Page 1: Overview of Memory Processes

Main Processes

1. Encoding: Initial recording of information.

2. Storage: Saving information.

3. Retrieval: Recovery of information.

• Memory impairment can arise from issues in any of these systems.

Three-System Memory Theory

• Dominates memory research; involves three stores:

  • Sensory Memory:

    • Initial storage; lasts an instant.

    • Records exact stimulus replication briefly.

  • Short-Term Memory:

    • Holds info for 15-25 seconds; organizes by meaning.

Page 2: Long-Term Memory

Long-Term Memory

• Information stored permanently but may be hard to retrieve.

Page 3: Sensory Memory Types

Types of Sensory Memory

• Iconic Memory: Visual info storage.

• Echoic Memory: Auditory info.

• Duration:

  • Iconic: less than a second.

  • Echoic: 2-3 seconds.

• If not transferred to short-term memory, lost permanently.

Page 4: Short-Term Memory Transformation

Short-Term Memory Process

• Sensory memories must be processed to gain meaning.

• Maximum retention duration is short; unclear transfer methods.

• Capacity: 7 items (± 2 chunks); chunking improves retention.

Page 5: Retention in Short-Term Memory

Retention Duration

• Information lasts 15-25 seconds without transfer to long-term memory.

Rehearsal

• Rehearsal: Repetition of info to maintain it.

• Elaborative rehearsal: Links info for better long-term retention.

Page 6: Memory & Mnemonics

Organizational Strategies

• Mnemonics: Improve retention through organization.

• Example: Colors of the rainbow (ROY G. BIV).

• Contemporary views see short-term memory as working memory that processes new and old info actively.

Page 7: Working Memory Subsystems

Working Memory Components

• Central Executive Processor: Manages info processing.

• Three subsystems:

  • Visual store

  • Verbal store

  • Episodic buffer

Page 8: Long-Term Memory Characteristics

Long-Term Memory Modules

• Considered a storehouse of unlimited capacity.

• Distinction between declarative (facts) and procedural (skills) memory.

  • Declarative: Semantic (general knowledge) and Episodic (personal events).

Page 9: Semantic Network & Recall

Memory Retrieval

• Knowledge stored in semantic networks; related concepts activate associated memories.

• Spreading activation: Thinking of one concept triggers related concepts.

Page 10: Brain Structures in Memory

Physical Memory in the Brain

• Engram: Physical trace of memory.

• Hippocampus: Consolidates memories; part of the limbic system.

Page 11: Role of the Amygdala

Emotional Memory

• Amygdala involvement with emotional memories; triggers vivid recollections in stressful situations.

Page 12: Neuronal Changes & Consolidation

How Memories Stabilize

• Neural pathways become excited during learning; consolidation stabilizes memories over time.

Page 13: Importance of Forgetting

Mechanisms for Forgetting

• Retrieval cues assist in recalling information from long-term memory.

• Cues like words or emotions trigger memory recall.

Page 14: Recall vs. Recognition

Differences in Recall Methods

• Recall: Retrieving specific information without prompts.

• Recognition: Identifying previously presented material; easier than recall.

Page 15: Levels of Processing

Processing Depth

• Levels-of-processing theory: Deeper processing leads to better retention.

• Shallow: Physical/sensory characteristics.

• Intermediate: Meaningful units.

• Deep: Contextual and associative processing.

Page 16: Implicit vs. Explicit Memory

Types of Memory

• Implicit memory: Unaware influences on behavior.

• Priming: Previous exposure facilitates recall.

Page 17: Flashbulb Memory

Vivid Memories

• Flashbulb memories: Detailed recollections of significant events; often inaccurate.

• Example: Misremembering details of 9/11.

Page 18: Memory Accuracy and Distinction

Reliability in Memory

• Exceptional memories are easier to retrieve; influenced by schemas.

Page 19: Schema Influence on Memory

Role of Schemas

• Schemas: Organized information affecting memory reliability; bias recollections.

Page 20: Eyewitness Testimony Issues

Error in Witness Memory

• Errors arise due to weapon focus and suggestive questioning.

Page 21: Children and Memory Reliability

Vulnerability in Children's Recollections

• Children's memories are highly influenced by external suggestions, especially in emotional contexts.

Page 22: Repressed and False Memories

Controversy in Repressed Memories

• Debate on the existence and validity of repressed versus false memories.

Page 23: Autobiographical Memory Distortion

Personal Memory Reliability

• Autobiographical memories can be fictionalized; influenced by current perceptions.

Page 24: Understanding Forgetting

Nature of Memory Loss

• Forgetting serves a purpose in filtering unnecessary information.

Page 25: Types of Forgetting

Mechanisms of Forgetting

• Decay, interference, and cue-dependent forgetting explained.

Page 26: Interference in Memory

Proactive vs. Retroactive Interference

• Examples demonstrating how previous learning can hinder recall of new material.

Page 27: Alzheimer's Disease Overview

Memory Loss and Alzheimer's

• Progressive brain disorder leading to significant memory decline.

Page 28: Types of Amnesia

Different Forms of Memory Loss

• Retrograde and Anterograde amnesia explained.

Page 29: Dissociative Amnesia Types

Trauma-Induced Memory Loss

• Various forms of dissociative amnesia and their symptoms.

Page 30: Dissociative Fugue

Fugue State Characteristics

• Sudden travel and memory loss related to identity.

Page 31: Brief Synopsis of Dissociative Fugue

Manifestations and Outcomes

• Awareness of memory changes upon return from fugue state.