaningful and interesting. Therefore, making it easier to transfer into the LTM.
What is encoding?
This is the conversion of one or more nerve impulses into a form that can be received and held in the brain.
What can help aid the retrieval of information from the LTM?
Contextual clues.
What re contextual clues?
This is a signal or reminder relating to the conditions or circumstances that were present at the time and place when the information was encoded into the LTM.
What is an example of a contextual clue?
- Smell
- Photographs/mindmaps
