1. Key Area 3.3 – Memory Unit 3 Neurobiology and Immunology
Higher Human Biology for CfE
Miss Aitken

2. Memory
Memories include experiences which have happened in the past, thoughts had in the past and knowledge which has been previously gained.
All information passes through the sensory organs, through sensory memory and enters the short term memory (STM).
The sensory memory retains all the visual and auditory input received, but only for a few seconds. Only some images and sounds are encoded into the short term memory.
The STM can be maintained by rehearsal.

3. Memory
Items in the short term memory ‘decay’ quickly and are displaced by new items entering.
The short term memory has a limited span.

4. Chunking
Chunking improves short term memory by grouping items together to make a single item.
Phone numbers:

5. Serial Position Effect
The serial position effect influences groups of items entering the STM.
Those items in the group that come first (primacy) and last (recency) are better recalled than the intermediate items. If individuals are presented with a sequence of words and then asked to recall them, their performance is affected by the SPE.

6. Long Term Memory
Transfer of items to the long-term memory can be brought about by:
Rehearsal – repeating information frequently
Organisation – putting information into categories and sub-categories
Elaboration – building more detail into the information
Retrieval is the recall of information when required

7. Encoding Information to be added to memory has to be encoded.
Encoding is where nerve signals are converted into a form that can be interpreted by the brain.
Shallow encoding uses methods like rehearsal
Deep encoding uses methods like elaboration

8. Contextual Cues
A contextual cue is used to help get information from the brain
It will help to “jog the memory”
Photographs or significant objects can bring memories back
Often used by police or psychiatrists
Now copy the table from bottom of HTP page 146