GENERAL PSY.

UNIT 3 MEMORY
QUESTION BANK

Q1] Elaborate on three processes of memory?

ANS] 1. Encoding
Encoding is how we take in information and turn it into a memory. It’s like
writing something down to remember it later. There are different ways to
encode:
• Visual Encoding: Remembering things by how they look, like a
picture.
• Acoustic Encoding: Remembering things by how they sound, like a
song or a conversation.
• Semantic Encoding: Remembering things by understanding their
meaning, like knowing what a word means.
The better we pay attention and connect new information to what we
already know, the better we encode it.
2. Storage
Storage is how we keep information in our brain. It can be broken down into
different types:
• Sensory Memory: This holds very brief information from our senses
(like what we see or hear) for just a moment.
• Short-term Memory: This holds a small amount of information (like a
phone number) for a short time (around 20-30 seconds). It’s what you
use when you’re actively thinking about something.
• Long-term Memory: This is where we store information for a long
time—sometimes for years. It can be:
 o Explicit Memory: Things we can clearly remember, like facts or
events (like your birthday).
o Implicit Memory: Skills we learn but don’t think about, like
riding a bike.
3. Retrieval
Retrieval is how we access memories when we need them. It can happen in
a few ways:
• Recall: Remembering something without any hints, like writing an
essay from memory.
• Recognition: Remembering something when you see it, like picking
the right answer from a multiple-choice quiz.
• Relearning: Learning something again that you had forgotten. It’s
usually easier and faster because some of the memory is still there.
4. Forgetting
Forgetting is when we lose information over time. This can happen for
different reasons:
• Decay: Memories can fade away if we don’t use them.
• Interference: New information can confuse or block our ability to
remember old information.
• Motivated Forgetting: Sometimes, we forget things because they are
too painful or stressful.
Forgetting is normal and can help us focus on what’s important.
Together, these four processes help us understand how we learn,
remember, and sometimes forget information!

Q2] Describe the process of sensory memory?

ANS]
Sensory memory is the first stage of memory processing and acts as a
buffer for stimuli received through our senses. It holds sensory information
for a very brief period, allowing us to perceive our surroundings
continuously. Here’s how it works:
Characteristics of Sensory Memory
1. Duration: Sensory memory retains information for only a short
time—typically less than a second for visual information (iconic
memory) and a few seconds for auditory information (echoic
memory).
2. Capacity: Sensory memory has a large capacity, meaning it can take
in a lot of information at once. However, this information is fleeting
and not all of it gets processed further.
3. Types:
o Iconic Memory: This is related to visual stimuli. For example,
when you look at a scene and then close your eyes, you can
still "see" the image for a moment.
o Echoic Memory: This relates to auditory stimuli. If someone
says something and you only half-listen, you can often repeat
the last few words they said because of this brief retention.
The Process of Sensory Memory
1. Reception: When we encounter a stimulus (like a sound or an
image), our sensory organs (eyes, ears, etc.) receive the information.
2. Encoding: The brain quickly processes this information and converts
it into a form that can be stored, even if just for a moment.
3. Storage: The information is held in sensory memory for a very short
duration. Most of it will fade quickly unless we pay attention to it.
4. Transfer to Short-term Memory: If we focus on the information (for
example, by repeating it or thinking about it), it can move from
sensory memory to short-term memory, where it can be held for a
longer period.
Importance of Sensory Memory
Sensory memory allows us to create a continuous experience of the world
around us. It helps us process information quickly and is essential for tasks
like recognizing faces or following a conversation. Without sensory
memory, we would struggle to make sense of our environment, as there
would be gaps between the fleeting moments of perception.

Q3] Explain the three models of memory?

