Exam 3: Part 1

Memory: Getting Information In

Learning Objectives

• Define the three tasks of memory:
  • Recall: Retrieving information without cues.
  • Recognition: Identifying previously learned information.
  • Relearning: Learning something faster the second time.
• Describe how memories are encoded using the Atkinson-Shiffrin Model of memory.
• Differentiate between explicit and implicit memory and effortful vs automatic processing.

What Is Memory?

• Psychologists define memory as learning that persists over time.
• Memory involves three crucial processes:
  • Encoding: Getting information into your brain.
  • Storage: Retaining that information over time.
  • Retrieval: Pulling information out when you need it.
• It is critical that these processes foster reliable long-term maintenance of information.

How Psychologists Measure Memory

• Since memory cannot be observed directly, psychologists measure it through three main types of tasks:
  • Recall: Retrieving information without cues.
  • Recognition: Identifying previously learned information.
  • Relearning: Learning something faster the second time.
  • Example: Short answer questions on exams require recall.
  • Example: Multiple choice questions (MCQ) on exams involve recognition, where answers are not currently in our awareness.

The Information-Processing Model

• Modern psychologists compare memory to a computer system, where information flows through three stages:
  1. Encoding: Converting sensory input into meaningful information that the brain can process.
  2. Storage: Maintaining encoded information over time through neural networks.
  3. Retrieval: Reconstructing stored information from memory fragments.
• There is a strong connection between how human memory functions and computer systems, with significant strengths in encoding, storing, and retrieving information.
• Emphasis on the biological basis of memory processes:
  • Human brain functions biologically, much like computer systems.

The Atkinson-Shiffrin Model (1968)

• Richard Atkinson and Richard Shiffrin proposed that memory flows through three distinct stages:
  1. Sensory Memory: Immediate, brief recording of sensory information.
  2. Short-Term Memory: Active processing and temporary holding of information.
  3. Long-Term Memory: Relatively permanent, limitless storage of information.
• Information attended to in sensory memory moves to short-term memory. With rehearsal or meaning, it encodes into long-term memory for later retrieval.
• The capacity of short-term memory:
  • Can typically hold around 7 items (±2).
  • Example: Remembering a best friend's name or retaining a split-second snapshot of a movie scene.
• Information tends to fade from short-term memory quickly, particularly for stimuli that are not actively engaged with, often referred to as “working memory.”

Two Memory Systems: Explicit vs. Implicit

• Explicit (Declarative) Memory:
  • Effortful processing required.
  • Comprises facts and experiences that we consciously know and can deliberately recall.
  • Requires attention, rehearsal, and active work to encode (e.g., studying psychology terms).
• Implicit (Nondeclarative) Memory:
  • Automatic processing occurs.
  • Involves skills and conditioned responses that happen without conscious awareness or effort.
  • Forms through experience and repetition (e.g., riding a bike).
  • Both explicit and implicit memories are types of long-term memory and require focus; however, implicit memory operates unconsciously.

Key Takeaways

• Memories are actively encoded, stored, and retrieved—not exact recordings.
• Encoding can be either effortful or automatic.
• Memory involves interconnected systems, such as attention.

Reminders

• Quiz 2 on: Thursday, March 26.
• Findings Interpretation due: March 26 @ 11:59 pm on Moodle.

Discussion Questions

• To be provided separately.