memory

functions and features

Memory is where our memories are created, stored, and retrieved through storing and retrieving those memories. Focus and effort make memories stronger. Memory works by

• encoding: transforming information to convert to become usable.

• storage: maintaining information to save in memory systems.

• retrieval: accessing information to recall the stored memories.

Memory has 3 stages:

1. sensory memory: capturing everything you hear, see, or touch for just a split second

2. short-term memory: holds memories temporarily

3. long-term memory: can store memories forever

There are two types of long-term memory:

1. procedural: stores skills and habits

2. declarative: stores facts and knowledge

   1. episodic: personal experiences

   2. semantic: general knowledge

How much we focus on information, how the information is processed, storing information in long-term memory, information that was not recalled, and context are all factors that affect memory, influencing how well the memories are encoded, stored, and retrieved.

What causes memory to become forgetful?

Forgetfulness happens when information isn’t correctly encoded or retrieved

How to improve memory?

Techniques like spaced repetition

application/example

sensory memory

functions and features

What it does & How it works?: Stores sensory information that let’s us capture our surroundings, like a super quick camera in your brain

Unique characteristics?: the capacity of sensory memory is very high meaning that it stores lots of information, but the duration is very short.

application/example

Example: Like seeing a lightning flash, it only stays in your visual memory for a split second

short term memory

functions and features

What it does?:

STM is also called “working memory” and it’s where it stores a small amount of information temporarily (around 20 seconds).

How it works?: The prefrontal cortex stores your STM temporarily.

Unique characteristics: STM can be improved by…

1. chunking: grouping information into larger groups

2. rehearsal: repeating information to keep it active

Example:

Trying to recall a phone number someone said without writing it down, the number quick disappears since it wasn’t reinforced.

Long-Term Memory

functions and features:

What it does?: LTM store memory for long amounts of time (years or even a lifetime).

How it works?: The hippocampus stores your LTM.

Unique characteristics: LTM are easier to recall and decay very little over time.

Example: Still remembering the memories of when you were way younger, like learning how to ride a bike.

rote rehearsal

functions and features:

What is Rote Rehearsal?: Rote rehearsal is also known as “maintenance” is a memory technique that involves repeating information to strengthen its memorization.

How does Rote Rehearsal work?: ****Repetition of information transfers it to STM to LTM (basic memorization). In the brain, this repetition strengthens the connections between nerve cells, it builds a stronger connection so information in travel quickly.

Unique characteristics of Rote Rehearsal?:

Repetition: doing the same thing over and over again.

Simple: Doesn’t involve any tricks, you just repeat to remember.

Short-Term Focus: It helps remember things for a little while, but if you don’t keep practicing then you might forget.

example: repeating a phone number over and over again in your head until you remember it enough.

heuristics

functions and features

What is Heuristics: Heuristics are when our brain makes mental shortcuts to make decisions and solve problems quickly.

What does heuristics do and how does it work?: Heuristics make us make choices quickly without overthinking, it uses our past experiences that we learn from and our brain relies on the patterns and things you’ve done before. But on the opposing side, heuristics can be biased as what our shortcuts isn’t always correct, but it’s a good thing that heuristics saves mental energy.

Unique characteristics:

• It’s quick, but can make mistakes.

• It’s based on our expectations.

• We use heuristics for our everyday appliances, even when we don’t notice it.

example

For example, you can’t decide a snack for either cookies or apples. But because of your experience before, you remember that cookies taste more delicious than apples. So you decide to end up with cookies as your snack. But because you made your decision so quickly, you completely forgot about the health aspects of these snacks.

For example, you’re playing hide and seek, and you’re the seeker. You walk into the room after counting and see a big box. Your brain uses a heuristic: “People usually hide in big places where they can fit.” So, without overthinking, you quickly check inside the box and find your friend.

availability heuristic and representative heuristic

functions

1. Availability heuristic: A mental shortcut where you expect what will happen based on how easily you recall examples.

2. Representative heuristic: A mental shortcut where people expect what will happen based on how “typical” it is and it’s stereotypes.

how do both of these heuristics work?

1. Availability heuristic: Your brain assumes that if your brain can think of something easily, then it must be important.

2. Representative Heuristic: Your brain matches things to what seems “typical” rather than using actual probabilities. This heuristic highlights the comparison of stereotypes and ignoring actual statistical likelihood.

unique characteristics and examples:

1. availability heuristic: This heuristic relies much on memory and can be easily influenced by recent or emotional experiences. For example, like watching a news report on a plane crash. And later on you might over exaggerate the danger of flying because the crash is fresh in your memory, even though statistically, flying is safer than driving.

2. representative heuristic: This heuristic highlights the comparison of stereotypes and ignoring actual statistical likelihood. For example, when meeting a person who wears glasses, quiet, and loves books. You might assume that they are smart because it “fits the stereotype.”

confirmation bias and belief perseverance

features/functions

What it is and how it works:

confirmation bias: We only notice and remember things that we agree with that we already believe in and ignoring the things that don’t. It supports the belief that your right when shown information that supports it, even though there are true evidence against it (ignoring them).

belief perseverance: Refusing to let go of what you believe in, even when showed valid reasons that are true. Even if new information comes in that proves you're wrong, your brain says, “Nope, I’m keeping this belief!”

unique characteristics and examples:

confirmation bias: Uses selective attention, memory, and decision making. f you believe that dogs are better than cats, you might notice every friendly dog at the park but ignore the snuggly cat videos your friend shows you. You only focus on evidence that says, “Dogs rule!”

belief perseverance: Resistant to change, emotional attachment, and bias when evaluating evidence. Let’s say you believe your lucky socks help you win at basketball. Even if someone shows you stats proving that your wins are random, you might say, “No way! I always play better in my lucky socks.”