The process of encoding, storing and retrieving information that has been previously encountered
Atkinson-Shiffrin model of memory
A model of memory which outlines the three stages of memory (sensory, short-term, and long-term), each of which interact through the processes of encoding, storage and retrieval
Encoding
The process of converting information into a useable form which can be manipulated and stored in the brain
Storage
The retention of information over time
Retrieval
The process of accessing information that has been stored in long-term memory, and bringing it into our conscious awareness in short-term memory
Sensory Memory
A stage of memory which very briefly stores raw information detected by the senses
Sensory Memory Examples
The faces of your classmates directly after looking at them
The sound of a bird chirping outside just after you hear it
The feel of your clothing that you might feel rubbing against your skin
Sensory Memory Capacity
Has an unlimited capacity, meaning there is no limit to how much it can hold
Sensory Memory Duration
0.2 to 4 seconds
Subtypes of Sensory Memory
Iconic Memory (visual information)
Echoic Memory (auditory information)
Haptic Memory (information specific to physical touch)
Iconic Memory Duration
0.2 to 0.4 seconds
Echoic Memory Duration
3 to 4 seconds
Haptic Memory Duration
fewer than 2 seconds
Short-term Memory (STM)
A store of memory that temporarily stores a limited amount of information that is consciously being attended to and actively manipulated
Ways information gets into STM
1. Information from Sensory Memory that you have paid attention to
2. Information from Long-term Memory that you retrieve
Short-term Memory (STM)
Also known as 'working memory' because you are aware of all the information that you hold in this memory store and are consciously manipulating (working on) it
STM Capacity
7 ± 2 items (or 5 to 9 items)
STM Duration
18 to 30 seconds for most people, after which information generally begins to fade
Rehearsal
A controlled process which involves consciously repeating or manipulating information in short-term memory
Displacement
Information in STM can be pushed out by new incoming information
Decay
Information in STM can fade away on its own after the duration of STM has expired
Chunking
A process by which you can group smaller chunks of information into larger chunks in order to hold more information in STM
Chunking Example
Remembering a phone number by chunking it into 3 chunks of 3-4 digits
Maintenance Rehearsal
Involves repeating new information over and over again to keep the information in STM for as long as possible
Maintenance Rehearsal Example
Repeating a phone number over and over again to remember it for as long as possible
Elaborative Rehearsal
Involves meaningfully linking new information to information already stored in long-term memory
Elaborative Rehearsal Example
Remembering a new co-worker's name by relating it to someone else you know
Long-term Memory (LTM)
A store of memory in which a potentially unlimited amount of information is stored for a relatively permanent amount of time
LTM Capacity
Potentially unlimited
LTM Accessibility
Information stored in LTM is not in conscious awareness, we may not have the capacity to retrieve all information in LTM, as we may not be aware of how to retrieve it or are not prompted by the right retrieval cues
LTM Duration
Relatively permanent, meaning that theoretically information can be stored in LTM forever
Research is still being conducted on the duration of long-term memory
Explicit Memory
A type of long-term memory that is consciously retrieved
Explicit Memory Example
Remembering you had spring rolls for lunch and telling your friend how delicious they were
Semantic Memory
A type of explicit memory that consists of general knowledge or facts
Semantic Memory Example
Knowing that there are seven continents, 3x3=9
Episodic Memory
A type of explicit memory that consists of personal experiences or events unique to each individual
Episodic Memory Example
The memory of getting your driver's license, what you had for dinner last night
Implicit Memory
A type of long-term memory that is unconsciously retrieved
Implicit Memory Example
Recalling the technique of how to kick a soccer ball during a match, the ability to execute the technique