Memory Models and Processes

Flashcards for memory lecture review.

Major Models of Memory

Two key memory theories: Multistore Model and Levels-of-Processing Model.

Multistore Model

Atkinson & Shiffrin's memory model proposing three systems: Sensory Memory, Short-Term Memory (STM), and Long-Term Memory (LTM).

Levels-of-Processing Model

Craik & Lockhart's memory model focusing on depth of processing rather than distinct memory stores.

Sensory Memory

The first system for incoming information; brief duration (around 1 second); visual (iconic) or auditory (echoic).

Sperling’s Experiment

Experiment showing sensory memory holds more than we can verbalize quickly by flashing symbols for 50 milliseconds.

Iconic Memory

Visual sensory memory; holds up to 12 items but is short-lived.

Duration and Output Interference

If a tone cue is delayed, recalling some items interferes with remembering others.

Backward Masking

A second stimulus in the same location erases the previous one.

Short-Term Memory (STM)

Holds small amounts of info briefly (20–30 seconds); capacity: about 7 ± 2 items; encodes info mostly by sound; transfers info to LTM via rehearsal.

Chunking in STM

Grouping info to boost capacity in STM. Example: 0918-123-4567

Rehearsal

Repeating a definition aloud until it sticks.

Long-Term Memory (LTM)

Storing information for long periods—possibly forever; capacity: practically unlimited; holds concepts, facts, procedures, and life events.

Penfield’s Brain Stimulation Findings

Patients recalled vivid childhood memories when the cortex was stimulated, suggesting LTM may be permanent.

Example of Long-Term Memory

Remembering graduation day years later.

Recognition

Easier than recall; example: multiple choice questions.

Permastore Memory

Very long-term memory for well-learned or frequently used info, including math skills, language knowledge and learned info.

Levels-of-Processing (LOP) Model

Memory strength depends on how deeply info is processed; focus is on depth, not stores.

Shallow Processing

Surface-level processing (e.g., appearance).

Intermediate Processing

Sound-based processing (e.g., rhymes).

Deep Processing

Meaning-based processing (e.g., function or purpose).

Craik & Tulving’s Study

Participants remembered more when asked semantic (deep) questions.

Self-Reference Effect

Info related to yourself is easier to remember because we have rich mental structures (schemas) about ourselves.