Unit 3 KA3 - memory

Question 1

define memory

Answer 1

the storage, retention + retrieval of info

Question 2

define memories

Answer 2

past experiences, knowledge + thoughts

Question 3

what does all info entering the brain pass through? (a + b)

Answer 3

the sensory memory and short term memory

Question 4

what happens to info after passing through a + b?

Answer 4

is then transferred to long term memory or is discarded

Question 5

what is the role of sensory memory?

Answer 5

retains all visual + auditory stimuli from the environment but only for a few seconds

Question 6

give three facts about the STM

Answer 6

• only selected images + sounds are encoded into STM
• only holds a limited amount of info for a short time
• can also process data, to a limited extent, as well as store it

Question 7

define memory span

Answer 7

the limited retention and capacity of short term memory

Question 8

what 4 things can happen to the info in the STM ?

Answer 8

• processed
• transferred to LTM
• lost by displacement
• lost by decay (fades away if not accessed)

Question 9

describe the serial position effect?

Answer 9

• recall is best for items shown at the end of the test, followed by items shown at the start
• items shown in the middle of the test are poorly remembered
• this is due the items at the beginning of the test being transferred into the LTM by rehearsal, + items at the end are still held in the STM
• those in the middle have been lost from STM by displacement and decay

Question 10

describe the memorising technique

Answer 10

• repeating info over and over again in order to memorise
• this keeps info in the STM longer
• helps to transfer info from STM into LTM

Question 11

describe the chunking technique

Answer 11

when several units are put together to create one meaningful unit

Question 12

how can STM be improved?

Answer 12

chunking

Question 13

what is the memory span of LTM?

Answer 13

is thought to be able to hold on to an unlimited amount of info

Question 14

define encoding?

Answer 14

• the conversion of one or more nerve impulses into a form that can be received + held by the brain + retrieved later from the STM/LTM
• when items are organised into categories such as personal facts + useful skills
• then are then stored for a long time, perhaps permanently

Question 15

how can successful transfer of info from STM to LTM be promoted?

Answer 15

the encoding provided by rehearsal, organisation + elaboration of meaning

Question 16

describe the technique organisation

Answer 16

info that is organised into local categories is more easily encoded and transferred from the STM to LTM

Question 17

describe the elaboration of meaning technique

Answer 17

analysing the meaning of the item to be memorised + taking notes of the features + properties

Question 18

what is shallow encoding?

Answer 18

info encoded by rehearsal

Question 19

what is deeper encoding?

Answer 19

info encoded by associating with other info such as a meaning/linking it with previous memories e.g. elaboration

Question 20

how are items retrieved from the LTM?

Answer 20

• a search is required to do so

- the search is aided by contextual cues (a reminder)

Question 21

what is the role of contextual cues?

Answer 21

• a reminder related to the time + place when the info was initially encoded into LTM
• enables the experience to be retrieved + recalled