Psychology Cognitive Approach

What is memory

The cognitive process of processing, storing, and retrieving information

Types of long-term memory and what they mean (3)

1. Declarative memory - memory of facts and events that can be consciously recalled

2. Non-declarative memory - information accessed without consciousness

3. Procedural memory - unconscious memory of skills and how to do things

Types of declarative memory and what they mean (2)

1. Episodic - stores experiences from life (like a diary)

2. Semantic - stores facts and concepts (like a library)

What is a model of memory

A model that helps us to understand how memory works and what our memory may ‘look like’

Models of memory and creators (2)

1. Multi-store model - Atkinson & Shiffrin

2. Working model - Baddeley & Hitch

Multi-store memory forms and their duration

1. Sensory memory: limited to 1-4 seconds

2. Short term memory: limited to 30 seconds

3. Long term memory: potentially indefinite duration

Multi-store memory process

1. Obtain information to form a sensory memory

2. Attention is required to form short term memory

3. Rehearsal and retrieval are required to form long term memory

Types of amnesia

1. Anterograde: no longer able to form new memories

2. Retrograde: loss of pre-existing memories

Strengths of Multi-store memory (3)

1. There is significant research to support the theory

2. Presents the basic memory processes (processing, storing, retrieving)

3. Inspired further research on memory

Limitations of Multi-store memory

1. Research contains low ecological validity

2. Model if oversimplified

3. Model can not explain why memory distortion occurs