What is Memory?
Ability to recall past events and learning; a system for storing, retaining, and retrieving previously learned information
What are the General Principles of Memory?
Memory is:
Selective – We remember certain things better than others
Subject to Interference – New or old information can interfere with recall
Organized – Information is stored in a structured way
What are the 3 Processes of Understanding Memory?
Encoding – Transforming information into a form the brain can store
Storage – Maintaining information over time
Retrieval – Accessing stored information when needed
What is the Information Processing Model of memory?
Information moves through three types of memory stores during encoding, storage, and retrieval:
Sensory Memory – Briefly holds incoming sensory information
Working (Short-Term) Memory – Actively processes and manipulates information
Long-Term Memory – Stores information for long periods
What is Parallel Distributed Processing (PDP)?
Theory of memory that states information is represented as patterns of activation across an entire network of neurons (rather than in one specific area)
Ex. “Apple” - images and things we think of.
What is Encoding?
Initial processing of a stimulus that creates a mental representation
Ex. Tree and its significance in childhood - need to encode to long-term
ENCODING: What is Sensory Memory?
Memory store that automatically holds large amounts of unprocessed information for short periods
Based on senses
ENCODING: What is Attention?
Directing mental effort toward specific features of the environment
ENCODING: What is Automatic Processing?
Encoding information with little or no conscious awareness or effort
Ex. Walking down street no effort, enough to not trip
ENCODING: What is Effortful Processing?
Encoding information through focused attention and conscious effort
Ex. Listening to a class lecture
ENCODING: What are 3 Elaboration codes in memory encoding?
Phonological, Visual & Semantic Code
Phonological - sound/music
Visual - lighting/performer
Semantic - lyrics
ENCODING: What are Mnemonic Devices?
Memory strategies (such as rhymes, formulas, acronyms, or catchphrases) that improve recall by linking new information with material already stored in long-term memory
Ex. YOLO
Storage
Process of maintaining or keeping information readily available
STORAGE: Short-Term Memory
Limited amount of information retained over a brief period of time
Ex. History test you don’t care about
STORAGE: Immediate Memory
Conscious thought
Ex. What you’re thinking
STORAGE: Working (Short-term) Memory
Storage holding current and retrieved information for short-term use
Ex. Counting backwards - ADHD - struggle with working memory
STORAGE: Memory Span
What is the duration and capacity?
STM is limited in duration (20–30 seconds) and capacity (the magical number 7 ± 2)
Magic number is 7 and anywhere between 5-9
STORAGE: Chunks
Hint - Managable
Manageable units of information that’s easily encoded, stored, and retrieved
STORAGE: Rehearsal
Process of verbalizing or thinking about information to keep it active
STORAGE: Maintenance Rehearsal
Hint - Reviewing
Repetitive review of information with little or no interpretation
STORAGE: Elaborative Rehearsal
Repetition plus analysis to add meaning and improve memory
STORAGE: Long-Term Memory
Hint - Unlimited
Permanent storage area with unlimited capacity
STORAGE: Neural Traces
Memories are stored in organized patterns; thoughts create pathways in the brain
More you trace, the stronger
LONG-TERM: Explicit Memory
Semantic, Delcarative, Episodic
Memory that a person is conscious or aware of
Ex. Birthday
