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Memory and Forgetting – Study Notes

Memory involves encoding, storing, and retrieving information, while forgetting is the inability to access stored data. There are different stages and types of memory, including sensory, short-term, and long-term memory, with various models explaining their processes. Factors contributing to forgetting include encoding failure, decay, interference, and memory errors, while techniques like chunking and spaced repetition can enhance memory retention.

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10 views4 pages

Memory and Forgetting – Study Notes

Memory involves encoding, storing, and retrieving information, while forgetting is the inability to access stored data. There are different stages and types of memory, including sensory, short-term, and long-term memory, with various models explaining their processes. Factors contributing to forgetting include encoding failure, decay, interference, and memory errors, while techniques like chunking and spaced repetition can enhance memory retention.

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Memory and Forgetting – Study Notes

Definition:​
Memory is the process by which we encode, store, and retrieve information. Forgetting
refers to the inability to retrieve previously stored information.

1. Stages of Memory

a. Encoding:

●​ Converting sensory input into a form the brain can process​

●​ Types: Visual, Acoustic, Semantic​

b. Storage:

●​ Maintaining information over time​

●​ Sensory → Short-Term → Long-Term​

c. Retrieval:

●​ Accessing stored information when needed​

●​ Recall, Recognition, Relearning​

2. Types of Memory
Memory Type Description Duration

Sensory Memory Brief storage of sensory info <1 sec (visual), ~3 sec
(iconic, echoic) (auditory)

Short-Term Memory Holds limited info temporarily 15–30 seconds, ~7 items


(STM)
Working Memory Active manipulation of info in e.g., mental math
STM

Long-Term Memory Permanent storage of information Unlimited


(LTM) capacity/duration

3. Types of Long-Term Memory

a. Explicit (Declarative) Memory

●​ Episodic: Personal events​

●​ Semantic: Facts and general knowledge​

b. Implicit (Non-Declarative) Memory

●​ Procedural: Skills (e.g., riding a bike)​

●​ Priming: Exposure influences later behavior​

●​ Classical Conditioning: Automatic responses​

4. Memory Models

a. Atkinson-Shiffrin Model:

●​ Multi-store model (Sensory → STM → LTM)​

b. Baddeley & Hitch Model (Working Memory):

●​ Central Executive​

●​ Phonological Loop​

●​ Visuospatial Sketchpad​

●​ Episodic Buffer​
5. Why We Forget
Cause Explanation

Encoding Failure Info never properly


encoded

Decay Theory Memory traces fade over


time

Interference

●​ ​
Proactive: Old info interferes with new​

●​ Retroactive: New info interferes with old | | Retrieval Failure | Cues are missing
when trying to recall | | Motivated Forgetting | Repression of traumatic memories
(Freud) |​

6. Memory Errors & Distortion

●​ Misinformation Effect (Loftus): Memory altered by misleading info​

●​ Source Amnesia: Forgetting where info came from​

●​ False Memories: Memories of events that never happened​

●​ Confabulation: Filling in memory gaps with false info​

7. Techniques to Improve Memory

●​ Chunking – Grouping info (e.g., phone numbers)​

●​ Mnemonics – Acronyms, rhymes, method of loci​

●​ Elaborative Rehearsal – Linking new info with existing knowledge​


●​ Spaced Repetition – Spread out study sessions​

●​ Testing Effect – Practice retrieval to strengthen memory​

●​ Sleep – Essential for memory consolidation​

✅ Quick Recap Table


Process Description

Encodin Input of information


g

Storage Keeping info over


time

Retrieval Getting info back out

Memory Type Example

Sensory Glancing at a scene

STM Holding a phone number

LTM Remembering a vacation

Episodic First day at school

Semantic Knowing Paris is in


France

Procedural Tying your shoes

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