Introduction to Psychology

Class 13: Memory 1Myers: 257-279

July 10, 2006

Overview of the chapter

Encoding + Storage + Retrieval Types of memory Types of information processing Physiology of memory Forgetting False Memory

Definition: The persistence of learning over time through encoding, storage, and retrieval of information

Flashbulb Memory: A clear memory of an emotionally significant moment or event

- “Capture this!” - Photographic quality - Reinforced often - Not necessarily accurate

Atkinson-Shiffrin model (1968)

Three stages of information processing

Encoding- Processing information in to the memory system

Storage- Retention of encoded information over time

Retrieval- Process of getting memory out of storage

K 1 P

7 Q 3

9 L S

Sensory memory: - Iconic (visual—words or pictures)

- Echoic (auditory) - Immediate initial recording of sensory information

Short-term memory - Limited

- Working memory - Vision > Audition - 7 plus or minus 2 - 15-30 seconds unless rehearsed - E.g. Dialing a phone number Long-term memory - Virtually limitless

- Enduring

Encoding

How is the information processed?

Central - High motivation, high opportunity

- Effortful and reasoned, mostly by cognition - Attention to the message

Peripheral - Low motivation, low opportunity

- Automatic and unreasoned, mostly by association - Attention to other cues like attractiveness, music

Peripheral processing

Central processing

to forgot supplies to but hurry store andoranges was a

but

oranges Jen the she and cleaning grocery went like apples chocolatein

Jen went to the grocery store to buy stuff

like apples oranges chocolate and cleaning supplies but she was in a hurry and forgot the oranges

Meaning

- Nonsense syllables vs. real words- Strings of words vs. sentences

Chunking

- Organizing items in to familiar meaningful units- Mnemonics - Hierarchies

The role of rehearsal

Serial position effects

- Primacy

- Recency

The Case of Clive Wearing

What caused his amnesia? What type(s) of memory has he lost? What are the physiological changes in his

brain?