Memory: Information Processing Model

Computer memory and human memory share three basic steps: 1.Encoding information 2.Storing information for later use 3.Retrieving information

Encoding Encoding – process of getting information into the memory system 2 types of encoding information: - Automatic - Effortful

Types of Encoding Automatic Processing – The unconscious encoding of some information, such as space, time, and frequency, without effort Effortful Processing – Encoding that requires attention and conscious effort

Effortful Processing Rehearsal – the conscious repetition of information - The more time you spend rehearsing information, the more likely you are to remember it. Overlearning – Rehearsal of information beyond the point where it has been learned. - continue to rehearse even after you think you have learned it. You will remember more when a test comes

Serial Position Effect Serial Position Effect – the tendency to recall the first and last items on a list Primary Effect – The ability to recall info at the beginning of a list Recency Effect – The ability to recall info at the end of a list Information in the middle is the toughest to remember Not this kind of cereal.

Serial Position Effect Activity Write down the last names of as many presidents as you can remember. If more than one President has that last name, put down initials of their first name to distinguish. There are Washington 2.J. Adams 3.Jefferson 4.Madison 5.Monroe 6.J.Q. Adams 7.Jackson 8.Van Buren 9.Harrison 10.Tyler 11.Polk 12. Taylor 13. Fillmore 14. Pierce 15. Buchanan 16. Lincoln 17. A. Johnson 18. Grant 19. Hayes 20. Garfield 21. Arthur 22. Cleveland 23. Harrison 24. Cleveland 25. McKinley 26. T. Roosevelt 27. Taft 28. Wilson 29. Harding 30. Coolidge 31. Hoover 32. F.D. Roosevelt 33. Truman 34. Eisenhower 35. Kennedy 36. L. Johnson 37. Nixon 38. Ford 39. Carter 40. Reagan 41. G.H.W. Bush 42. Clinton 43. G.W. Bush 44. Obama

Spacing Effect Rehearsal can be more or less effective depending on how you do it Spacing Effect – The tendency for distributed practice to yield better retention than mass practice Distributed practice – learning small things over a longer period of time Mass practice – known as cramming, or trying to learn everything at one time

Encoding Components Semantic Encoding - The encoding of meaning (not by hearing or seeing things) Encoding information that is meaningful enhances recall Self Reference effect – making things personal means better retention

Encoding Components Cont’d Encoding Imagery – Mental Pictures that stick in our mind - You may remember these for your entire life Mnemonic Devices – A memory trick or technique

Chunking Chunking – Organizing information into chunks gives them more meaning and structure. - You can take in more information if it is organized into chunks Ex. Think about your phone number and how numbers are organized: (xxx) Definitely not talking about this kind of chunking.

Chunking Example Take 20 seconds to learn the letters in Row 1 Row 1: RNN TYW KTYU ACDF OAHNSOO RTA UO UCR OYOHow many can you remember? Now try Row 2 Row 2: ASK NOT WHAT YOUR COUNTRY CAN DO FOR YOU The same letter appeared in both rows, but are easier to encode and store if they are organized into meaningful chunks

Tips for better encoding 1.Rehearse 2.Overlearn 3.Overcome the serial position effect 4.Benefit from the spacing effect 5.Take advantage of the self reference effect 6.Use mnemonic devices 7.Chunk material or arrange it in a hierarchy