Memory Memory Overview Memory Active system that receives

Memory

Memory: Overview • Memory: Active system that receives, stores, organizes, alters, and recovers (retrieves) information • Encoding – Converting information into a useable form • Storage – Holding this information in memory for later use • Retrieval – Taking memories out of storage

Encoding • The role of attention

Storage • Computer analogy • Information-processing theories – Subdivide memory into 3 different stores • Sensory, Short-term, Long-term

Storage: Sensory Memory • Storing an exact copy of incoming information for a fraction of a second; the first stage of memory – Icon: A fleeting mental image or visual representation – Echo: After a sound is heard, a brief continuation of the sound in the auditory system

Storage: Short-Term Memory • Temporary storage of recent events – Chunking – grouping familiar stimuli for storage as a single unit – Rehearsal – the process of repetitively verbalizing or thinking about the information

Storage: Long-Term Memory • Relatively permanently storage based upon meaning and importance

Eidetic Imagery (Somewhat Like Photographic Memory) • Occurs when a person (usually a child) has visual images clear enough to be scanned or retained for at least 30 seconds • Usually projected onto a “plain” surface, like a blank piece of paper • Usually disappears during adolescence and is rare by adulthood

Retrieval • Methods of Retrieval – – Free Recall – asked to say what you remember Cued Recall – given significant hints Recognition – choose from among several items Savings – asked to re-learn something • Reconstructing Events – – – Reconstruction Process – rely upon routine and expectations Hindsight Bias – mold our recollection to fit past events Misinformation Effect – other people distort your memories False memories – controversy over authenticity Savings – asked to re-learn something