Models for explaining memory

• Processes of Memory


  1. Encoding

  2. Storage

  3. Retrieval
• Encoding


  Conversion of sensory information into a usable form so that it can be neurologically represented and ‘placed’ (stored) into memory
• Storage


  Retention of the encoded information over time, stored in an organised way for easier recovery
• Retrieval


  The process of getting information back from memory using the right cues
• Memory is spread out over a huge area of cells through different areas of our brain
• Storage is a dynamic process where human memories change over time
• Memories are rough copies rather than exact replicas of information
• These processes occur in sequence, interact and are interdependent
• No single model of memory captures all aspects of memory
• Atkinson-Shiffrin Multi-store model of memory

  • Best-known and most widely used model to describe human memory
  • Consists of three separate stores: sensory memory, short-term memory, long-term memory
• Each store in the Atkinson-Shiffrin model


  • Processes information in different ways
  • Differs in terms of function, capacity, and duration
• They operate simultaneously and interact in an integrated way
• Sensory memory


  The entry point of memory where new incoming sensory information is stored for a very brief period
• Sensory memory retains an exact copy of its original form
• Sensory memory has unlimited capacity
• Sensory information remains in sensory memory long enough to attend to and select it for transfer to short-term memory (STM)
• Sensory memory is a temporary storage system for information that will undergo further processing
• We are not consciously aware of the information in our sensory memory
• Directing attention to information in sensory memory transfers it to STM
• If you do not attend to the information, it will drop out and not reach STM or LTM (Long term memory)
• Sensory registers


  Two separate sensory systems for sensory memory
• Iconic Memory


  Visual information stored for about 1/3 of a second
• Echoic Memory


  Auditory memory that retains all sounds, lingers like an echo
• Echoic memory stores information for 3-4 seconds