Module 11 Types of Memory

INTRODUCTION Definitions Memory ability to retain information over time through three processes: encoding, storing, and retrieving not copies but representations of the world that vary in accuracy and are subject to error and bias Encoding refers to making mental representations of information so that it can be placed into memory

INTRODUCTION (CONT’D) Definitions Storing process of placing encoded information into relatively permanent mental storage for later recall Retrieving process of getting or recalling information that has been placed into short- or long-term storage

THREE TYPES OF MEMORY Sensory memory Initial process that receives and holds environmental information in its raw form for a brief period of time, from an instant to several seconds Short-term memory Also called working memory; refers to another process that can hold only a limited amount of information an average of seven items, from 2 to 30 seconds Long-term memory Process of storing almost unlimited amounts of information over long periods of time

THREE TYPES OF MEMORY (CONT’D) Memory processes Sensory memory don’t pay attention, information is forgotten pay attention, information is automatically transferred into short-term memory Short-term memory don’t pay attention, information isn’t encoded and is forgotten Long-term memory encoded information will remain on a relatively permanent basis

THREE TYPES OF MEMORY (CONT’D)

SENSORY MEMORY: RECORDING Iconic memory Form of sensory memory that automatically holds visual information for about a quarter of a second or more; as soon as you shift your attention, the information disappears Icon means image Echoic memory Form of sensory memory that holds auditory information for 1 to 2 seconds Holds speech sounds long enough to know that sequences of certain sounds form words

SENSORY MEMORY: RECORDING (CONT’D) Functions of sensory memory Prevents being overwhelmed Gives decision time Provides stability, playback, and recognition

SHORT-TERM MEMORY: WORKING Short-term, or working, memory Process of holding a limited amount of information (an average of seven items) for a limited period of time (2 to 30 seconds) Short duration can be lengthened by repeating or rehearsing the information Two features Limited duration Maintenance rehearsal practice of intentionally repeating information so that it remains in short-term memory longer

SHORT-TERM MEMORY: WORKING (CONT’D) Interference Results when new information enters short-term memory and overwrites or pushes out information that’s already there Chunking Combining separate items of information into a larger unit, or chunk, and then remembering these chunks rather than individual items

SHORT-TERM MEMORY: WORKING (CONT’D) Functions of short-tem memory Attending selectively attend to relevant information and disregard everything else Rehearsing allows you to hold information for a short period of time until you decide what to do with it Storing helps store or encode information in long-term memory

THREE TYPES OF MEMORY (CONT’D)

LONG-TERM MEMORY: STORING Putting information into long-term memory Encoding transferring information from short- to long-term memory by paying attention to it, repeating it, or forming new associations Long-term memory process of storing almost unlimited amounts of information over long periods of time Retrieving process of selecting information from long-term memory and transferring it to short-term memory

LONG-TERM MEMORY: STORING (CONT’D) Separate memory systems Primacy versus recency Primacy effect better recall or retention of information presented at the beginning of a task Recency effect better recall or retention of information presented at the end of a task Primary-recency effect better recall of information presented at the beginning and end of a task

LONG-TERM MEMORY: STORING (CONT’D) Declarative versus procedural or nondeclarative Declarative memory involves memories for facts or events, such as scenes, stories, words, conversations, faces, or daily events aware of and can recall or retrieve these kinds of memories Semantic memory type of declarative memory that involves knowledge of facts, concepts, words, definitions, and language rules

LONG-TERM MEMORY: STORING (CONT’D) Declarative versus procedural or nondeclarative Episodic memory type of declarative memory that involves knowledge of specific events, personal experiences (episodes), or activities, such as naming or describing favorite restaurants, movies, songs, habits, or hobbies

LONG-TERM MEMORY: STORING (CONT’D) Declarative versus procedural or nondeclarative Procedural or nondeclarative memory involves memories for motor skills (playing tennis), some cognitive skills (learning to read), and emotional behaviors learned through classical conditioning Like the steps required to carry out an experiment can’t recall or retrieve procedural memories We just do them Ex: tying your shoes

ENCODING: TRANSFERING Acquiring information or storing it in memory by changing it into neural or memory codes Two kinds of encoding Automatic encoding transfer of information from short- to long-term memory without effort or awareness (personal events, interesting facts, skills/habits) Effortful encoding transfer of information from short- to long-term memory by working hard to rehearse the information or by making associations

ENCODING: TRANSFERING (CONT’D) Rehearsing and encoding Maintenance rehearsal (cramming) simply repeating or rehearsing information rather than forming any new associations works better for short-term memory Elaborative rehearsal (studying) using effort to actively make meaningful associations between new information that you wish to remember and old or familiar information already stored in long-term memory

ENCODING: TRANSFERING (CONT’D) Levels of processing Theory says that remembering depends on how information is encoded Information encoded at a shallow level results in poor recall (cramming for quiz; failing test) Deeper and deepest processing: encode by making new association

REPRESSED MEMORIES Definition of repressed memory Process by which the mind pushes a memory of some threatening or traumatic event deep into the unconscious mind (Freud) Implanting false memories Studies show that a false suggestion can grow into a vivid, detailed, and believable personal memory (Elizabeth Loftus)

UNUSUAL MEMORIES Photographic memory Occurs in adults; ability to form sharp, detailed visual images after examining a picture or page for a short period of time and to recall the entire image at a later date Eidetic imagery Form of photographic memory that occurs in children; the ability to examine a picture or page for 10 to 30 seconds and then for several minutes hold in one’s mind a detailed visual image of the material

UNUSUAL MEMORIES (CONT’D) Flashbulb memories Vivid recollections, usually in great detail, of dramatic or emotionally charged incidents that are of interest to the person Encoded effortlessly and may last for long periods of time

UNUSUAL MEMORIES (CONT’D)