Topic 2.5

Sensory Memory

Briefly stores incoming sensory information.

Short-Term Memory (STM)

Temporarily holds a limited amount of information.

Working Memory

Temporarily holds and actively processes information.

Long-Term Memory (LTM)

Stores information for extended periods, potentially a lifetime.

Sensory Memory Duration

Extremely brief; usually fractions of a second to a few seconds.

Short-Term Memory Duration

Approximately 20–30 seconds without rehearsal.

Short-Term Memory Capacity

Traditionally about 7 ± 2 items (Miller's estimate).

Long-Term Memory Capacity

Essentially unlimited.

Working Memory vs. Short-Term Memory

Working memory actively processes information; STM temporarily stores it.

Maintenance Rehearsal

Repeating information to keep it in short-term memory.

Elaborative Rehearsal

Connecting new information to existing knowledge to improve long-term retention.

Autobiographical Memory

Memory of personal life experiences and events.

Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory (HSAM)

An unusually strong ability to recall personal experiences and specific dates.

HSAM Limitation

Does not mean someone has perfect memory for all information.

Amnesia

Loss or impairment of memory, often caused by brain damage.

Retrograde Amnesia

Inability to recall memories formed before an injury or event.

Anterograde Amnesia

Difficulty forming new long-term memories after an injury or event.

Retrograde vs. Anterograde Amnesia

Retrograde affects past memories; anterograde affects formation of new memories.

Alzheimer's Disease

A progressive brain disorder that damages memory and cognitive functioning.

Alzheimer's and the Hippocampus

Alzheimer's can damage the hippocampus, impairing new memory formation.

Infantile Amnesia

Inability to recall most autobiographical experiences from early childhood.

Infantile Amnesia Age Range

Most people have few accessible memories from before approximately ages 3–4.

Infantile Amnesia and Learning

Infants can form memories even though adults usually cannot recall those early experiences.

Hippocampus

Brain structure important for forming new explicit memories.

Clive Wearing

A famous amnesia case demonstrating severe difficulty forming new lasting memories.

George Miller

Psychologist associated with the 7 ± 2 estimate of short-term memory capacity.