Memory

Memory

1. Three Processes

   • Registration - Input of information into memory
   • Storage - Retention of information
   • Retrieval - Recovery of stored information

2. Ultra Short-term Memory

   • Duration of up to two seconds
   • Used as a buffer, giving us time to attend to sensory input

3. Short-term Memory

   • Allows us to store information long enough to use it
   • Can store small amount of information at one time (5 - 9 items for 10 to 20 seconds)
   • Capacity of short-term memory can be enhanced by 'chunking'
   • Neuroplasticity refers to continual changes taking place in the brain as you experience the world around you

4. Long-term Memory

   • Capacity appears to be unlimited
   • Knowledge of physical world and objects within it and how these behave
   • Personal experiences
   • Beliefs about people, social norms, values etc
   • Motor programmes, problem-solving skils and plans achieving various activities
   • Abilities, such as language comprehension
   • Two types of long-term memory
     • Semantic Memory
       • Our store of general, factual knowledge about the world
       • Concepts
       • Rules
       • One's own language
       • Information not tied to where and when the knowledge was originally acquired
     • Episodic Memory
       • Memory of specific events, such as past experiences
       • Heavily influenced by a persons expectations of what should have happened
         • Two peoples recollection of the same event may differ

5. Motor Programmes

   • Task performed often enough becomes automatic
     • Required skills and actions are stored in long term memory
   • Ingrained routines that are established through practice
   • Reduce the load on central decision making

6. Situational Awareness

   • Result of attention, perception and judgement
   • Allows ability to make predictions of possible future states
   • Feedback improves situational awareness by informing of the accuracy of mental models

7. Information Processing Limitations

   • A small amount of data may be lost without being perceived
   • The brain can sometimes fill in gaps with information from personal knowledge or experience