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schema theory, reliability of cognition and reconstructive memory
episodic memory is not photographic but instead a reconstructed reality. a schema is a mental representation which aids understanding and prediction. it is the way that we organise categories of information, influencing both our attention and learning. our schemas can change through 2 means : accommodation = changing our schemas based on new information. assimilation = adding information into an existing schema. we can often distort memories and events that do not coincide with our schemas (i.e. they are culturally foreign).
multi store model
one model of memory is the multi store model, which separates memory into 3 distinct sections : sensory, short term memory and long term memory. the model argues that when we are bombarded it’s sensory stimuli, we need to pay attention to it for it to be able to pass from the sensory store to our short term memory. if we then rehearse this information, it can be passed into the long term memory store. when we remember something, it is transferred back to short term memory from the long term memory. the short term store is said to have an average capacity of 7 while the long term story is unlimited memory.
working memory model
the working memory model is a model of memory developed from the multi store model. it argues that as long as we are using different short term stores, we should be able to multi task. the model includes : central executive = monitors the sub systems of processing and storage. phonological loop = auditory component, relating to articulary suppression.
think and decision making, rational vs intuitive and biases
one theory of decision making is the dual processing model. this encompasses 2 types of think : system 1 = automatic, fast, based on previous experiences and prone to errors. system 2 = slow, deliberate and effortful making it less prone to errors. as humans are cognitive misers, we often rely of mental shortcuts known as heuristics that engage in system 1 thinking to make decisions. one kind on heuristics are cognitive biases such as the anchoring bias; which states that our solutions are influenced by ‘anchors’, such as the first number in a sum.
emotion and cognition
the flashbulb memory theory argues that when a memory is created of an event that is both emotional and personal, the memory should be vivid, accurate and not prone to distortion. however this idea has been critiqued by saying that ALL memories are open to distortion due to our different schemas and mental representation, helping us to decide what pieces of information are valuable. studies such as neisser and harsch have combatted this idea, showing high emotive experiences o be more prone to distortion.
