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Human Memory Notes

Memory is defined as the ability to retain and recall information through encoding, storage, and retrieval. The document outlines various memory models, including the Information Processing Approach and Levels of Processing Model, as well as types of long-term memory and causes of forgetting. It also discusses memory enhancement strategies and key definitions related to memory processes.

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2 views3 pages

Human Memory Notes

Memory is defined as the ability to retain and recall information through encoding, storage, and retrieval. The document outlines various memory models, including the Information Processing Approach and Levels of Processing Model, as well as types of long-term memory and causes of forgetting. It also discusses memory enhancement strategies and key definitions related to memory processes.

Uploaded by

sarah
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Human Memory

Definition of Memory

 Memory: The ability to retain and recall information over time. It involves three
interrelated processes:
1. Encoding: Recording information for the first time.
2. Storage: Retaining information for future use.
3. Retrieval: Bringing stored information to awareness for use.

Memory Models

1. Information Processing Approach: The Stage Model

 Proposed by Atkinson and Shiffrin (1968), comparing memory to a computer system.


 Three Stages of Memory:
o Sensory Memory:
 Capacity: Large but short-lived (less than 1 second).
 Stores information from all senses as exact replicas.
 Includes:
 Iconic Memory: Visual information.
 Echoic Memory: Auditory information.
o Short-Term Memory (STM):
 Capacity: 7±2 items.
 Duration: Less than 30 seconds.
 Information encoded acoustically unless rehearsed.
 Techniques like chunking increase its capacity.
o Long-Term Memory (LTM):
 Capacity: Unlimited.
 Duration: Permanent (up to a lifetime).
 Information encoded semantically (by meaning).

2. Levels of Processing Model

 Proposed by Craik and Lockhart (1972).


 Three Levels of Encoding:
o Structural: Shallowest (focus on physical appearance).
o Phonetic: Intermediate (focus on sound).
o Semantic: Deepest (focus on meaning); leads to better retention.

Types of Long-Term Memory

1. Declarative Memory:
o Episodic Memory: Personal life events (e.g., childhood memories).
o Semantic Memory: General knowledge (e.g., facts, concepts).
2. Procedural Memory:
o Skills and tasks (e.g., riding a bicycle, playing a game).

Forgetting

 Definition: Loss of stored information over time.


 Causes of Forgetting:
1. Trace Decay Theory:
 Memory traces fade when not used.
 Disproved: Sleep reduces forgetting more than wakefulness.
2. Interference Theory:
 Forgetting due to competition among memory traces.
 Proactive Interference: Old memories hinder new ones.
 Retroactive Interference: New memories hinder old ones.
3. Retrieval Failure:
 Information stored but inaccessible due to absent or inappropriate
retrieval cues.

Experiments

1. Ebbinghaus's Forgetting Curve

 Findings:
o Rapid forgetting in the first few hours.
o Gradual decline over time.
 Significance: Highlights the pattern of forgetting.

2. KF Case Study (Shallice and Warrington, 1970)

 Findings:
o Short-term memory impaired, but long-term memory intact.
o Challenged the idea that STM is the sole gateway to LTM.

Memory Enhancement Strategies

1. Mnemonics Using Images:


o Keyword Method: Associate foreign words with familiar ones.
o Method of Loci: Visualize items in familiar physical locations.
2. Mnemonics Using Organization:
o Chunking: Combine smaller units into larger, meaningful chunks.
o First Letter Technique: Use acronyms or sentences.
3. PQRST Method:
o Preview, Question, Read, Self-recitation, Test.

Important Definitions

 Encoding: Converting sensory input into a form usable by the memory system.
 Retrieval Cue: A prompt aiding memory recall.
 Chunking: Combining smaller units into larger, meaningful ones.

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