Slide 1

Memory

DefinitionThe ability of the mind or of an individual or organism to retain learned information and knowledge of past events and experiences and to retrieve it.

memory stagesEncoding- the memory process of transforming information so that the nervous system can process it.

Storage- the memory process by which information is maintained over a period of time.

Retrieval- the memory process that involves obtaining information that has been previously stored.

Types of memorySensory memory

Function process for basic physical characteristics

Capacitylarge (can hold many items at once)

Durationvery brief retention of images.3 sec for visual info 2 sec for auditory info

Divided into two types:iconic memoryvisual informationechoic memory auditory information

Attention is needed to transfer information to working memoryShort-term memoryShort term memory has three key aspects:

1.limited capacity (only about 7 items can be stored at a time)

2.limited duration(storage is very fragile and information can be lost with distraction or passage of time)

3.encoding(primarily acoustic, even translating visual information into sounds).Mental or verbal repetition of information allows information to remain in working memory longer than the usual 30 seconds.

Long-term memoryFunctionorganizes and stores information.

Unlimited capacity

Durationthought by some to be permanent.

Encodingprocess that controls movement from working to long-term memory store.

Retrievalprocess that controls flow of information from long-term to working memory store.

Types of Long-term MemoryEpisodic memory (specific events: did I use cream rinse this morning?)

Semantic memory (knowledge of the world: what is cream rinse, why use it?)

Procedural memory (skill memory, specific tasks: how do I wash my hair?)

Explicit memory: deliberately try to remember something.

Forgetting: How Quickly Do We Forget?Ebbinghaus found:

forgetting occurs most rapidly immediately after learning.

But relearning takes less time than initial learning.

AmnesiaAmnesiasevere memory loss

Retrograde amnesiainability to remember past episodic information; common after head injury; need for consolidation

Anterograde amnesiainability to form new memories; related to hippocampus damage

strategies to improve memory1. Focus your attention on the materials you are studying.

2. Structure and organize the information you are studying. 5. Utilize mnemonic devices to remember information. 3. Relate new information to things you already know. 4.Teach new concepts to another person. 6. Get some sleep. Thank you!