learnin and memory and brain

• Memory


  The processing, storage and retrieval of information acquired through learning
• Fundamental processes of memory models

  • Encoding
  • Storage
  • Retrieval
• Encoding


  The conversion of information into a useable form so that it can be neurologically represented and stored in memory
• Storage


  The retention of encoded information over time
• Retrieval


  The recovery of stored information; bringing it into conscious awareness when needed
• Atkinson-Shiffrin Multi-Store Model of Memory

  • Includes structural features (permanent, fixed features of memory)
  • Includes control processes (consciously controlled variable)
• Structural features of the Atkinson-Shiffrin model

  • Sensory Memory
  • Short Term Memory
  • Long Term Memory
• Sensory Memory


  The entry point of memory where new incoming sensory information is briefly stored as an exact copy of 'raw' sensory data
• Sensory Memory


  • Receives sensory information from the environment
  • Enables perceptual continuity for the world around us
• Iconic Memory


  Our visual sensory register
• Iconic Memory


  • Duration: 0.2 - 0.4 seconds
  • Capacity: potentially limitless
  • Allows for our visual world to be perceived fully
• Echoic Memory


  Our auditory sensory register
• Echoic Memory


  • Duration: 3 - 4 seconds
  • Capacity: potentially limitless
  • The brief retention period is long enough for us to attend and select information that has been heard and further process its interpretation (critical for the understanding of speech)
• Short Term Memory


  A memory system with limited storage capacity in which attended information is stored temporarily, unless renewed
• Short Term Memory


  • Duration: 18 - 20 seconds
  • Information stored in STM is lost through decay (not being used) and displacement (being pushed out by new information)
  • Can be extended through maintenance rehearsal (repetition)
  • Capacity: 7 ± 2 pieces of information
  • More information can be stored through chunking (combining bits of information into easier to recall 'chunks')
• Maintenance Rehearsal


  • Usually acoustic (mental repetition of language/sound)
  • Rote learning and repetition
  • Extends the duration for that piece of information in Short Term Memory
• Elaborative Rehearsal


  • Usually semantic (giving the information meaning and relating it to prior knowledge)
  • Creates new memory cues in storage in LTM (encoding)
  • More effective in storing the information into long term memory than maintenance rehearsal
  • Makes use of 'mnemonic devices' (tricks to more effectively remember things)
• Examples of mnemonic devices

  • Acronyms
  • Acrostics
  • Method of Loci
• Acronyms


  Pronounceable words formed from the first letters of a sequence of words
• Acrostics


  • First letter technique
  • Involves making verbal associations for items to be remembered by constructing phrases or sentences using the first letter of the information to be remembered
• Method of Loci


  • Uses well learned sequence of locations as a series of retrieval cues for the information to be recalled
  • Particularly useful for memorising a list of items in a particular order
• Songlines - Sung Narrative


  • A songline (dreaming track) is a navigational route comprising of a sequence of locations
  • The locations contain significant landscape features with associated stories, songs, dances and ceremonies that are performed as a way of taking memory from Country
  • Used by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders when out 'On Country'
• Method of Loci (written culture)

  • Links information to a physical location
  • Recalls sequential information, but without a deeper narrative
  • Isolated items have only a single link (visual location) available for recall
  • Has limited semantic connection
• Songlines - Sung Narrative (oral culture)

  • Links information to a physical location
  • Recalls both sequential and holistic information due to links with a larger cultural story and practices
  • Information sung in songs with narrative meaning is more likely to be remembered than a list of isolated facts
  • Relates to personal and cultural meaning