Memory and Memory Processes: Encoding, Storage, Retrieval, and Forgetting - Prof. Nahla Ha, Study notes of Psychology

Download Memory and Memory Processes: Encoding, Storage, Retrieval, and Forgetting - Prof. Nahla Ha and more Study notes Psychology in PDF only on Docsity! 1 Memory Memory – Mental processes that allow us to acquire, store and retrieve information Memory Processes • Encoding – putting information into memory • Storage – maintaining memory over time • Retrieval – pulling information out of memory as needed Stage Model of Memory/ 3 Box Model/ Atkinson Shiffrin Model Sensory Memory • Holds information from each of our senses • Capacity—large – can hold many items at once • Duration—very brief retention of images – .3 sec for visual info – 2 sec for auditory info • Forms automatically, without attention Sensory Input Sensory Memory Short-Term Memory • Function—conscious processing of information – where information is actively worked on • Capacity—limited (holds 7+/-2 items) • Duration—brief storage (about 30 seconds) Working or Short-term Memory Sensory Input Sensory Memory Attention 2 Maintenance Rehearsal • Mental or verbal repetition of information allows information to remain in working memory longer than the usual 30 seconds Working or Short-term Memory Sensory Input Sensory Memory Attention Maintenance Rehearsal Chunking • Grouping small bits of information into larger units of information – expands working memory load Long-Term Memory • Function—organizes and stores information – more passive form of storage than working memory • Unlimited capacity • Duration—thought by some to be permanent Long-term memory Working or Short-term Memory Sensory Input Sensory Memory Attention Encoding Retrieval Maintenance Rehearsal How are memories organized? • Hierarchical organization • Associations German Shepherds Scottish Terriers Dogs Siamese Calico Cats Mammals Hierarchical Organization 5 Tip of the tongue phenomenon • TOT—involves the sensation of knowing that specific information is stored in long-term memory but being unable to retrieve it • Can’t retrieve info that you absolutely know is stored in your LTM Encoding Specificity – When conditions of retrieval are similar to conditions of encoding, retrieval is more likely to be successful – You are more likely to remember things if the conditions under which you recall them are similar to the conditions under which you learned them Encoding Specificity • Context • State Dependent Retrieval • Mood Congruence Interference Theories • Memories interfering with other memories • Forgetting NOT caused by mere passage of time • Caused by one memory competing with or replacing another memory • Most likely to occur when the two memories are similar Two Types of Interference Types of Interference Retroactive Interference Proactive Interference Retroactive Interference • When a NEW memory interferes with remembering OLD information • Example: When new phone number interferes with ability to remember old phone number 6 French 101 Mid-term exam Retroactive Interference • Example: Learning a new language interferes with ability to remember old language F- Study French papier livre plume école Study Spanish papel libro pluma escuela retroactive interference Proactive Interference • Opposite of retroactive interference • When an OLD memory interferes with remembering NEW information • Example: Memories of where you parked your car on campus the past week interferes with ability find car today Motivated Forgetting Undesired memory is held back form awareness – Repression—unconscious forgetting (Freudian) Decay Theories • Memories fade away or decay gradually if unused • Time plays critical role Average percentage of information retained 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 20 mins 1 hr 8 hrs 24 hrs 2 days 6 days 31 days Interval between original learning of nonsense syllables and memory test 100%