Memory

Memory

1. Defined as the processing, storage and retrieval of info acquired through learning

2. Storage: retention of information over time

3. Encoding: process of converting info into a usable form so that it can be represented and stored in memory

4. Retrieval: process of locating and recovering stored info from memory so that we are consciously aware of it

5. Atkinson- Shiffrin's multi-store model of memory

   • Sensory memory: Entry point of memory where new incoming sensory info is stored for a brief period
   • Iconic memory: Visual sensory memory
   • Echoic memory: Auditory sensory memory
   • STM
     • Maintenance rehearsal: repeating info over and over again so it can be retained in STM
     • Elaborative rehearsal: linking new info in a meaningful way with other info already stored in LTM
   • STM as working memory: where info is held and actively worked on
   • Serial position effect: Words that are recalled depend on their serial position (where the words are located on the list
     • Primacy effect: describes superior recall of items at the beginning of the list
     • Recency effect: Superior recall of items at the end of the list
   • Chunking: grouping separate info into a larger single unit or chunk of info
   • Describes memory as having 3 components

6. Baddeley and Hitch's model of working memory

   • Describes working memory
   • Phonological loop: temporarily stores a limited amount of verbal speech-like info for a brief time
   • Visuo-spatial sketchpad: temporarily stores a limited amount of visual and spatial for a brief time
   • The central executive: controls attention, integrates info from the phonological loop and the sketchpad as well as info retrieved from LTM
   • Episodic buffer: is a sub-system of working memory that enables different components of working memory to interact with LTM

7. Craik and lockhart's levels of processing framework

   • Level of depth at which info is processed during learning and determines how well it is stored in LTM
   • Shallow processing: Physical and perceptual features are analysed (colours, shapes)
   • Intermediate processing: stimulus is recognised and named (object is identified)
   • Deep processing: semantic and meaning characteristics (associations are made)
   • LTM
   • Declarative memory: Facts and events (explicit memory)
     • Semantic memory: facts
     • Episodic memory: Events
     • Explicit memory: when info can be consciously or intentionally retrieved (memory with awareness)
   • Procedural memory: Actions and skills (implicit memory)
     • Implicit memory: remembering something that does not require conscious or intentional retrieval (memory without awareness

8. Semantic network theory: proposes that info in LTM can be organised systematically (hierarchically structured) in the form of overlapping networks

   • Spreading activation: proposes that activating one node during retrieval from a semantic network increases the likelihood that associated nodes become activated