Memory Features Serial Position Effect Primacy Effect: Better recall, or improvement in retention, of information presented at the beginning of a task Recency Effect: Better recall, or improvement in retention, of information presented at the end of a task Why? More time for rehearsal Still in working memory

Baddeley’s Working Memory Model Executive Control System Executive Control System Maintenance Rehearsal

What is the capital of South Dakota? a) Madison b) Pierre c) Montpelier d) Jefferson City

What is the difference between recall and recognition? Which is easier to remember?  Recall – must retrieve previously learned info without (or with very few) external cues  Recognition – you are given more external cues  Recognition is easier

Forgetting Curve

Reasons We Forget “Vlog”  Within your group discuss your assigned reason for forgetting  Use your text as a source, but also include personal information (if applicable) to demonstrate your understanding of the concept  Create a video entry with the Flip camera; explain the basic idea and provide examples to help your classmates understand  Feel free to get creative (act out a scene, show a graphic from the book while you speak, etc.)  Everyone from each group must speak  Turn in the camera when finished  Within your group discuss your assigned reason for forgetting  Use your text as a source, but also include personal information (if applicable) to demonstrate your understanding of the concept  Create a video entry with the Flip camera; explain the basic idea and provide examples to help your classmates understand  Feel free to get creative (act out a scene, show a graphic from the book while you speak, etc.)  Everyone from each group must speak  Turn in the camera when finished

Reasons We Forget 1. Ineffective encoding and retrieval failure (p ); also include the “tip-of-the- tongue” phenomenon (p. 275) 2. Decay Theory (p. 281) and organic amnesia (p. 288); be sure to discuss the different types of memories (sensory, short-term, & long-term) 3. Interference (p ); also discuss how the concept of “prospective” versus “retrospective” memory (p ) 4. Motivated forgetting & repressed memories (p ); discuss the main point of contention over supposedly recovered repressed memories (you don’t need to go into all of the evidence for and against) 1. Ineffective encoding and retrieval failure (p ); also include the “tip-of-the- tongue” phenomenon (p. 275) 2. Decay Theory (p. 281) and organic amnesia (p. 288); be sure to discuss the different types of memories (sensory, short-term, & long-term) 3. Interference (p ); also discuss how the concept of “prospective” versus “retrospective” memory (p ) 4. Motivated forgetting & repressed memories (p ); discuss the main point of contention over supposedly recovered repressed memories (you don’t need to go into all of the evidence for and against)

Decay Theory  Memories fade away over time because they are not used  True of sensory and short-term memory, but not long-term memory  Time is thought to be the key factor, but it can’t explain why we remember many old unused memories  It is what happens during the time that is most important

Repression  Unconscious process where info that is threatening to our self-concept or that makes us anxious is pushed beyond our access  Thought to occur after an especially traumatic event  Sometimes these memories resurface, but there are controversies over their accuracy

Interference  Other memories block or prevent retrieval of a particular memory  Retroactive interference – new info goes back to interfere with previously learned material  Proactive interference – old info goes forward to interfere with newly learned material

Inadequate Retrieval Cues  Too few associations or reminders are for available for memories to be retrieved  Tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon supports this  State-dependent learning – it is easier to recall info when you are in the same physiological state as when you learned it  Mood congruence effect – our memories match our moods ( mood = memories)

Amnesia/Biological Causes  Anterograde amnesia – inability to form new memories after brain injury  Retrograde amnesia – inability to retrieve memories encoded prior to brain injury or psychological trauma

 Korsakoff’s Syndrome – variety of memory problems, as well as general apathy in mood; often caused by malnutrition as a consequence of alcohol abuse

Alzheimer’s Disease  Cause unknown  Risk increases with age, but not caused by age  Destruction of neurons that supply acetylcholine (neurotransmitter)  Starts in hippocampus; creates problems forming new memories  Then spreads to frontal & temporal; difficulty with old memories and planning  Then parietal; difficulty with coordination

 Misinformation effect