ANS]
In psychology, several models explain how memory works. Here are four
prominent models:
1. Multi-Store Model
Developed by Atkinson and Shiffrin in 1968, this model outlines three main
types of memory stores:
• Sensory Memory: Briefly holds sensory information (like sights and
sounds) for a very short time.
• Short-Term Memory (STM): Holds a limited amount of information
(about 7±2 items) for about 20-30 seconds. This is where active
thinking occurs.
• Long-Term Memory (LTM): Stores information for a long time,
potentially forever. It includes explicit (facts and events) and implicit
(skills and habits) memories.
The model emphasizes how information moves from one store to another
through processes like attention and rehearsal.
2. Levels of Processing Model
Proposed by Craik and Lockhart in 1972, this model suggests that memory
retention depends on the depth of processing:
• Shallow Processing: Involves basic features of the information, like
the sound or appearance of words. This leads to weak memory
retention.
 • Deep Processing: Involves understanding the meaning of the
information and relating it to existing knowledge. This results in
stronger, more lasting memories.
This model emphasizes that how we process information affects how well
we remember it, rather than just the storage structures.
3. Working Memory Model
Developed by Baddeley and Hitch in 1974, this model expands on short-
term memory by describing it as a system for temporarily holding and
manipulating information. It includes:
• Central Executive: The control system that directs attention and
manages cognitive tasks.
• Phonological Loop: Deals with verbal and auditory information, like
remembering a phone number.
• Visuospatial Sketchpad: Handles visual and spatial information,
like remembering a route on a map.
• Episodic Buffer: Integrates information from different sources into a
single episode, linking to long-term memory.
This model highlights that short-term memory is more complex than just a
storage space; it’s an active processing system.
4. Declarative vs. Non-Declarative Memory
This model distinguishes between two main types of long-term memory:
• Declarative Memory: Also known as explicit memory, this includes
facts (semantic memory) and personal experiences (episodic
memory) that we can consciously recall.
• Non-Declarative Memory: Also known as implicit memory, this
involves skills (like riding a bike) and conditioned responses that we
perform without conscious awareness.
This model helps us understand the different ways we store and access
information, highlighting the complexity of memory.
These four models provide different perspectives on how memory
functions, from its structure and processes to the types of information we
can store and recall.

Q4] Describe short term memory in detail?

ANS] Short-term memory (STM) is a part of our memory system that
holds information for a short time. It’s like a mental notepad we use to keep
track of things we need to remember right now.
Key Features of Short-Term Memory
1. Duration:
o Short-term memory keeps information for about 20 to 30
seconds. If we don’t use it, we quickly forget it.
2. Capacity:
o We can usually remember about 5 to 9 pieces of information at
a time. This is often called “7 plus or minus 2,” meaning we can
remember a bit more or a bit less than seven items.
3. Active Use:
o Short-term memory is not just about holding information; we
actively use it. It’s where we think, solve problems, and make
decisions.
What Does Short-Term Memory Do?
• Temporary Storage: It holds information we need for a short time,
like a phone number we just heard.
• Working with Information: We use it to think about things. For
example, when doing math, we might hold numbers in our head while
we calculate.
• Moving to Long-Term Memory: If we repeat or connect new
information to what we already know, we can move it from short-term
memory to long-term memory.
Types of Short-Term Memory
1. Verbal Memory:
o This is for remembering words and sounds, like when you
repeat a name or a list of items.
2. Visual Memory:
o This is for remembering pictures and shapes, like how things
look or where they are.
How Does It Work?
• Encoding: When we take in information, we encode it, which means
we change it into a form our brain can understand. This can be based
on sounds or images.
• Rehearsal: We can keep information longer by repeating it to
ourselves, like saying a phone number over and over until we dial it.
• Chunking: We often group information into smaller parts (chunks) to
make it easier to remember. For example, remembering a long
number by breaking it into smaller groups.
Why Is Short-Term Memory Important?
• Everyday Tasks: It helps us do daily things, like following directions,
talking to someone, or making decisions.
• Learning: It’s important for learning new things because it helps us
hold onto information before moving it to long-term memory.
• Useful in Many Areas: Understanding short-term memory can help
teachers create better learning methods, psychologists help with
memory problems, and technology developers improve user
experiences.
In Summary
Short-term memory is a crucial part of how we remember and use
information every day. It allows us to hold and think about things actively,
helping us navigate our lives and learn new things.
Q5] Differentiate short term memory from working
memory?
ANS] Short-Term Memory (STM)
1. What It Is: Short-term memory is where we keep information for a
short time—about 20 to 30 seconds.
2. Main Job: Its main job is to hold information temporarily without
doing much with it.
3. Capacity: It can usually hold about 5 to 9 pieces of information at a
time.
4. Examples: Remembering a phone number long enough to dial it or
recalling a list of groceries for a few moments.
Working Memory
1. What It Is: Working memory is a more advanced system that not only
holds information but also helps us use and think about that
information.
2. Main Job: It lets us solve problems, make decisions, and understand
things by actively working with the information.
3. Components: Working memory has different parts:
o Central Executive: The part that controls attention and
manages tasks.
o Phonological Loop: Handles sounds and words.
o Visuospatial Sketchpad: Deals with visual and spatial
information.
o Episodic Buffer: Links different pieces of information together.
4. Examples: Solving a math problem in your head, remembering steps
while cooking, or following directions with multiple steps.
Key Differences
• Storage vs. Manipulation: Short-term memory just holds
information, while working memory holds and uses it at the same
time.
• Complexity: Working memory is more complex because it has
different parts that help us think and reason.
• Similar Durations: Both hold information for a short time, but
working memory allows us to work with that information actively.
In short, short-term memory is for keeping things briefly, while working
memory is for using and thinking about that information as we go about our
tasks!

