Chapter 6 - PSY 0010

Cards (54)

  • memory
    the process by which we encode, store, and retrieve information
  • types of memory stores
    sensory memory

    short term memory

    long term memory
  • sensory memory
    initial, momentary storage of sensory information

    separate stores:
    -iconic memory
    -echoic memory

    important information is passed to short term memory
  • echoic memory
    stores auditory information; lasts 2 or 3 seconds
  • iconic memory
    stores visual information; lasts less than a second
  • short term memory (STM)

    memory store in which info has meaning

    holds info for 15 to 25 seconds (lost afterwards)

    can hold 7 + or - 2 "chunks" of info

    ex: PBSFOXCNNABCCBSMTVNBC
    ---21 chunks; not all of it can be stored

    PBS FOX CNN ABC CBS MTV NBC
    ---same letters, 7 chunks; all can be stored

    rehersal
  • rehearsal
    repetition of info that has entered STM

    maintains info in STM

    transfers info to long term memory by:
    elaborative rehearsal
  • elaborative rehersal
    info is organized in a fashion that makes it easier to remember

    mnemonics
  • mnemonics
    strategies for elaborative rehearsal

    ex: i before e except after c
  • three stage model of memory
  • working memory
    modern view of STM

    actively processes info from sensory and long term memory

    uses significant cognitive resources during its operation

    stress can reduce its effectiveness


    central executive processor (has 3 stores of info)
  • central executive processor
    involved in reasoning and decision making

    coordinates 3 stores of info
    -visual store
    -verbal store
    -episodic buffer
  • visual store
    visual and spatial info

    ex: cognitive map would be stored here
  • verbal store
    speech, words, numbers
  • episodic buffer
    episodes and events
  • long term memory (LTM)

    stores info almost indefinitely (no limit like STM)

    relatively permanent storage of info

    not all info enters LTM

    serial position effect
  • serial position effect
    ability to recall information in a list depends on where it is on the list

    primary effect

    recency effect
  • primary effect
    better recall for items early in the list

    info is in LTM
  • recency effect
    better recall for items later in the list

    info is still in STM
  • long term memory separate "stores"
    procedural memory

    declarative memory
    -semantic memory
    -episodic memory
  • procedural memory
    skills and habits

    ex: how to bake a cake, how to brush teeth
  • declarative memory
    factual information

    ex: cake ingredients

    semantic memory

    episodic memory
  • semantic memory
    general knowledge, facts, and rules of logic

    ex: naming the cake ingredients, i before e except after c
  • episodic memory
    events that occured in a particular time, place, or context

    ex: baked cake at someone's house for 18th birthday
  • neuroscience of memory
    hippocampus
    -consolidation

    amygdala

    long term potentiation
  • hippocampus
    involved in encoding and consolidating memories

    consolidation
  • consolidation
    memories become fixed and stable in LTM
  • amygdala
    involved in memories with emotional content
  • long term potentiation
    certain neural pathways become easily excited while a new response is being learned

    number of synapses increase, allowing more neural communication

    results in gradual consolidation
  • retrieval cue
    any stimulus that allows easier recall of info in LTM

    ex: studying in a quiet area is different then recalling info on test day in class room (crowded, pages turning, etc)

    are more important for recall (specific info must be retrieved)
    --like an essay question
    --given a picture and asked to talk a little about the person

    recognition
  • recognition
    being presented with a stimulus and asked:
    -if you've been exposed to it previously
    -to identify from a list
    -like multiple choice tests
  • levels of processing
    how deeply new info is mentally analyzed

    shallow levels

    deeper levels

    deeper processing
  • shallow levels
    info is processed in terms of its physical and sensory aspects

    ex: simply remembering definitions (flash cards)
  • deeper levels
    info is analyzed in terms of its meaning

    ex: know definition and can give examples
  • deeper processing
    better recall
  • explicit memory
    intentional or conscious recollection of info
  • implicit memory
    memories of which we are not consciously aware

    ex: brushing your teeth, typing

    priming
  • priming
    exposure to a word or concept later makes it easier to recall similar info
  • flashbulb memories
    easy and vivid recall of specific, important, or surprising event

    ex: car accident, meeting a roommate, high school graduation

    highly emotional memories aren't always accurate
    -source amnesia
  • source amnesia
    can remember some info, but can't remember where it was encountered