Memory
the storage and retrieval of information acquired through learning
Encoding
the process of converting information into a usable form or 'code' so that it can enter and be stored in memory
Storage
the retention (remembering) of information over time
Retrieval
the process of locating and recovering stored information from memory so that we are consciously aware of it
Model
used to represent, describe, and explain memory and its components and processes
Atkinson-Shiffrin Multi-Store Model
the model model, the flow of information moves in stages through each component of memory (sensory register, short term store, long-term store)
Sensory Store
Atkinson-Shiffrin Multi-Store Model
"entry point for all new information into memory from the external environment", any information in the sensory register that
is
attended to is transferred to the short term store. sensory information
not
attended to, i
Short-Term Store
Atkinson-Shiffrin Multi-Store Model
"temporary working memory in which we manipulate information that is held to perform everyday functions", it receives inputs of information from the sensory register and retrieves information for use from the long-term
Long-Term Store
Atkinson-Shiffrin Multi-Store Model
"relatively permanent information in a highly organised way and having an essentially unlimited capacity", information here does not decay and can last up to a lifetime. if we are unable to retrieve sough after informat
Structural Features of A-S MSM
permanent, built in fixed features of memory that do not vary from one situation to another. (function, duration, capacity, length of short term store, long term store, sensory register)
Controlled Processes of A-S MSM
information selected and used by reach individual and may vary across different situation under 'control' of the individual. (attention, rehearsal, 'search strategy'.
Limitations of the A-S MSM
information from the environment does not simply 'flow' into a sensory register, then short term store then long term store. short term store is a much more complex system: consists of a number of separate interacting components or sub-systems that proces
Sensory Memory
the entry point of memory where new incoming sensory information is stored for a brief period of time", it stores sensory information long enough for each impression to slightly over lap the next (therefore our world is continuous). info remains long eno
Iconic Memory
visual sensory memory; the brief sensory memory for incoming visual information" duration: 1/3 second. allows us to see moving images.
Echoic Memory
auditory sensory memory; brief sensory memory for incoming auditory information". retains speech, barking of dog, sirens. the sounds linger like and 'echo'. duration: 3-4 seconds
Short-term Memory
a memory system with a limited storage capacity in which information is stored for a relatively short period (less than sensory memory) unless renewed in some way", information here is stored in terms of physical qualities (we we saw, did, heard, tasted)
Working Memory
used to emphasise the active part of memory where information we are consciously aware of is actively worked on in a variety of ways. (use info from LTM and Sensory memory combined, to perform all kinds of mental processes -> language, feelings, emotions)
Decay
a way which information can be lost from the STM. By not being used
Displacement
a way which information can be lost form the STM. By being pushed out by new information
Chunking Information
the grouping or packing of separate bits of information into a larger single unit 'chunk' of information. (eg. phone number 9771-2998)
Rehearsal
the process of consciously manipulating information to keep it in STM, transfer it to LTM or to aid storage and retrieval
Maintenance Rehearsal
repeating the information being remembered over and over again so that the information can be retained (maintained) in STM. Repitition of words, auditory information, 'mental maps' (words and sounds; VOCALLY: repeat info out loud, SUBVOCALLY: silently rep
Elaborative Rehearsal
the process of linking new information in a meaningful way with other new information or information already stored in LTM to aid storage and retrieval from LTM. When we relate new information to personal experiences and our own personal situation in some
C&H levels of processing framework
proposes that the level or 'depth' at which we process information during learning determines how well it is stored in the LTM. Memories are best encoded, organised and stored in LTM by meaning (elaborative rehearsal) LIMITATION: difficult to quantify/mea
Structural Encoding
shallow processing on a superficial, perceptual level, focusing on the physical attributes or appearance of the information. eg: visual appearance
Acoustic Encoding
Retention of stimuli according to what is sounds like, moderate level of processing eg: rhymes with....
Semantic Encoding
Attaching meaningful associations in order to understand the items to be remembered, deepest level of processing.
