Unit 6- Memory

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

Memory Process

1. Encoding: the processing of information into the memory system
2. Storage: the retention of encoding material over time
3. Retrieval: the process of getting the information out of the memory stage

Recall v. Recognition

Recall: you must retrieve the information from your memory (aka fill in the blank tests)
Recognition: you must identify the target from possible targets
Flashbulb Memory: a clear movement of an emotionally significant moment or event.

3 Types of Memory

1. Sensory Memory: based upon your senses

• the immediate initial recording of sensory information in the memory system
• stored just for an instant, and most gets unprocessed.

2. Short-term Memory: memory that holds a few items briefly

• 7 digits (+/- 2)
• the into will be stored into a long term or forgotten

Working Memory (modern say STM): another way of describing the use of short term memory is called working memory

Working memory has 3 parts:

1. Audio
2. Visual
3. Integration of audio and visual (controls where your attention lies)

3. Long-term Memory- the relativity permanent and limitless storehouse of the memory system.

2 Ways to Encode

1. Automatic Processing - (involuntary) - unconscious encoding of incidental information.

• You encode space, time, and word meaning without effort.
• Things can become automatic with practice

2. Effortful Processing- encoding that requires attention and conscious effort

• Rehearsal is the most common effortful processing technique.
• Through enough rehearsal, what was effortful becomes automatic.

The-Next-In-Line Effect- we seldom remember what the person had just said or done if we are next.
Spacing Effect- we encode better when we study or practice over time
Serial Positioning Effect- our tendency to recall best the last and first items in a list

Types of Encoding

1. Semantic Encoding- the encoding of meaning, like meaning of the words
2. Acoustic Encoding- the encoding of sound, especially the sounds of words.
3. Visual Encoding- the encoding of picture images

Mnemonic Devices use imagery.

Chunking- organizing items into familiar manageable units.

• often will occur automatically

2 Types of Retrieval Failure

Protractive Interference- the disruptive effect of prior learning on the recall of new information
Retroactive Interference- the disruptive effect of new learning on the recall of old information

-Repression is apart of why people forget things

Misinformation Effect- incorporating misleading information into one's memory of an event