10. Memory

• What is the sensory register?

  The memory store for incoming sensory information
• What is the capacity and duration of the sensory register?

  Unlimited capacity, 250 milliseconds duration
• How does coding in the sensory register depend on the information?

  Coding depends on the modality of the information
• What were the findings of the sensory memory experiment?

  • Recall was good if tone sounded within 0.33 seconds
  • Participants focused on indicated row before memory faded
  • Recall was nearly impossible after 0.33 seconds
• What is the capacity of short-term memory according to Jacobs (1887)?

  7 plus or minus 2 items
• What is the duration of short-term memory according to Millar and Potzel?

  Approximately 30 seconds
• What is the capacity of long-term memory?

  Unlimited capacity
• What does the MSM model suggest about memory stores?

  It suggests separate stores for STM and LTM
• What do the case studies of KF and HM suggest about memory stores?

  They suggest STM and LTM are distinct systems
• What are the strengths of the MSM model?

  • Supported by case studies like KF and HM
  • Evidence for separate stores of STM and LTM
  • Mechanism of transfer exists between stores
• What are the components of the Working Memory Model?

  Central Executive, VSS, Episodic Buffer, Phonological Loop
• What does the Dual Process Task demonstrate about cognitive tasks?

  We can perform auditory and visual tasks simultaneously
• What does the case of KF suggest about short-term memory?

  It has separate areas for verbal and speech memory
• What is a weakness of the Central Executive in the Working Memory Model?

  Its function is vague and poorly understood
• What is the role of the Central Executive?

  Coordinates the slave systems and attention
• What does the Phonological Loop consist of?

  Phonological store and articulatory process
• What is the function of the Visuo-Spatial Sketchpad?

  Processes visual and spatial information
• What is the purpose of the Episodic Buffer?

  Acts as a backup store communicating with LTM
• What are the components of the Phonological Loop?

  • Phonological store: holds speech information
  • Articulatory process: repeats words to prevent decay
• What is the function of the Visuo-Spatial Sketchpad?

  • Processes visual information
  • Remembers shapes, colors, and locations
  • Plans spatial movements
• What is the role of the Episodic Buffer in the Working Memory Model?

  • Acts as a backup store
  • Communicates with long-term memory
  • Integrates information from different components
• What is the sensory register in memory?

  The initial memory store for sensory information
• What is the capacity of the sensory register?

  Unlimited
• What is the duration of the sensory register?

  250 milliseconds
• How does coding in the sensory register depend on the information?

  It depends on the modality of the information
• Who conducted research on the sensory register in 1960?

  Sperling
• What is the range of items in short-term memory according to Jacobs?

  5 to 9 items
• What is the duration of short-term memory?

  Up to 30 seconds
• What type of coding is used in short-term memory?

  Acoustic coding
• What does the sensory memory experiment by Sperling demonstrate about recall?

  Recall is good if tone is sounded quickly
• What happens to recall when the tone is sounded after 1/3 seconds?

  Recall becomes nearly impossible
• What does the sensory register's characteristics suggest about its function?

  It has unlimited capacity but short duration
• What are the strengths of the Working Memory Model (WMM)?

  • Dual Process task: Two cognitive tasks simultaneously as long as they are auditory and visual If you do 2 auditory and 2 visual at the same time then performance suffers.
  • Case of KF: Had a motorbike accident which affected his memory- was fine for visual but not for speech which shows separate areas for visual and speech memory.
• What does the Dual Process task demonstrate about cognitive tasks?

  Two tasks can be done if modalities differ
• What happens when two auditory or two visual tasks are performed simultaneously?

  Performance suffers
• What does the case of KF suggest about short-term memory?

  It has separate areas for visual and speech memory
• What is a weakness of the Central Executive in the WMM?

  Its function is poorly understood
• What did Baddeley suggest about the Central Executive?

  It functions as our 'attention'
• What have some psychologists suggested about the Central Executive?

  It may contain several undiscovered components
• What is the cognitive interview used for?

  To improve recall by eyewitnesses and victims