Memory: processes

Memory: processes

1. Information in working memory

   • Maintenance rehersal
     • Gets the information to stay in the working memory
     • By repetition
   • Encoding rehersal
     • Gets information into long-term memory
     • By elaboration
       • Thinking about the information
       • Giving it some logic
       • Tie information to already existing structures
       • Evidence: thinking about words +memorizing, even when no consciously trying to memorize
     • By organization
       • way of elaboration (needs understanding and promotes logic links)
       • chunking
         • group information= less more meaningfull items
       • Long-term working memory
         • Organizing items according to usual patterns
         • A mastered ability
       • Hierarchical Organization

2. Memory consolidation

   • Gradual Long-term memory consolidation
     • Evidence: retrograde amnesia
     • Different mechanisms
       • New memories, more labile
       • Old memories, less fragile
   • Role of retrieval
     • new memories can be changed by retrieval
     • +retrieval, +consolidation
       • explanation: retrieved memories have more value
   • Role of sleep
     • Sleep after learning improves consolidation
     • Slow-wave sleep is most effective
     • Also improve the quality of the memory
       • Evidence: math problem solving after training and sleep