Day 2 - Cognitive Psych memory Pt 1

Memory

an active system that

- receives information from the senses

- puts that information into a usable form

- organizes it as it stores it away

- then retrieves the information from storage

Encoding

- set of mental operations that convert information into a form that is usable in the brain’s storage systems

- transform what we perceive, think, or feel into an enduring memory

Storage

- holding on to information for some period of time

Retrieval

- getting information that is in storage into a form that can be used

- bringing into the conscious mind information that was previously stored

Automatic processing

– encoding details like time, space, frequency, and meaning of words

– usually done without conscious awareness e.g,. remembering WHEN you last studied

Effortful processing

– encoding of details that takes time and effort (i.e., rehearsal) e.g., remembering WHAT you last studied, learning new skills

Iconic encoding – encoding of images

- words that create a mental image, such as car, dog and book (concrete words) are easier to recall than words such as level, truth and value (abstract words)

Acoustic encoding – encoding of sounds

-words that help process an acoustic meaning.

Semantic encoding – encoding of words and their meanings

- most effective form of encoding

- attaching meaning to information makes it easier to recall

- involves a deeper level of processing

Shallow Processing

Physical and perceptual features are analyzed.

• The lines, angles, and contour that make up the physical appearance of an object, such as a car, are detected.

Intermediate Processing

Stimulus is recognized and labeled.

• The object is recognized as a car.

Deep Processing

Semantic, meaningful, symbolic characteristics are used.

• Association connected with car are brought to mind–you think about the Porsche or Ferrari you hope to buy or the fun you and your friends had on spring break when you drove a car to the beach.

Sensory memory (i.e., sensory register)

- capacity = large

- duration = very brief (0.5 – 4 seconds)

-The longer the delay, the greater the memory loss.

Short Term memory

- capacity = 7 + 2 bits of info (chunks)

- duration = 12-20 seconds (unless effort is made to store)

Maintenance rehearsal

• Repeating information to hold in short term memory long enough to use it

Elaborative rehearsal

• Chunking

• Imagery 

• Making meaningful connections

Primacy Effect

- information presented first is more likely to be remembered

- it receives more attention and rehearsal, allowing it to be transferred into long term memory.

Recency Effect

- information presented last is easily recalled because it is still actively held in working memory.