Shallow Processing
the colours, shapes and patterns that make up the physical appearance of an object is detected (physical & perceptual features are analysed)
Intermediate Processing
the object is identified (stimulus recognised and named)
Deep Processing
Associations with stimulus are made; relating personal experiences with the stimulus (semantic, meaningful characteristics are used)
B&H model of working memory
describes the structure and function of working memory in terms of three components called the phonological loop, visuo-spatial sketchpad and the central executive. These components function independently but are able to interact
Phonological Loop
Temporarily stores a limited amount of verbal speech-like information such as the sounds of the words, for a brief period of time. 2 components: Phonological store- acts as an 'inner ear' which can hold auditory memory traces of acoustic or speech-based m
Visuo-Spatial Sketchpad
Temporarily stores a limited amount of visual (features of image) and spatial (visual location of objects) information for a brief period of time. "mental workspace for storing and manipulating spatial information
Central Executive
Controls attention (controls and directs our attention to asks we are doing); integrates information from the phonological loop and visuo-spatial sketchpad, as well as information retrieved from LTM; and coordinates the flow of information between working
Episodic Buffer
A subsystem of working memory that enables the different components of working memory to interact with LTM. holds about 4 chunks of info, name comes from temporarily 'pulling together' separate streams of info from STM and LTM and combining, information c
Long Term Memory
relatively permanent memory system that holds vast amounts of information for a long time, possibly indefinitely. Primarily interacts with STM, information here in inactive and we are not consciously aware of it unless we retrieve it. We can use retrieval
Procedural Memory (implicit memory)
the memory of actions and skills that have been learned previously and involves knowing 'how to do something'. information can be retrieved through performance rather than intentional conscious recall or recognition. actions are difficult to put into word
Declarative Memory (explicit memory)
the memory of specific facts or events that can be brought into conscious awareness and explicitly stated (unless retrieval fails). eg: date of birthday, facts learnt in psych
Episodic Memory
the declarative memory of specific events or personal experiences. details of the time, place and the psychological and physiological state of the person when the event occurred. eg: what did you do for your 16th birthday.
Semantic Memory
the declarative memory system that stores the information we have about the world. it includes our specialist knowledge and facts. these memories involve facts which do not seem to depend on a particular time or place but are simply facts. eg: humans are
Semantic Network Theory
proposes that information in LTM is organised systematically (hierarchically structured) in the form of overlapping networks of concepts that are interconnected and interrelated by meaningful links
Node
a concept (used in semantic network theory)
Serial position effect
free recall is better for items at the end & beginning of the list than for items in the middle of the list. best at END, then START then MIDDLE. Because: first items (after rehearsal and more attention) are in LTM, last items are in STM.
Primacy effect
superior recall of items at beginning of the list
Recency effect
superior recall of items at the end of the list
Neural Basis of Memory
memories are stored throughout the brain and are linked together through neural tracts/pathways (memory circuits) consisting of interconnected neurons
Hippocampus
memory formation area where the brain temporarily holds and processes information to be remembered", we have 2 of these, one in the lower region of the temporal lobe of each hemisphere. important role encoding new declarative explicit memories (semantic
Medial temporal lobe
middle of the temporal lobe; the temporal includes hippocampus, amygdala and other cortical issue. involved in forming new long term memories but are not a storage site for existing long term memories NOT INVOLVED IN STM
Amygdala
Limbic system component associated with emotion, particularly fear and anger
Consolidation Theory
proposes that structural or 'physical' changes to the neurons in the brain occur when something new is being learned, and immediately following learning
Reconsolidation
after a memory is activated and retrieved from LTM, it needs to be consolidated again in order to be stored back in LTM.
Brain Trauma
'umbrella term' used to refer to any brain damage that impairs, or interferes with, the normal functioning of the brain, either temporarily or permanently. (ORGANIC CAUSE OF FORGETTING)
Inflicted Brain Injury
intentional blow to the head or by violent shaking of the head sufficient to rupture veins or cause some other kind of injury
Acquired Brain Injury
brain damage due to an injury after birth cause by an accident, a stroke, brain infection, long term alcoholism, drug abuse, brain surgery or by a neurodegenerative disease (Alzhemiers)
Amnesia
loss of memory, either partial or complete, temporary or permanent (ORGANIC CAUSE OF FORGETTING)
Anterograde Amnesia
loss of memory only for information or events experienced
after
the person sustains brain damage" memories prior to the damage generally still remains, difficulty learning new information
Korsakoff's Syndrome
a neurodegenerative disease involving severe memory disorders associated with damage to brain structures and areas involved in memory such as the hippocampus and thalamus. occurs mainly in alcoholics (from thiamine deficiency). Hard for researchers to det
Retrograde Amnesia
affects memory for information or events experienced before the person sustains the damage. usually of the temporary nature; typically memory for the period immediately before the accident is never recovered
Dementia
umbrella term used to describe a variety of symptoms of a large group of illnesses or neurodegenerative diseases that cause a progressive decline in a person's mental functioning. Common symptoms: memory loss, poor social skills, abnormal emotional reacti
Alzheimer's Disease
type of dementia
a neurodegenerative disease characterised by the gradual widespread degeneration of brain neurons, causing memory loss, a decline in cognitive and social skills and personality changes. Affects hippocampus, temporal lobe and parietal lobe
Phonological memory store
Component of phonological loop
acts as an 'inner ear' which can hold auditory memory traces of acoustic or speech-based material (material is subject to rapid decay, lasts up to 1.5-2 seconds) unless main tainted through 2nd sub-component
Articulatory sub-vocal rehearsal
Component of phonological loop
acts as an 'inner voice' reviving the memory traces by repeating the series of words (or other speech elements) on a loop to prevent them from decaying.
Organic Amnesia
refers to the partial or complete loss of memory due to physiological factors
Self referencing effect
relating new information to personal experiences