Memory Stage (Chapter 7)

What are the three memory storehouses, in order?

Sensory memory → short-term/working memory → long-term memory.

What is sensory memory?

A very brief storage system that holds incoming sensory information, such as what we see, hear, or feel.

What is the capacity of sensory memory?

High; it briefly holds a large amount of sensory information.

How long does visual sensory memory last?

Iconic memory lasts about 1–2 seconds.

How long does auditory sensory memory last?

A few seconds; echoic memory may last about 3–4 seconds

What is iconic memory?

Sensory memory for visual information, such as a brief image of something you just saw.

What is echoic memory?

Sensory memory for auditory information, such as briefly remembering the sound of someone speaking.

What is short-term memory?

A system that briefly stores a limited amount of information for immediate use.

What is working memory?

A system that briefly holds and actively works with information, such as mentally solving a math problem.

What is the capacity of short-term/working memory?

Limited; it can hold only a relatively small amount of information at once.

How long does information typically remain in short-term memory without rehearsal?

About 15–20 seconds, although the exact duration varies.

What is long-term memory?

A relatively permanent storehouse for information, knowledge, and experiences.

What is the capacity of long-term memory?

Effectively unlimited.

How long can information remain in long-term memory?

For a long time, potentially for a lifetime, although some memories may become difficult to retrieve or be forgotten.

What is the main difference between sensory memory and short-term memory?

Sensory memory briefly holds incoming sensory information and has a high capacity; short-term memory holds a limited amount of information for a longer period.

What is the main difference between short-term memory and long-term memory?

Short-term memory holds a limited amount of information briefly, while long-term memory can store much more information for extended periods.

How does information move through the three memory storehouses?

Sensory information is briefly registered, some information receives attention and enters short-term/working memory, and some is encoded into long-term memory.

A student sees a flash of lightning and briefly retains the visual impression. Which memory storehouse is involved?

Sensory memory, specifically iconic memory.

You hear someone say your name and can briefly recall the sound after they stop speaking. Which type of memory is involved?

Echoic memory, a form of sensory memory.

You repeat a phone number in your head long enough to dial it. Which memory system are you using?

Short-term/working memory; rehearsal can help keep the number active.

You mentally calculate the change you should receive at a store. Which memory system are you using?

Working memory, because you are actively manipulating information.

You remember your childhood home years later. Which memory storehouse is involved?

Long-term memory.

Why is sensory memory important?

It briefly preserves incoming sensory information so the brain has an opportunity to process and attend to it.

What can help keep information in short-term memory?

Rehearsal, such as repeating information to yourself.

Does everything that enters sensory memory reach long-term memory?

No. Much sensory information disappears quickly; attention and further encoding help information move into later memory systems.

Why is long-term memory described as relatively permanent rather than perfectly permanent?

Information can last for years or a lifetime, but it may still be forgotten or become difficult to retrieve.

How can you distinguish iconic memory from echoic memory on an exam?

Iconic memory is visual; echoic memory is auditory.

A student briefly remembers the last few words a professor said even after the professor stops talking. What is this an example of?

Echoic memory, because the information is auditory and remains briefly available.

A student looks at a crowded classroom, but only a small part of what they saw receives attention and gets processed further. Which memory concept does this illustrate?

Sensory memory has a high capacity, but not all sensory information receives attention or proceeds to short-term memory.