Studying and Building Memories Module 31

Memory

The persistence of learning over time through the storage and retrieval of information.

The memory process

Encoding (getting the info into our memory/brain), Storage (Maintaining/keeping it there), Retrieval (pulling it back out of our brains when needed).

Types of Memory

Sensory memory, Short-Term (working) memory, Long Term memory.

Multi-Store model

Environmental input—>sensory memory—>Short Term Memory—>Long Term Memory

Sensory Memory

The immediate, initial recording of sensory information int he memory system (stores for an instant, most goes unprocessed)

Short-Term Memory

aka. working memory, memory that holds a few items briefly for about 20-30 seconds before info is stored or forgotten. People can hold are seven digits (plus or minus two).

Working Memory

a newer understanding of short-term memory that focuses on conscious, active processing of incoming auditory and visual-spatial information, and of information retrieved from long-term memory.

Phonological Loop

A part of the working memory that hold and manipulates auditory information for a short time. (By repeating word or info again and again vocally or mentally the info can be passed into the LTM).

Visuospatial Sketchpad

A part of the working memory that holds information about visual appearance and spatial information. (Where you parked your car, route to school, etc.)

Long-Term Memory

The relatively permanent and limitless storehouse of the memory system. Includes knowledge, skills, and experiences.

Infantile Amnesia

Most people don’t remember much before the age of 3; memories that were not encoded verbally seem to get lost.

Flashbulb Memory

A clear moment of an emotionally significant moment or event.

Encoding

The processing of information into the memory system. (info must be encoded to get in LTM)

Two ways to encode information

Automatic processing and effortful processing.

Automatic Processing

Unconscious encoding of incidental information (Space, time, word meaning) Things can become automatic with practice.

Parallel distributed processing (PDP)

Memory processes happen at the same time

Effortful Processing

Encoding that requires attention and conscious effort. (Rehearsal is most common effortful processing technique).

Next-in-line Effect

We seldom remember what the person has just said or done if we are next.

Things to remember about encoding

Next-in-line effect, information minutes before sleep is seldom remembered, taped info played while asleep is registered by ears but we do not remember it.

Shallow Processing

encoding on a basic level, based on the strucutre of appearance of words (simple memorization without attaching meaning to it).

Deep processing

involves elaborative rehearsal or semantic encoding to provide greater meaning of understanding.

Semantic Encoding

the encoding of meaning, like the meaning of words. most effective

Phonemic Encoding

the encoding of sound, especially the sounds of words (sometimes called acoustic encoding)

Structural Encoding

involves using physical and visual characteristics to encode (words, appearance of words, font, whether they are long or short).

Mnemonic Devices

memory aids which help to organize. encode, and more easily retrieve info from long term memory.

Maintenance rehearsal

simply consciously thinking of or repeating the information over and over again in short term memory to encode it for storage in long term memory.

Elaborative rehearsal

attempting to make an association between new info you’re trying to learn and what you already know.

Method of Loci

A mnemonic device or technique in which a person visualizes the items they’re trying to learn in different spatial locations. Associate each place/room with a visual representation of the object to be remembered.

Hierarchies

Systems where individuals or concepts are ranked one above the other based on specific criteria.

Chunking

Organizing items into familiar, meaningful units.

Self-Reference Effect

The idea that we remember things when they are used to describe ourselves or when we can relate them to our lives.

Spacing Effect

We encode better when we study or practice over time. Distributed practice.

Testing Effect

enhanced retrieval if self-testing occurs rather than simply reading the info.

Hermann Ebbinhaus’ experiment

The amount of info remembered depends on the amount of time spent learning… even when dealing with effortful information. We have rapid forgetting for information for which we don’t have a context on which to build on.

Ebbinghaus’ Forgetting Curve

a hypothesis that describes how the brain’s ability to retain info decreases over time.