Q6] Explain the different types of rehearsal?

ANS]
In psychology, rehearsal is a process used to help remember information
by repeatedly practicing it. There are different types of rehearsal, each
serving different purposes. Here’s a breakdown of the main types:
1. Maintenance Rehearsal
• Definition: This involves repeating information over and over to keep
it in short-term memory.
• Purpose: Its main goal is to maintain information temporarily without
necessarily understanding it.
• Example: Repeating a phone number to yourself until you can write it
down. This helps you remember it long enough to use it, but it doesn’t
create a lasting memory.
2. Elaborative Rehearsal
• Definition: This involves linking new information to existing
knowledge, making it more meaningful.
• Purpose: The goal is to create a deeper understanding of the
information, which helps transfer it to long-term memory.
 • Example: To remember a historical date, you might relate it to a
significant event you already know about. This connection makes the
information easier to recall later.
3. Chunking
• Definition: While not a type of rehearsal in the traditional sense,
chunking is a strategy that involves grouping pieces of information
into larger, more manageable units.
• Purpose: This makes it easier to remember and recall information by
reducing the number of items you need to hold in memory.
• Example: Instead of trying to remember the number 149217761941,
you could break it down into chunks like 1492, 1776, and 1941,
making it easier to remember.
4. Visual Rehearsal
• Definition: This involves creating mental images of the information to
help remember it.
• Purpose: Visualizing information can enhance memory retention by
using the visual aspects of the brain.
• Example: If you’re trying to remember a grocery list, you might
picture each item in your kitchen to help recall what you need.
5. Self-Referencing
• Definition: This involves relating the information to yourself or your
personal experiences.
• Purpose: By making personal connections, the information becomes
more meaningful and easier to remember.
• Example: If you’re studying a new concept, thinking about how it
applies to your own life can help solidify it in your memory.
Summary: Each type of rehearsal plays a role in how we process and retain
information. Maintenance rehearsal keeps information in our short-term
memory, while elaborative rehearsal helps create lasting memories.
Chunking and visual rehearsal are strategies to enhance memory, and self-
referencing adds personal meaning to what we learn. Together, these
techniques can improve our ability to remember information effectively.

