psychology Paper 1- memory

what is memory?

the encoding, storage and retrieval of stored information

process of memory

how info flows through the memory system, information is first detected by senses then stored for later use, then retrieved when needed

encoding (input)

information taken from the senses and adapted into a form that can be stored in the brain

visual encoding

stored as mental imagery

acoustic encoding

an inner voice/ear

semantic encoding

knowledge of meaning

storage

how we store information in the physical neural structure of the brain, can be stored for a lifetime

retrieval (output)

retrieving info from the brains storage so it can be used

short term memory

info from the senses that are paid attention to. held for a short duration, about 18 seconds. is encoded acoustically

long term memory

information from the STM that is rehearsed. this rehearsal is either maintenance (repeated) or elaborative (given meaning)

episodic memory

memory of events and personal experiences you’ve had. can be recalled consciously and put into words

semantic memory

memory of facts and meanings of the world. can be consciously recalled and put into words

procedural memory

unconscious memories of how to do things such as riding a bike. hard to put into words