L1 Memory

Structure of Memory

• Information Processing Model

  • Three main components: input, processing, and output.

• Sensory Memory

  • Initial stage of memory retention, holding sensory information.

• Short-Term Memory

  • Temporary storage allowing manipulation and transition to long-term memory.

• Working Memory

  • Active manipulation and processing of information for current tasks.

Historical Context in Experimental Psychology

• Pre-1950s - Behaviorism

  • Focused on observable behavior.

  • Key Figures: B.F. Skinner and John Watson.

  • Classical Conditioning: Associating involuntary responses with stimuli.

  • Operant Conditioning: Associating voluntary behaviors with consequences.

• 1950s Onwards - Information Processing

  • Shifted focus to cognition and the way information is processed.

  • Multi-Store Model (Atkinson & Shiffrin): Model includes three memory stages.

Information Processing Approach

• Components of memory processing:

  • Input: Receives stimuli.

  • Processing: Involves perception, thinking, and decision-making.

  • Storage: Where information is kept and can be retrieved later.

Atkinson & Shiffrin Multi-Store Model

• Stages of Memory:

  • Sensory Memory

  • Capacity: Very large; Duration: Less than 1 second.

  • Short-Term Memory

  • Capacity: About 7 “chunks” (Miller, 1956); Duration: < 30 seconds.

  • Long-Term Memory

  • Information held for extended periods; uses elaborate rehearsal.

• Forgetting

  • Sensory memory: Decay or displacement.

  • Short-term: Interference or retrieval failure.

Characteristics of Sensory Memory

• Holds all sensory information briefly.

• Tested through Whole Report Procedure and Partial Report Procedure (Sperling).

• Results of Sperling’s Experiment:

  • Whole Report: Recall 33% of a 9-letter display.

  • Partial Report: >75% recall of a 3-letter row.

• Conclusion: Large capacity but rapid decay within ~1 second.

Short-Term Memory (STM)

• Capacity and Duration:

  • Holds approximately 7 items (±2), as per Miller.

• Uses techniques like chunking to improve retention.

  • Examples of chunks include groups of letters or words.

• Forgetting in STM:

  • Primarily due to decay over time and interference from other memory inputs.

  • Peterson & Peterson Experiment: Demonstrated that recall decreases over time due to decay.

Working Memory

• Baddeley & Hitch (1974): Differentiates between STM and working memory.

  • Considers working memory as an active processing system, not just passive storage.

• Components of Baddeley's Model:

  • Central Executive: Integrates information from subsidiary systems.

  • Phonological Loop: Processes auditory information.

  • Visuospatial Sketchpad: Processes visual and spatial information.

  • Episodic Buffer: Integrates information across domains and links with LTM.

• Evidence of separation between Phonological Loop and Visuospatial Sketchpad through tasks.

Summary of Key Findings

• The information processing model explains how sensory input is transformed into long-term storage through different stages of memory.

• Sensory memory has a large capacity, but information decays quickly. Short-term memory is limited and prone to interference.

Working memory represents an active space for processing current information necessary for goal-oriented tasks.