MEMORY The ability to store and retrieve information over time. MEMORY, COGNITION & INFORMATION PROCESSING http://library.hccs.edu/oer/StangorLamanetal.pdf MEMORY The ability to store and retrieve information over time.

Key Terms Cognition* The process of acquiring and using knowledge: thinking. Information Processing Theory * The mind is similar to a computer with input, processing, and output. Reconstructive Memory * Memory is stored in pieces, and later put back together using past & present information, emotions, beliefs, bias. Eyewitness Testimony‬‏

Stages of Memory * Sensory memory * Brief storage of sensory information Iconic (visual) and Echoic (auditory) Short term memory (STM) * Small amounts of memory (5-9 bits) Less than 1 minute (20-30 sec) Working Memory * Memory processes used in STM Long Term Memory * Storage of information, schemas* Schemas = Pattern of knowledge to help organize information. Memory (video)

Stage Model of Memory Attention Encoding

Sensory Memory Test Watch this video and follow instructions: Sensory to Short Term Memory: Attention For those who did not pay attention, what factors contributed to this failure? Watch: Door Video‬‏. What is happening? What real-world situations might occur when a failure of attention causes information be lost before it reaches short term memory? What might the consequences be?

Long Term Memory * A. Explicit (Declarative) Memory * Knowledge or experiences that can be consciously remembered. 1. Episodic Memory * First hand experience (e.g. first date) 2. Semantic Memory * Facts and concepts (e.g. presidents) B. Implicit (Nondeclarative) Memory * Experience (procedural) e.g. riding a bike, using a keyboard, swimming

Measuring Long Term Memory * Recall * Free recall – e.g. essay test (Discuss Thorndike’s theory) Cued Recall – e.g. fill in the blank questions (Thorndike proposed the law of ____). Recognition * Remembering previously seen information E.g. Multiple choice tests (Thorndike proposed the law of a. effect b. behavior c. consequences d. averages)

Techniques to Improve Memory Maintenance Rehearsal * Repetition; not very effective Chunking * Chunking video Remembering sets or groups. Increases capacity. Elaborative encoding * Relate to another memory. Elaborative rehearsal * Study by finding more examples and using other methods, e.g. Organization

Mnemonic Devices * Memory aids, e.g. associations, rhymes, songs, images, Method of Loci (place; story-telling) Self-referencing * Apply the material to yourself. Overlearning * Keep studying Spacing * Distributed better than massed practice; don’t cram the night before test Forgetting Curve Video

Processing Memory Encoding * Process of putting information into memory Storage * Physical memory connections in the brain Retrieval * Finding & taking information out of memory

Which memory process failed: encoding, storage or retrieval? Which is the real penny? Which memory process failed: encoding, storage or retrieval?

(declarative) (nondeclarative)

Causes of Forgetting Decay Theory * Applies to STM, not LTM Encoding failure * Information not stored properly; can’t find it Retrieval Failure * Inability to bring information into working memory Tip of the tongue phenomenon Amnesia * Biological cause , e.g. disease, head injury

Forgetting, cont. Motivated Forgetting * Interference * Inability to encode or retrieve memories due to anxiety. Biological theory v. Freud’s theory Interference * Retroactive Interference – new learning impairs older memory Proactive Interference – Previous learning interferes with new memory.

Biology of Memory Video

How to Get the Most Out of Studying: A Video Series http://www.samford.edu/how-to-study/default.aspx

REFERENCES http://library.hccs.edu/oer/StangorLamanetal.pdf powerpoint slides were created by Dr. Carol Laman, HCC-SW Psychology Professor. HCC Counselors have permission from Dr. Laman to use these powerpoint slides.