First memory lecture

Fluid Dynamics

The study of fluids (liquids and gases) in motion and the forces acting on them.

Leaky Bucket Metaphor

A metaphor used to illustrate the concept of memory in which information enters memory and is lost over time, similar to a bucket leaking fluid.

First In, First Out (FIFO)

A principle indicating that the first items added to memory are the first ones to be lost.

Short Term Memory Capacity

According to George Miller, short term memory can hold about seven items, plus or minus two, often referred to as 'chunks'.

Chunking

The method of grouping information into larger, more manageable units to enhance memory retention.

Digit Span Task

A memory assessment task where a sequence of numbers is presented and the participant must recall the numbers in order.

Nonsense Syllables

Random combinations of letters without meaning used in memory studies to test recall capacity.

Serial Position Effect

The tendency to recall the first and last items in a list better than those in the middle.

Rehearsal Rate

The speed at which a person can mentally repeat information, affecting memory retention.

Decay Model of Forgetting

The theory that memories fade over time due to the passage of time without reinforcement.

Interference Theory

The idea that competing information in memory can hinder the ability to recall other information.

Brown-Peterson Task

A psychological experiment designed to test short term memory retention by introducing a delay and preventing rehearsal.

Cognitive Capacity

The total amount of mental processing power and resources available to an individual for tasks such as memory.

Ericsson and Chase Study

Research demonstrating that memory capacity can be improved through effective chunking strategies.

Long Term Memory

The phase of memory responsible for storing information for extended periods, with seemingly unlimited capacity.

Acoustic Encoding

The process of converting information into a format based on sound, commonly used in short term memory.