Memory

Memory

1. Multi-store explanation of memory processes

   • The Multi-store explanation of memory is a concept that suggests that information passes through a series of several memory stores
     • The sensory store holds information from the senses for a very short period of time and fades away if not used
     • The short-term store holds approximately seven chunks of information for about a minute or so
     • The long-term store holds a vast amount of information for a very long period of time
   • Peterson and Peterson wanted to see if rehearsal was necessary to hold information in the short-term store. They gave participants sets of three letters to remember (e.g. GYK MTW), then they were immediately asked to count backwards in threes out loud for different lengths of time. This was done to prevent rehearsal. Participants were then asked to recall the letters in the correct order. The experiment resulted in the participants forgetting virtually all of the information after 18 seconds. It was then concluded that we cannot hold information in the short-term store unless we can rehearse it.
     • The study lacks ecological validity as you are unlikely to be asked to remember useless information such as the sets of three letters. Not everything has to be rehearsed. Many everyday things are easily remembered. Also, saying something over and over again doesn't always necessarily help you remember it

2. Flow of information in memory

   • Putting information into the brain is called encoding
   • Keeping information in the brain is called storage
   • Bringing information back out of the brain is called retrieval