Q7] Elaborate on the terms selective attention and

working memory?
Ans] Selective Attention
What It Is: Selective attention is the ability to focus on one thing while
ignoring everything else around us. It helps us pay attention to what’s
important and tune out distractions.
Key Points:
1. Focus: It allows us to concentrate on one task, like listening to
someone talk in a busy room.
2. Limited Capacity: We can only pay attention to a small amount of
information at a time. If there’s too much going on, it can be hard to
focus.
3. Filtering Information: Our brain acts like a filter, letting us focus on
specific details while blocking out unnecessary noise or distractions.
Examples:
• Cocktail Party Effect: At a party, you can focus on one conversation
while ignoring other conversations happening around you.
• Watching TV: When you’re watching a movie, you focus on the
screen and ignore other sounds in the background.
Why It’s Important: Selective attention is essential for learning and doing
tasks. It helps us remember important information by allowing us to
concentrate on it.
Working Memory
What It Is: Working memory is a system that holds and uses information
for short periods. It’s like a mental workspace where we can keep and
manipulate information.
Key Points:
1. Active Processing: Working memory doesn’t just hold information; it
helps us think about it and use it right away.
2. Parts of Working Memory:
o Central Executive: This part controls attention and organizes
tasks.
o Phonological Loop: This deals with sounds and words (like
remembering a list of items).
o Visuospatial Sketchpad: This helps us remember visual and
spatial information (like remembering directions).
o Episodic Buffer: This links new information with what we
already know.
3. Limited Capacity: Working memory can usually hold about 5 to 9
pieces of information at a time.
Examples:
• Mental Math: When you do math in your head, you hold numbers
while figuring out the answer.
• Following Directions: When someone gives you steps to complete a
task, you use working memory to keep track of what you need to do
next.
Why It’s Important: Working memory is crucial for learning, problem-
solving, and understanding complex information. It helps us follow
instructions and make decisions.
Summary: Selective attention helps us focus on what’s important while
ignoring distractions. Working memory allows us to hold and use that
information actively. Together, they are key to how we learn, think, and
navigate our daily lives.

Q8] Explain long term memory briefly?

Ans]
Long-term memory (LTM) is a part of our memory system where we store
information for a long time—sometimes even for our entire lives. It helps us
remember things we’ve learned, experiences we’ve had, and skills we’ve
developed.
Key Features of Long-Term Memory
1. Duration: Long-term memory can last from a few days to many
years. Some memories can last a lifetime!
2. Capacity: We can hold a huge amount of information in long-term
memory, much more than we can in short-term memory.
3. Organization: Information in long-term memory is organized in a way
that makes it easier to remember. We often group related information
together.
Types of Long-Term Memory
1. Explicit (Declarative) Memory:
o Episodic Memory: This type involves memories of personal
experiences, like your first day at school or a special birthday
party.
o Semantic Memory: This is about facts and general knowledge,
such as knowing that the capital of France is Paris.
2. Implicit (Non-declarative) Memory:
o Procedural Memory: This is about skills and habits we do
automatically, like riding a bike or playing an instrument.
 o Conditioned Responses: These are memories formed through
experiences, like flinching at a loud noise because you were
startled before.
How Long-Term Memory Works
1. Encoding: This is the process of getting information into long-term
memory. We can improve encoding by connecting new information to
things we already know.
2. Storage: After encoding, information is kept in long-term memory. It
can be organized in different ways, which helps us find it later.
3. Retrieval: This is how we access stored memories when we need
them. The easier the information is to find, the better we can
remember it.
Why Long-Term Memory is Important
Long-term memory is essential for learning and daily life. It allows us to
remember important information, develop skills, and shape our identity
through experiences. It helps us make decisions and solve problems.
Studying long-term memory also helps in education and understanding
memory-related issues. Techniques like repetition and using memory aids
can improve how we remember things.
Conclusion
In short, long-term memory is a vital part of how we learn and remember. It
allows us to store and recall information for a long time, helping us navigate
the world around us.