Memory

Chapter 4

What is Memory?
It

is the process through which we encode, store and retrieve the information.
Encoding:

process of initial recording of info in a form usable to memory Storage: the maintenance of saved material in memory Retrieval: process of bringing info into awareness and then use it

Three Systems of Memory: Memory Storehouses

Repetitive Rehearsal retains info in SM Elaborative Rehearsal moves info into LM

Info

Sensory Memories

Short-term Memory

Long-term Memory

Forgetting within 1 sec

Forgetting within 15-20 sec

Sensory Memories

Sight (iconic) Sound (echoic) Other sensory memories

Contemporary Approaches to Memory: (Short term Memory)

Working Memory: It is an active Workspace in which info is retrieved and manipulated and in which info is held through rehearsal. (Chunk) It contains a central executive processor (involved in reasoning and decision making) which coordinates two distinct storage and rehearsal systems. Visual Store: specializes in visual and spatial info Verbal Store: specializes in holding and manipulating material related to speech, words and numbers

Contemporary Approaches to Memory: Long term Memory

Declarative Memory: For factual info. Semantic Memory: for general knowledge and facts about world, rules of logic Episodic Memory: biographical details of our individual lives Procedural Memory: For skills as riding a bicycle

Associative Models of Memory: (mental representation of interconnected clusters of info. (priming)

Recalling LM Memories
Tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon Retrieval cues: Stimulus that allows us to recall more easily info that is located in LM (more imp when u r recalling instead of recognizing) Levels of processing theory: Emphasizes the degree to which the new material is mentally analyzed. There are shallow, intermediate, deep level of analysis.

Flashbulb memories: Memories of specific, important, or surprising event that are so vivid, they are like a snapshot of the event. Constructive Processes in Memory: Our memory is influenced by schemas. Schemas are organized bodies of info stored in memory that bias the way the new info is interpreted, stored and recalled.

Forgetting

Why do we forget?
Failure

in encoding If encoded properly then

Decay: loss of info through nonuse (memory trace) Interference: info in memory blocks other info and prevent its recall.
Proactive interference: info learned earlier interferes with recall of newer material. Retroactive interference: difficulty in recall of info because of later exposure to different material.

Autobiographical Memories Courtroom Trials & Memory

Childrens memories
Memory & Culture

Memory Dysfunctions
Alzheimers disease Amnesia

Retrograde

amnesia Anterogade amnesia

Karsakoffs syndrome