Modifying conceptions of memory 2

Modifying conceptions of memory 2

1. Norman and Brobrow suggested replacing serial processing models with a massively parallel system

   • parallel system contains large numbers of semi independent procedures
     • which analyse information in the data pool
     • and provide output to the same data pool
     • otherwise known as schemas
     • more active when new data enters the pool
     • compete to provide the best fit for the data

2. Norman and Bobrow's system

   • Presented a SEMI-FORMAL model of encoding and retrieval
     • a formal model is specified in mathematical / computational terms
     • assumes a SCHEMA-BASED representational system
   • inspired by problems solved by information storage systems
     • e.g. Dewey decimal system
     • suggests that 'memory' has more in common with problem solving behaviour
   • allows entities to be specified loosely or precisely
     • this is dependent on what is required to identify an entity
     • entities are encoded as descriptions
       • descriptions are constructed from schemas
         • the processes involved in producing descriptions are affected by a person's priorities and interests
           • and also the resulting degree of description specificity
         • descriptions saved in memory are memory records
           • the basic structural elements of memory
           • memory records provide complete output, or no output
     • perfect representation is not always required
   • DESCRIPTION
     • SCHEMA (prototype)
       • PERSPECTIVE
         • Further Specification
           • provides more detail on the unique entity features, by modifying or replacing schema slots
         • selection of appropriate perspective
           • relevant schema fields activated, this determines the represented perspective
       • selection of appropriate schema

3. 4 processes underlying retrieval from memory

   • Retrieval specification
     • Purposes
       • Needs
         • Partial description
           • Perceptual descriptions
       • what we know about what we want to retrieve, forms the retrieval specification
     • Target description
       • Verification criteria
         • against which memory record contents are judged
       • similar structure to descriptins
     • Matching
       • Target descriptions
         • matching is the process of matching-up the target description to the memory record
           • connectionist (neural network) research gives insight into the actual mechanisms that are involved
       • Memory records
       • Evaluation
         • Verification criteria
           • Memory records
             • each memory record from the matching process is assessed and evaluated to determine if it is the memory record that was searched for
           • evaluation process may obtain more information via memory retrieval, in order to complete its operation
         • Success or failure
           • success --> terminate
           • failure --> diagnose
         • Failure diagnosis
           • Information from evaluation process
             • information output taken from evaluation process and a revised retrieval specification is constructed
               • further information from memory, so may cause further memory retrieval
           • Revised retrieval specification
   • INPUT
   • OUTPUT
   • occurs repeatedly
     • including sub-task retrieval cycles
     • all retrieval processes can provide partial output until process termination
       • partial output can provide a basis for terminating or continuing the process