PYSCH 2010 - Chapter 8 - Memory

Clemson, PSYCH 2010, Section 7, Mary Taylor

Information-Processing Model

Looks at the broad phases involved in learning & memory, which are encoding, storage, and retrieval

Encoding

Retranslate information so it can be stored

Storage

Information must be related to an existing or new framework to be permanently stored

Retrieval

Getting information out or memory

Stage or “Three Box” Theory

Information passes through three phases (Sensory, Short Term, & Long Term) or “boxes” of memory storage

Sensory Memory

Stage 1, 2 types; Iconic and Echoic. These types of memory are fleeting and are less than a second

Iconic

Type of sensory memory, visual

Echoic

Type of sensory memory, auditory

Short Term Memory

Stage 2, also known as Working Memory, 15 to 25 seconds

Long Term Memory

Stage 3, lasts for years

Serial Position Effect

An error in Short Term Memory. You remember info at the beginning and end of a segment better than info in the middle

Von Restorff Effect

An error in Short Term Memory. Distinctive Information is remembered better than more common information

Deja Vu

An error in Short Term Memory. A False sense of having an experience, or being exposed to information before when have not experienced it/been exposed to it

Chunking

Combining information into units to get around Short Term Memory.

Levels of Processing Theory

The way you work with, or process information determines memory. The deeper the processing the better and more elaborate is your memory. Levels: shallow, intermediate, and deep

Shallow

Processing simple features

Intermediate

More in depth descriptive information

Deep

More effortful a detailed

Maintenance Rehearsal

Simply repeating information, shallow or at most intermediate. Can keep simple info in memory

Elaborate Rehearsal

More effortful, more detailed analysis of information. Deeper level of processing

Parallel Distributed Processing Model

Assumes we actively anticipate information, looks at integration of information at a microanalytic level, looks at new neuronal connections as a way memory is strengthened, purports that we process a great deal of information simultaneously

Theories of Forgetting

Interference Theory & Decay Theory

Interference Theory

Information isn’t lost, it’s that older or newer information interferes with retrieval

Decay Theory

Assumes information is lost due to lack of use and passage of time

Reconstructive Memory

We reconstruct Information from memory, so it makes sense. This process in unconscious and is subject to error

Eyewitness Memory

Not reliable and is subject to change. Very easy to manipulate, especially in children. Confidence in memory in unrelated to accuracy

Spacing Effect

Distributing study over time to remember things better

Cognitive Map

An internalized map

Flashback Memory

An intense and clear memory of a significant event

Mood Congruent Memory

The fact that our memory is better when the mood we are in during recall matches the mood we were in when we learned the information

Biology of Memory: Short Term Memory

Increase in neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine but no structure changes

Long Term Memory 2

Structural changes at the level of the neuron (dendrites become more elaborate & connections are more complex)

Hippocampus

Critical in the ability to transfer information from short term memory to long term memory

Retrograde Amnesia

Loss of memory before an event

Anterograde Amnesia

Loss of memory after an event