The Role of Memory Memory can be a

The Role of Memory

Memory can be a significant advantage for processing information needed to perform a skill. We are able to take in many cues from our environment, but most of this information is lost within 1 second and replaced by new information. Selective attention is important as it allows us to remember certain cues or information for longer than 1 second.

The Pathway of Information from the Environment to Long-term Memory Information form the environment Short Term Sensory Store Short Term Memory Long Term Memory

Short Term Sensory Store • Duration = 1 second • Capacity = Unlimited

Short Term Memory • Duration = 60 seconds (Unless consolidated) • Capacity = Limited approx 7 items (+ or - 2)

Long Term Memory • Duration = Unlimited • Capacity = Unlimited VIA – Rehearsal – Chunking – Encoding – Meaningfulness

Chunking or Coding • By grouping the information into chunks you can increase the amount of information that you retain. • A telephone number is a good example: Instead of trying to remember 52438652 you could chunk the information 52 438 652 • Take a look at the tennis example in your book on page 284

Meaningfulness • If information is meaningful to you, it makes sense that you will be able to remember it a lot easier. Eg. When teaching a beginner to swim sidestroke you might use the analogy of reaching for an apple then putting it in your pocket. Can you think of other ways where meaningfulness can be used to help remember a skill or technique?

Rehearsal • In order for information to pass from short term memory to long term memory it must be rehearsed. • Doing this as soon as possible will allow you to learn the information even quicker. • Practising a skill is an important part of processing the new motor information and it also helps you to refine your skill.

Question Time Test Your Understanding Questions 1 -5 Write the answers to these questions in a summary form. E. g. Question 1 would look like this: The role of the short-term sensory memory is to link perception and memory. It has an unlimited capacity but only lasts for 1 second.