Memory Modules 22-23

Module 22 Questions 1- What are the three basic steps in processing information and define each: a. Encoding- getting information into the memory system b. Storage- retaining information in memory over time c. Retrieval- getting information out of memory storage

Module 22 Questions 2- Define “Automatic Processing”: -The unconscious and effortless process of encoding information such as space, time, and frequency -Example- remember WHERE information is in your notes/book, but not exactly WHAT that information actually is

Module 22 Questions 3- Define “Effortful Processing”: -Encoding that requires attention and conscious effort -Example: actually learning material contained within the pages of a textbook (like the definition of effortful processing!)

Module 22 Questions 4. What did most of Hermann Ebbinghaus’ research conclude? -Rehearsal (practice) is a key in retaining information. The more you rehearse, the more you retain.

Module 22 Questions 5- Define “overlearning”: -Continuing to rehearse information even after you have memorized it -Many of you got “hippocampus” correct on the brain test, but how many of you still know what it does today?

Module 22 Questions 6- What is “serial position effect” and the two conditions that are associated with it? -The tendency to recall the first and last items in a list more easily -Conditions: -Primary effect: enhances ability to recall items near the beginning of a list -Recency effect: enhances ability to recall items near the end of a list

Module 22 Questions 7- Define “Semantic encoding”: -Encoding of meaning -We are more likely to remember a word based on the meaning of the word rather than the sound or the visual of how the word looks -We are also more likely to remember things that we can visualize

Module 22 Questions 8- Define: a. Mnemonic Device: -A memory trick or technique -”Letfy loosey, Righty tighty” OR “Latitude Fatitude”

Module 22 Questions 8- Define: b. Method of Loci: -Associating items you want to remember with imaginary places c. Peg-word system: -Using words or phrases that you already know to help you remember new words

Module 22 Questions 9- What are the three types of memory storage? Define each: a. Sensory memory: -Brief, initial coding of sensory information in the memory system -Visual items are held for as little as.5 seconds, while sounds last 3-4 seconds. This lets us decide if they are important or not

Module 22 Questions b. Short-term/working memory: -Part of your memory system that contains information you are consciously aware of before it is stored more permanently or forgotten -Lasts for approximately 20 seconds without rehearsal- 20 minutes with -Most people can retain 5-9 “chunks” of information in their working memories

Module 22 Questions c. Long-term memory: -Relatively permanent and limitless storehouse of the memory system -Can hold memories without conscious effort

Module 22 Questions 10. What is a “Flash-bulb memory”? -Vivid memory of an emotionally significant moment or event -9/11 attacks, JFK assassination, attack on Pearl Harbor -1 st kiss, car accident, meeting Mickey Mouse

Module 22 Questions 11- Define “Explicit and Implicit Memory”: -Explicit memory: -The memory of facts and experiences -Requires conscious effort to retrieve -Implicit memory: -The memory of skills and procedures -No conscious effort needed

Module 22 Questions 12- What is the difference between “recall” and “recognition”? -Recall: -Type of retrieval in which you must search for information that you previously stored (fill-in-the-blanks) -Recognition: -Type of retrieval in which you must identify items you learned earlier (multiple choice)

Module 22 Questions 13- Define “context effect” -Enhanced ability to retrieve information when you are in an environment similar to the one in which you encoded the information -Example: I had American Government class in this classroom when I was a Junior- I remember more about that class now that I’m in the room again than I did before

Module 22 Questions 14- Define “state-dependent memory”: -Enhanced ability to retrieve information when you are in the same physical and emotional state you were in when you encoded the information

Module 23 Questions 1- Explain what it was that Ebbinghaus discovered through his research on memory in regards to the “forgetting curve”: -Most memory loss happens rapidly, then levels off -Memories not lost during the initial stages tend to be stored permanently

Module 23 Questions 2- Define “interference”: -Retrieval problem when one memory gets in the way of another

Module 23 Questions 3- Define “proactive interference” and give an example: -Older memory disrupts the recall of a newer memory -Examples: locker combos from year to year, previous boyfriends/girlfriends when talking to new ones, writing your old address on an application when you recently moved

Module 23 Questions 4- Define “retroactive interference” and give an example: -Recent memory disrupts an older memory -Example: what did you have 6 th period in 8 th grade? This year’s schedule may make that tough to remember.

Module 23 Questions 5. What was the essence of Elizabeth Loftus’ research on constructing memories? -Memories can be manipulated by wording -Memories can be manipulated by incorporating misleading information

Module 23 Questions 6. What are the three ways in which an interviewer can get more accurate information from a child’s testimony during an interview? -Phrase questions using words the child can understand -Have no contact with the child before the investigation -Use neutral language and do not ask leading or suggestive questions