Unit Three - Key Area 3 Flashcards
What does memory involve and include?
Memory involves encoding, storage and retrieval of information. Memory includes past experiences, knowledge and thoughts.
What does information entering the brain do?
All information entering the brain passes through sensory memory and enters short term (STM). Information is then either transferred to long-term memory (LTM) or is discarded.
What does sensory memory retain?
All the visual and auditory input received for a few seconds.
What are encoded into STM?
Images and sounds
Describe short term memory?
Only has limited capacity (5-9 items) and holds information for a short time.
What is chunking?
Chunking has the ability to increase the capacity of the short-term memory by grouping information or ‘chunking’
What happens if extra info is added to STM?
Items will be lost or displaced - due to short memory span
What is the serial position effect?
When trying to remember items in sequence or order, the serial position effect can be very important. It will show primacy and recency with items ‘middle items’ being lost.
How can items be maintained?
By rehearsal
How are items lost?
By displacement (by new info) or by decay (without rehearsal this happens).
Describe long term memory?
Long-term memory has unlimited capacity and holds information for a long time.
What are the three ways info is passed from STM to LTM?
Rehearsal (shallow form of encoding - repeating), elaboration (deeper form of encoding - improved retention/adding meaning to the info) or organisation (grouping info)
How is retrieval aided?
By the use of contextual cues relate to the time and place when the information was initially encoded into LTM.
