Memory

Memory

1. Key Concepts

   • Information processing: Processed through number of stages
   • Input>Encoding>Storage>Retrieval>Output

2. Core Study: Terry

   • Limitations
     • Laboratory experiment: Lacks ecological validity: The setting was artifical, not considering distractions.
       • Experiments often lack construct validity: It is artificial to make all the commercials the same length and 10 moths old.
         • Participants knew they were being experimented therefore they may have tried to get the results wanted by Terry,
   • Test people's memory for TV Adverts.
     • Repeated measures design. 39 students took part.
       • Conclusion: Serial position affected the experiment.

3. Core Theory: Multi-store Model

   • Critiscms
     • Model too rigid: Assumes everyone has the same memory
       • Model over simplifies STM & LTM: STM can deal with multiple inputs/ different types of stores
         • Model over-emphasises the role of rehearsal: We don't rehearse smells/tastes like we would a phone number.
   • Memory is made up of a number of separate districts.
     • Main stores: Short & Long term
       • If we don't not pay attention to the information in the sensory store; it simply decays.
         • STM has a limited capacity and du ration, Information is often displaced if space runs out

4. Alternative Theory: Levels of processing

   • Different levels of processing:
     • Shallow processing: Noticing a colour, male/female voice - Less likely to recall it
       • Deep processing: Thinking about a piece of writing or trying to understand what someone is saying.

5. Applications: Memory Aids

   • Use of cues help to trigger the memory, e.g: policeman recalls past events to help retrieve information for a witness.
     • Cues for colour-coding, rhyme smell help to trigger information stored in the brain.