Memory

Objectives To give the concept of memory To discuss the process of memory To understand different problems with the memory To learn about memory strategies to improve memory

Lecture Outline Concept of Memory Three-Stage Model of Memory Forgetting and Memory Problems with Memory Memory Improvement

Memory Memory is the ability to code, store and retrieve information –Procedural: how to ride a bike –Factual: definition of “learning” Memory involves coding the input of the senses (visual, auditory)

Importance of Memory Memory is the most extraordinary phenomenon Nearly all higher mental functions (speech, thinking, perceptions, moods, judgments) are based on phenomenon of memory Stores events as video recordings along with associated feelings and emotions Pleasant and unpleasant memories

Three Stages of Memory Human memory resembles a computer It has three stages: Encoding: Sensory information is received and coded or transferred into neural impulses which can be processed further or stored for later use. Storage: the encoded information is stored in memory system. Some information is stored briefly and then discarded e.g. telephone number, others used frequently is stored on permanent basis

Retrieval: when we recall or bring a memory in consciousness, we have retrieved it. This process is called Memory Retrieval.

Three Types of Memory Sensory Memory is a brief representation of a stimulus while being processed in the sensory system Storage of sensory events such as sights, sounds and tastes

Short-Term Memory (STM) is working memory –Selective Attention: determine what information to send to short-term memories –Brief memory, temporary storehouse –Information is stored as images, sounds –Limited capacity (7 items) –Duration is about 30 seconds

Long-Term Memory Permanent storehouse LTM is large capacity and long duration Information transferred from STM to LTM is coded into categories and stored in terms of meaning and importance

Overview of Memory Model

Varieties of LTM Psychologists distinguish between two types of LTM –Semantic memory refers to factual information, general and specific information (What is the capital of Pakistan?) –Episodic memory refers to memory of personal events as to where and when an event happened “I remember visiting the……………” “My first day at college”

Overview of LTM

Organization of LTM Items in LTM are organized in categories that form a hierarchy with multiple paths (direct and indirect) to each item –Sometimes the cues required to recall an item are not sufficient –Tip-of the tongue phenomenon: person can’t easily recall the item, but shows some recall for its characteristics (“…it begins with the letter ….”)

Rehearsal This process consists of keeping items of information in the centre of attention by repeating them If someone having good memory it is due to his ability and experience in rehearsing Not only amount of rehearsal is important but also the ways in which information is rehearsed Elaborative rehearsal: giving meaning, organization to the material being rehearsed

Memory Measures Recognition is when a specific cue (face or name) is matched against LTM Recall is when a general cue is used to search memory e.g. define the term “personality” Relearning refers to a situation in which a person learns material a second time. Memory is evident in savings of time to relearn the second time versus the first

Flashbulb Memories Where were you when you first heard: –That Benazir Bhutto had been killed?

Forgetting Forgetting is the inability to recall previously learned information Forgetting refers to memory failure Forgetting rate is steep just after learning and then becomes a gradual loss of recall

Theories of Forgetting Interference theory argues that learning new things interferes with what we learned earlier Proactive interference: old information interferes with recall of new information Retroactive interference: new information interferes with recall of old information Decay theory: memory trace fades with time

Motivated forgetting: involves the loss of painful, unpleasant memories (protective memory loss) Repression Retrieval failure: the information is still within LTM, but cannot be recalled because the retrieval cue is absent

Interference and Memory

Amnesia Amnesia is forgetting produced by brain injury or by trauma –Retrograde amnesia refers to problems with recall of information prior to a trauma –Anterograde amnesia refers to problems with recall of information after a trauma Point of Trauma Retrograde amnesia Anterograde amnesia

Pathological Changes in Memory MMSE Amnestic disorders Dementias Alzheimer’s diseases

Anatomy of Memory Two key parts of limbic system are essential in receiving new information and storing it: Hippocampus Amygdala

Anatomy of Memory Bilateral damage to the hippocampus results in anterograde amnesia

Memory Strategies Feedback of Knowledge: feedback allows you to check effectiveness of learning Attention Recitation and Rehearsal: repetition of what you have learnt

Organization and Categorization- chunks North, man, blue, summer, girl, green, west, yellow, boy, east, woman Chunking helps long term memory Linking information meaningfully Organizing ideas into hierarchies

Selection: careful and selective marking in your text book Attach emotions, feelings: we hardly forget what is emotionally significant

Distributed practice refers to spacing learning periods in contrast to massed practice in which learning is “crammed” into a single session Distributed practice leads to better retention Sleep: sleep after the study is helpful and reduces the interference

Overlearning: memory is greatly improved when study is continued beyond bare mastery. Review Manage your time

What do we remember? Flanagan (1997) argues that we remember: 20% of what we read 30% of what we hear 40% of what we see 50% of what we say 60% of what we do And 90% of what we read, hear, see, say and do.