Q&A 1. (T) Introduction to memory

What is the meaning of acoustic encoding?

Acoustic encoding is the holding of sound information.

What is an output for the computer?

An output for a computer might be the product of a computer program, such as a printout of a document.

What kind of memories stay with us for a long time?

For example, personal experiences that are meaningful to our lives or skills we have learned, such as riding a bike, stay with us for a long time.

What is output for a human?

For humans, an output is a behaviour that is produced. Specifically for memory, the output is the stored information we retrieve (known as retrieval).

How does information input work for humans?

For humans, information from the environment around us is input via our senses.

How does imagining the brain like a computer help to understand it?

If you imagine the brain is like a computer, it is easier to understand how the brain processes information.

What does the brain do which is just like a computer?

Just like a computer, the brain produces an output.

What happens when it has been encoded?

Once encoded, the memory system can store the memory trace for a few seconds or an entire lifetime.

Which kind of memories are needed for as long as they are useful?

Other memories are just stored for as long as they are useful, such as remembering what we need to buy from a shop that day.

What is the meaning of Semantic encoding?

Semantic encoding is holding the meaning of information.

When do we have to put in a lot of effort to remember?

Sometimes we have to put a lot of effort into remembering information, such as when we revise for an exam.

What does the brain pay attention to?

The brain pays attention to the important information and makes decisions based on it.

How does the brain process information?

The brain processes the information we receive from our senses.

What are the five main senses?

The five main (or principle) senses are sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell.

What are the three ways of encoding information to be used by our memory system?

There are three ways of encoding information to be used by our memory system, acoustic encoding, visual encoding and semantic encoding.

How does the process work to store the information?

This process requires encoding the sensory input into an electrochemical memory trace that can be stored in the brain, similar to the coding of a computer.

Why are we different to a computer when it comes to memory?

Unlike a computer, we often have no conscious control over how long a memory is stored, but some memories stay with us longer than others.

What do we store?

We unconsciously or deliberately store some sensory information.

How is information inputted on a computer?

With a computer, information is input via a keyboard, camera or other external device.

What is the meaning of visual encoding?

visual encoding is the holding of images.