What is memory and sensory memory

parallel distributed processing model

focuses on simultaneous processing of information across multiple neural networks

levels of processing model

focuses on the depth of processing associated with specific information, deeper processing associated with longer retention

information processing model

focuses on the way information is processed through different stages of memory

types of sensory memory

iconic (visual) and echoic (auditory)

duration of echoic memory

lasts longer than iconic; about 2 to4 seconds

eidetic imagery

the ability to access a visual memory for 30 seconds or more

Retrieval

the process of bringing to mind information that has been previously encoded and stored

Storage

the process of retaining encoded information over time

Encoding

the set of mental operations that people perform on sensory information to convert that information into a form that is usable in the brain's storage systems

Ionic sensory memory

visual memory that only last for a fraction of a second.

echoic memory

Brief memory of some thing a person has heard

Why is ionic memory useful if it only last a short time?

It helps the visual system to view surroundings as continuous is stable in spite of these saccadic movements. It also allows enough time for the brain system to decide if the information is important enough to be brought into the consciousness.

Echoic memory limitation

It is limited to what can be heard at any one moment in a smaller than the capacity of iconic memory, also it last longer.

Why echoic memory useful?

It is very useful when a person wants to have a meaningful conversation with others, it allows the person to remember what someone said just long enough to recognize the meaning of a phrase.

Partial report method

Procedure used in Sperling's experiment on the properties of the visual icon, in which participants were instructed to report only some of the stimuli in a briefly presented display. A cue tone immediately after the display was extinguished indicated which part of the display to report.

sensory memory

The first stage of memory, The point at which information enters the nervous system through the sensory systems eyes, ears, and so on.

Memory

an active system that receives information from the senses, puts that information into a usable form, and organizes it as it stores it away, and then retrieves the information from storage