memory

• Memory involves encoding, storage and retrieval of information. Memory includes past experiences, knowledge and thoughts.
• All information entering the brain passes through sensory memory and enters short term (STM). Information is then either transferred to long-term memory (LTM) or is discarded.
• Sensory memory retains all the visual and auditory input received for a few seconds. Only images and sounds are encoded into short term memory.
• Short term memory only has limited capacity (5-9 items) and holds information for a short time.
• Chunking has the ability to increase the capacity of the short-term memory by grouping information or ‘chunking’.
• The short-term memory can only hold a limited number of items. This is known as memory span. Adding extra items will mean that items are lost or displaced.
• When trying to remember items in sequence or order, the serial position effect can be very important. It will show primacy and recency with items ‘middle items’ being lost.
• Items can be maintained by rehearsal. (repetition)
• Items are lost by displacement (by new information) and decay (without rehearsal, information will just disappear)
• Short term memory can process data to a limited extent, as well as store it. This ‘working memory model’explains why the short-term memory can perform simple cognitive tasks.