The Memory System

Question 1

The working memory - central executive

Answer 1

• overall control over all the information entering and leaving the working memory.
• identifies which information should be sent to one of the sub-memory systems

Question 2

Phonological loop

Answer 2

• deal with the auditory information presented from the senses.
• has a phonological store and an articulatory system that helps it to produce a memory trace (fade if not rehearsed)
• memory trace sent to the LTM trigger a motor programme - produce movement

Question 3

The visuospatial sketchpad

Answer 3

• visual and spatial information
• stores kinaesthetic information about the feeling of moments

Question 4

Episodic buffer

Answer 4

• allows different parts of the working memory system to talk to each other
• produce sequences of info to send to the LTM, initiates a motor program
• gathers perceptual info

Question 5

Short term sensory store

Answer 5

• collets information entering the body via sensory system
• unlimited capacity
• can only retain information for up to a second (0.25-1 sec)

Question 6

Working memory (STM)

Answer 6

• WM recieves relevant info by selective attention
• has limited capacity 7+-2 items. Capacity = 30s

Question 7

Long term memory

Answer 7

• if skill is practised and rehearsed its transfers to the LTM, stored as motor program
• LTM has unlimited capacity, stores info for unlimited time

Question 8

Working memory and long term memory

Answer 8

• WM produces memory trace of current skill, which is compared to info in LTM
• LTM sends motor program to WM to use in the current situation - initiates the motor program

Question 9

Ensuring effective storage

Answer 9

Chunking - small groups of info remembered as one
Mental rehearsal - visualising the skill
Reinforcement/rewards
Fun expericnes - positive experience
Practise - overlearn
Linking - relate new info to stored info
Chaining - organised
Meaningful - understand relevance to performance