Chapter 8 - Information Processing and Memory

I. Learning Curves A gradual upward slope representing increased retention of material as a result of learning Affected by: chemicals attention emotions

II.Transfer of Training Learning is carried over from one task to another based on similarities between tasks Positive Transfer - transfer of learning resulting from similarities between 2 tasks Negative Transfer - interference with learning that results from differences between 2 otherwise similar tasks

III. Information Processing Schema – An organized and systematic approach to answering questions and solving problems Constructive Processing – reconstructing the memory…sometimes adding new details in the process

IV. Special Learning Processes Elaboration – attaching a maximum # of associations to an item to be learned so that it can be learned more easily. Mnemonic Devices – unusual associations made to aid memory

Special Learning cont’d… Principle Learning – Overall view of the material to be learned is developed so that material is better organized.

Special Learning cont’d Chunking – Putting items into clusters so that items are learned in groups rather than separately.

V. Principles of Forgetting Forgetting Curve – graphic representation of the rate and amount of forgetting that occurs. Overlearning

Forgetting cont’d… Recall vs. Recognition Recall – ability to bring back and integrate many specific details (essay tests) Recognition – ability to pick correctly from a list of choices (matching test)

Forgetting cont’d Interference Theory – We forget because old and new material conflict with one another.

VI. Mechanisms of Memory Encoding – Some kind of chemical code is used to store memories

Mechanisms of Memory cont’d… Theories of memory – Synapse changes shape when we learn something Synapse actually GROW when a pattern is established

VII. Short v. Long Term Memory Short Term Memory (STM) – Memory system that retains info for a few seconds to a few minutes.

Short v Long cont’d… Long Term Memory – (LTM) Memory system that can last for hours, days,lifetime.

Short/Long cont’d… Consolidation – process by which a memory solidifies over time, eventually becoming permanent.

Short/Long cont’d… Sensory Memory System – Iconic – visual impulse. We make a decision to send it to the STM or forget it. Acoustic – auditory “ “ “

VIII. Special Issues in Memory Photographic Memory – Flashbulb Memory –

Eyewitness Memory