Chapter 3: Memory part 1

Differentiating Types of Memory

  • Three Types of Memory:
    • Sensory Memory: Brief initial recording of sensory information.
    • Short Term Memory: Limited capacity for a short duration (15-30 seconds).
    • Long Term Memory: Permanent and limitless storage of information.

Memory Processes

  • Memory Definition:

    • Memory is defined as the set of processes used to encode, store, and retrieve information.

  • Three Memory Processes:

    1. Encoding: The transformation of sensory input into a form the brain can process.
    • Neurons and Neurotransmitters: Neurons communicate via neurotransmitters to encode sensory information.
    1. Storage: The arrangement of information between sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory.
    2. Retrieval: The process of accessing stored information from memory.

Encoding Process

  • Definition of Encoding: The process of converting sensory stimuli into neural messages.

  • Sensory Input: Information from the environment received through the five senses.

  • Neural Activity:

    • Occurs when neurons communicate via neurotransmitters.
    • Necessary for sensory information to be processed.

  • Organizing Information:

    • Information is organized by connecting new information to existing knowledge.

  • Types of Processing:

    • Automatic Processing: Unconscious encoding of information (e.g., recalling what you had for breakfast).
    • Effortful Processing: Requires focused attention and effort to encode information (e.g., studying).

Types of Encoding

  • Semantic Encoding: Encoding based on the meaning of words (e.g., understanding a definition).
  • Visual Encoding: Encoding based on visual images (e.g., remembering a face).
  • Acoustic Encoding: Encoding based on sound (e.g., recognizing a song).

Memory Techniques

  • Effortful vs. Automatic:

    • Effortful: Studying for exams, focused effort typically leads to better long-term retention.
    • Automatic: Spontaneous recall of information without the need for conscious effort.

  • Making Information Meaningful:

    • Associating new information with existing knowledge enhances memory retention.

  • Self Reference Effect: Tendency to remember information better when it relates to oneself.

Atkinson-Shiffrin Model of Memory

  • Three Stages of Memory:

    1. Sensory Memory:
    • Lasts less than a second for visual input, 4-10 seconds for auditory input.
    1. Short Term Memory:
    • Limited capacity (typically 7 ± 2 items); holds information for 15-30 seconds unless rehearsed.
    1. Long Term Memory:
    • Information is stored permanently, but retrieval can fail.

  • Chunking: Organizing data into manageable units to enhance memory capacity.

Memory Failures

  • Possible issues include:
    • Retrieval failures: Inability to recall information.
    • Encoding failures: Failure to properly encode information into memory.
    • Storage failures: Inability to store information in short or long-term memory.

Biological Processes in Memory

  • Memory Disorders:
    • Conditions like Alzheimer’s involve deterioration of neural communication due to amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles.
    • Other disorders may affect memory by disrupting the brain's ability to encode, store, or retrieve information.