Studying Memory

• Memory
• Extremes of
memory
Studying Memory
Memory Models
i.Encoding - How we process
information into the memory system;
getting the information into our brain.
ii.Storage - The process of retaining
coded memory (information) over time.
iii.Retrieval – Getting the information
back out from memory storage.
Studying Memory
Memory Models
iv. Parallel processing – Processing many
aspects of a problem simultaneously; the
brain’s natural mode of information
processing for many functions.
v. Connectionism – Memories are products
of interconnected neural networks
Studying Memory
Memory Models:
Working Memory
• Atkinson and Shiffrin Theory
– Sensory memory - first step in the memory
system; Immediate, brief recording of sensory
information (sound, taste, touch, etc.)
– Short-term memory - retaining information;
gets stored briefly through the act of
“rehearsal”
– Long-term memory - relatively permanent;
Includes knowledge, skills, and experiences
Studying Memory
Working Memory – newer understanding of short term memory
1.Modified version of the three-stage processing model of
memory
2. Conscious, active processing of auditory and visual-spatial
information
3. Focuses attention and pulls information from long-term
memory
4. Connects new information to previously stored information.
Studying Memory
Memory Models:
Working Memory
Building Memories: Encoding
Dual-Track Memory: Effortful Versus
Automatic Processing
a.Explicit memory (declarative
memory) facts and experiences that
we can consciously know and declare
i. Explicit memories are encoded
through effortful processing: requires
attention and conscious effort
Building Memories: Encoding
Dual-Track Memory: Effortful Versus Automatic
Processing
b.implicit memory (non-declarative
memory): does not involve conscious
recollection
i. implicit memories are retrieved through
automatic processing
c. automatic processing: unconscious
encoding of incidental information such as
space, time, and frequency
Building Memories: Encoding
Dual-Track Memory: Automatic
Processing and Implicit Memories
• Automatic Processing
• Space
• Time
• Frequency
Building Memories: Encoding
Dual-Track Memory: Effortful
Processing and Explicit Memories
Sensory Memory – feeds our active working
memory, recording momentary images of
scenes or echoes of sounds.
a. Iconic memory: momentary sensory
memory of visual stimuli (a picture image)
b. Echoic memory: momentary sensory
memory of auditory stimuli; sounds and
words can be recalled within 3-4 seconds
Sensory Memory
Building Memories: Encoding
Dual-Track Memory: Effortful Processing and Explicit Memories:
Capacity of Short-Term and Working
Memory
• Magic Number Seven: Short-term memory
can retain about seven information bits +
or – 2 .
Building Memories: Encoding
Dual-Track Memory: Effortful Processing and Explicit Memories:
Effortful Processing Strategies

a. Chunking: organizing information into familiar,

manageable units; often occurs automatically
b. Mnemonics: memory aids
c. Visual imagery: a memory technique that involves
constructing mental images when learning new
information
d. Peg Word System: visual images that connect with a
to-be-remembered item.
e. Acronyms: i.e. HOMES for the Great Lakes (Huron,
Ontario, Michigan, Erie, Superior)
Effortful Processing Strategies Cont.
f.Hierarchies: concepts divided and subdivided into
narrower concepts and facts (like an outline)
g.Spacing effect: distributed study or practice over an
extended period of time; yields better long term
retention
h.Massed practice: short and focused study or practice;
ie cramming for a test
i.Distributed practice: spread out learning that
produces better long term recall
j.Testing effect: repeated self-testing leads to longer
retention than just re-reading or reviewing
Building Memories: Encoding
Dual-Track Memory: Effortful Processing and Explicit Memories:
Effortful Processing Strategies
• Chunking
Building Memories: Encoding
Dual-Track Memory: Effortful Processing and Explicit Memories:
Effortful Processing Strategies
• Chunking
Building Memories: Encoding
Dual-Track Memory: Effortful Processing and Explicit Memories:
Effortful Processing Strategies
• Chunking
Building Memories: Encoding
Dual-Track Memory: Effortful Processing and Explicit Memories:
Effortful Processing Strategies
• Chunking
Building Memories: Encoding
Dual-Track Memory: Effortful Processing and Explicit Memories:
Effortful Processing Strategies
• Chunking
Building Memories: Encoding
Dual-Track Memory: Effortful Processing and Explicit Memories:
Effortful Processing Strategies
• Chunking
Building Memories: Encoding
Dual-Track Memory: Effortful Processing and Explicit Memories:
Levels of Processing
• Shallow processing: encoding on
a basic level
• Deep processing: encoding
semantically, based on the
meaning of words; the deeper
and more meaningful processing,
the better the retention
Answer these questions as quickly as
possible.
Building Memories: Encoding
Dual-Track Memory: Effortful Processing and Explicit Memories:
Making Material Personally
Meaningful
• Making material meaningful needs to
have a personal connection or
understanding of the material.
• Self-reference effect: we tend to have
more memory retention when the
information meaningfully relate to
ourselves