Memory Sara Buhl Pages

Memory The persistence of learning over time through the storage and retrieval of information

Storage & Retrieval Storage – retaining information Retrieval – getting info out of storage

Sensory Memory  Immediate; Fleeting  Very brief recording of sensory info  includes echoic & iconic memory Echoic (Sensory) Memory  fleeting memory for sounds (a few seconds)  we are able to recall the last few words spoken by someone even if our attention is elsewhere

Sensory Memory Iconic (Sensory) Memory  momentary photographic memory  only lasts a few tenths of a second When shown letters for 1/20 of a second:  we can recall half of the letters  BUT if we are asked to recall a specific line, we can report all three needs to occur quickly (half of a second) K Z R QB T SGN

Short-Term/Working Memory activated memory holds a few items briefly approx. 7 bits of info (+/- 2) after info is used it is stored or forgotten slightly better for digits than letters

Short-term memory decay

Working (Short-Term) Memory temporary work site where we associate new and old information & solve problems requires attention higher working memory capacity = more focus essential for everyday life

Long-term Memory relatively permanent limitless accumulated knowledge skills experiences

Long-term memory not like an attic that gets full limitless amazing memory feats  memorizing hundreds of random digits (in 5 minutes), pi to 100,000 places 

How are memories stored? most info is not stored with the exact precision of a video recorder Synaptic Changes  neural impulses (messages)  experience changes neuron connections in the brain synapses become more efficient at sending signals

Stress Hormones & Memory stronger emotional experiences = stronger memories traumatic experiences seem to be “burned” in our memories Flashbulb memories  clear memory of emotionally significant event assassination of president JFK (1963) Challenger explosion (1986) 9/11 (2001)

Amnesia loss of memory may be unable to form new memories  “Jimmie” (patient of Oliver Sacks) brain injury 1945 could not form new memories no sense of elapsed time 1975: still believed he was 19 & that Truman was president  50 First Dates movie

Implicit & Explicit Memory amnesia does not necessarily mean the individual can no longer learn Implicit Memory  learn how to do something  retention independent of conscious recollection Explicit Memory  memory of facts/experiences  consciously aware of it Read a story faster the 2 nd time, even if they cannot recall reading it before  (implicit memory, but no explicit memory)

Retrieval Recall  ability to retrieve information learned earlier  e.g., fill-in-the-blank Recognition  ability to identify items previously learned  e.g., multiple choice test Relearning  the amount of time saved when learning material for a second time

Retrieval Cues we associate a target piece of info with the surroundings, mood, etc. mnemonic devices (ROY G. BIV) context effects  words heard underwater are best recalled underwater (heard on land better recalled on land)