In-Depth Notes on Memory Models and Processes

Memory Overview

  • Memory: Cognitive process that involves the encoding, storing, and retrieval of information.
    • Key processes:
    • Encoding: Transforming information into a format that can be stored.
    • Storage: Maintaining encoded information over time.
    • Retrieval: Accessing stored information when needed.

Types of Memory

Basic Divisions

  • Short-term Memory (STM)
  • Long-term Memory (LTM)

Multiple Types of Memory

  • Semantic Memory: Knowledge of facts and concepts.
  • Episodic Memory: Memories of personal experiences.
  • Procedural Memory: Storage of skills and actions.
  • Facial Recognition: Ability to recognize faces.

Conscious vs. Unconscious Memory

  • Conscious/Explicit Memory: Requires intentional recall.
  • Unconscious/Implicit Memory: Recall without conscious effort.

Models of Memory

Multi-store Memory Model (Atkinson and Shiffrin, 1968)

  • Components:
    • Sensory Memory: Briefly stores sensory information.
    • Short-term Memory: Holds information for a short duration.
    • Long-term Memory: Stores information for extended periods.
Process Flow in Multi-store Model
  • Environmental Stimuli/Input → Sensory Memory → Attention → Short-term Memory → Rehearsal → Long-term Memory → Retrieval.
Duration and Capacity of Memory Stores
  • Capacity: How much information can be held.
  • Duration: How long information can be stored:
    • Iconic Memory: Up to 1 second (visual).
    • Echoic Memory: 2-5 seconds (auditory).

Short-term Memory (STM)

  • Essential Features:
    • Also known as Working Memory.
    • Allows for basic transformations of information.
    • Capacity: Typically 7 ± 2 chunks (Miller's Law).
    • Duration: Averages around 30 seconds without rehearsal.
Techniques to Assess STM
  • Digit Span Test: Measures how many numbers one can recall.
  • Chunking: Grouping information to enhance recall (e.g., PCBMXB, etc.).

Long-term Memory (LTM)

  • Definition: Stores a large amount of information indefinitely.
  • Capacity: Considered unlimited.
  • Duration: Indefinite - memories can be retrieved with contextual cues.

Testing the Multi-store Model

Critical Components
  1. Memory stores need to be distinct and separate.
  2. Existence of just three main memory stores.
  3. Sensory modalities vs. separate storage.
  4. Physiological basis for memory stores.
  5. The necessity of rehearsal for transferring info from STM to LTM.
  6. Direction of information flow should be one way.
Supporting Studies
  • Glanzer and Cunitz (1966): Focused on recall of lists to demonstrate separation of STM and LTM based on recency and primacy effects.
  • Sperling (1960): Investigated the existence of iconic memory to underline importance of attention in transferring sensory input to STM.

Criticism of the Multi-store Model

  • Emphasis on structure over processing.
  • Rehearsal may not be the sole factor in transferring info from STM to LTM.
  • Models information flow primarily in one direction.
  • LTM may not be a single store as proposed.

Levels of Processing Model (Craik and Lockhart, 1975)

  • Stresses the depth of processing as a determinant of memory recall.
    • Shallow Processing: Based solely on superficial features.
    • Deep Processing: Relies on meaningful connections leading to better memory retention.
Additional Studies of Levels of Processing
  • Craik and Tulving (1975): Showed that deeper semantic questions led to better recall than superficial questions.

Working Memory Model (Baddeley and Hitch, 1974)

  • Structure: Composed of multiple components that handle different types of information simultaneously.
  • Key components:
    • Central Executive: Directs attention and processing.
    • Phonological Loop: Manages verbal data.
    • Visuospatial Sketchpad: Handles visual and spatial information.
    • Episodic Buffer: Connects working memory to LTM.

Support and Criticism of the Working Memory Model

  • Evidence supporting the model includes tasks highlighting the functioning of individual components (e.g., phonological loop and visuospatial sketchpad).
  • Yet, roles of central executive and episodic buffer remain unclear, and the model does not address emotional influences on memory.

Comparison of Models

  • Similarities: Both need rehearsal; neither explains distortion or emotional factors; both specify limitations of STM.
  • Differences: WMM posits STM is not a unitary store, emphasizing multitasking and modality processing.