Memory

What this unit covers

The Memory unit sits in the Cognition and Learning strand of Psychology. Most of what is listed follows the classic topics: how memory is coded, how much it holds and how long it lasts, the models that explain it, why we forget, and how reliable eyewitnesses are.

Where to start

Begin with the mind map Memory- multi-store model. It lays out the sensory stores, short-term memory, long-term memory, rehearsal and retrieval on one page. Then open the mind map Human Memory for the three basic processes: encoding, storage and retrieval.

Next, move to the structure of memory itself:

1. The flashcard deck Duration, Capacity and Encoding, which covers Peterson and Peterson (1959), Shepard (1967) and Bahrick et al. (1975).
2. The mind map Working Memory Model and the notes Evaluation of Working Memory Model.
3. The flashcard deck Memory full quiz, which asks about episodic and semantic memory.

Forgetting and eyewitness testimony

Once the models feel familiar, look at forgetting. There are mind maps on interference, retrieval failure and lack of consolidation. For eyewitness testimony, the flashcard decks Eyewitness Testimony and Loftus and Palmer (1974) cover the aims, participants and design of the study. The mind map on anxiety asks whether anxiety makes recall worse or better. The mind map The Cognitive Interview shows how testimony can be improved.

Using quizzes and maps together

Read a mind map first, then close it and take a quiz such as Working memory model or Multi-Store Model of Memory. Wherever you lose marks, go back to the matching map and read that branch again. For longer written answers, the notes Memory 16-marker Plans (AQA A Level Psychology) show how to outline a point and then discuss it.

Make it your own

Pick one topic from the list today, work through its map and quiz, then build a short set of flashcards in your own words to keep it fresh.