Chapter 5 - Memory

Definition of memory

A cognitive system that processes, encodes, and stores the information we learn and later allows us to retrieve it

Sensory memory:

Briefly holds information awaiting entry into working memory Sensory images; no meaningful encoding Holds twelve to sixteen items Lasts from one-quarter of a second to a few seconds Separate sensory registers for each sense

Components of working Memory:

Central executive: directs attention to input Phonological loop: temporarily stores sounds Sketchpad: stores/manipulates visual images Episodic buffer: helps to remember events

How do we form memories?

Each of the three memory stages encodes and stores memories in a different way, but all three work together to transform sensory experience into a lasting record that has a pattern of meaning.

Memory's three basic tasks:

Encoding, storage, access and retrieval.

Subdivisions of declarative memory:

Episodic Memory Stores personal events, or "episodes" Semantic Memory Stores general knowledge, including meanings of words and concepts

What is memory?

Human memory is an information-processing system that works constructively to encode, store, and retrieve information.

Metaphors for memory:

Human memory is not like a video recorder. Human memory is an interpretive system, much like an artist. Reconstructive process Unique "perception" of events Information undergoes systematic changes as it is processed.

Types of rehearsal in Working Memory: Elaborative Rehearsal

Information is actively reviewed and related to information already in LTM.

Types of rehearsal in Working Memory: Maintenance rehearsal:

Information is repeated or reviewed to keep it from fading.

Information that is more ____ connected to ____ terms in ____ will be better remembered.

Information that is more thoroughly connected to meaningful terms in LTM will be better remembered.

Working memory:

Involved in control of attention Attaches meaning to stimulation Makes associations among ideas and events Encodes information with meaning for long-term storage Capacity of 7 + or - 2 chunks of information Information stored for about twenty seconds in duration Rehearsal leads to longer duration Acoustic encoding

Long term memory:

Long-term storage of information Meaningful mental categories Unlimited capacity Unlimited duration

Human memory is good at remembering information:

On which attention is focused In which we are interested That arouses us emotionally That fits with our previous experiences That we rehearse

Encoding and Storage in Working Memory: Chunking

Organizing pieces of information into a smaller number of meaningful units

Types of information in long term memory: Procedural and Declarative memory

Procedural Memory Stores memories for how things are done Declarative Memory Stores explicit information; Includes episodic and semantic memory

Why do psychologists believe that happens to memory in sensory memory stage?

Psychologists believe that, in this stage, memory images take the form of neural activity in the sense organs

Storage:

Retention of encoded material over time

Encoding:

Select stimulus from vast array of input. Modification of the information to fit the preferred format for the memory system

Three stages of memory:

Sensory memory, working memory, long-term memory

Access and retrieval

The location and recovery of information from memory

Multiple Sensory Stores: Visual stimulation: Auditory stimulation Tactile stimulation Olfactory stimulation Gustatory stimulation

VS: Iconic memory AS: Echoic memory TS: Tactile sensory memory OS: olfactory sensory memory GS: Gustatory sensory memory