3.3 Memory

• What is the first stage of memory where information enters the brain?

  Sensory memory
• What happens to most stimuli in sensory memory?

  They are lost by displacement or decay
• What is the average short term memory span?

  7 ± 2 items
• How long is information typically held in short term memory?

  Around 30 seconds
• What is displacement in the context of memory?

  New info pushes out old info
• What is decay in memory terms?

  Breakdown of a fragile memory trace
• What is the third level of memory?

  Long term memory
• What is the capacity of long term memory?

  Unlimited capacity
• What aids the transfer of information from short term memory to long term memory?

  Rehearsal, organisation, and elaboration
• What is rehearsal in memory?

  Repeating information to yourself
• What is chunking in memory?

  Breaking information into smaller pieces
• How can phone numbers be remembered more easily?

  By chunking them into smaller groups
• What is elaboration in memory?

  Analyzing the meaning of the item
• What is the serial position effect?

  Remembering first and last items best
• Why do advertisers pay more for first and last slots?

  To take advantage of the serial position effect
• What must happen for information to be transferred to long term memory?

  It must be successfully encoded in STM
• What is encoding in memory?

  Changing information into a storable form
• What are the two types of encoding mentioned?

  Acoustic code and visual code
• What is shallow encoding?

  Information encoded by repetition
• What is elaborative encoding?

  Giving information more meaning or links
• How is retrieval aided?

  By contextual cues
• What are contextual cues?

  Signals or reminders related to conditions
• How can being in the same setting aid retrieval?

  It triggers the memory circuit
• What happens to memories over time?

  They are revised, reorganized, and enlarged
• What are the three processes involved in memory?

  Encoding, storage, and retrieval
• What does sensory memory retain?

  Visual and auditory input for a few seconds
• What is the capacity of short term memory?

  Limited capacity
• How does short term memory process data?

  To a limited extent
• What are the methods to improve short term memory?

  • Chunking: Breaking info into smaller pieces
  • Rehearsal: Repeating info to extend STM duration
  • Organisation: Grouping items logically
  • Elaboration: Analyzing meaning for better retention
• What are the levels of memory and their characteristics?

  1. Sensory Memory:

  • Retains visual and auditory input briefly
  • Most sensory images are quickly lost

  1. Short Term Memory (STM):

  • Limited capacity and short duration
  • Can process data to a limited extent

  1. Long Term Memory (LTM):

  • Unlimited capacity and long duration