Human Memory

Human Memory

1. Three Key Processes Involved in Memory: Encoding, Storage & Retrieval

   • Encoding is being able to form a memory code
     • Levels of Processing
       • Structural encoding is the shallow processing that emphasizes the physical structure of the items or words
       • Phonemic encoding is being able to figure out what a certain word or name sounds like
       • Semantic encoding is focus on the verbal input
         • Elaboration is being able to link other information with a stimulus and being able to encode at the same time
     • Imagery is the creation of being able to turn word into images through encoding
     • Self-referent encoding is being able to turn what you want to remember into something personal to be able to remeber it.
   • Storage
     • Memory stages: sensory memory, short-term memory (STM) & long-term memory (LTM)
       • Sensory memory preserves information for a short time in the original sensory method
       • Short term memory is only allowing information to be stored for about 20 seconds without being rehearsed
         • Rehearsal is being able to repeat information over and over again to be able to remember it.
         • George Miller (1956) "The Magical Number Seven, Plus or Minus Two
         • Chunking information is being able to put certain information that is given to you in one whole group, and then your taking it into group that you would remember
       • Long term memory is being able to store information for long periods of time
         • Flashbulb is suddenly being able to remember an event that happened before and is very detailed
     • Clustering is being able to remember items in group & conceptual hierarchy is a level system for items that are being stored
     • Schemas is an organized cluster of knowledge about a certain object
     • Semantic Networking is being able to map information in mind mapping ways
   • Retrieval
     • The tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon is where you remember something but cant quite figure out what it is at that exact moment
     • Recalling information is being able to remember information about a certain time and then being flooded with information
     • The misinformation effect occurs when participants recall an event they witnessed is altered by introducing misleading information

2. Forgetting

   • The forgetting curve graphs retention and forgetting over time
   • Forgetting is measure precisely through retention, recall & recognition
   • When we forget we go through ineffective encoding, decay, interference and retrieval failure
   • The seven sins of memory are: transience, absentmindedness, blocking, misattribution, suggestibility, bias, & persistence

3. The physiology of Memory

   • Retrograde amnesia is lossing the memory of certain events prior to the amnesia
   • Anterograde amnesia is lossing the memory of certain events after the amnesia

4. Systems and Types of Memory

   • Implicit memory vs Explicit memory.
   • Declarative vs. Procedual Memory
   • Semantic vs. Episodic Memory
   • Prospective vs. Retrospective Memory