Memory

Memory Sara Buhl Pages 261-271

Memory 

The persistence of learning over time through the storage and retrieval of information

Storage & Retrieval 

Storage – retaining information



Retrieval – getting info out of storage

Sensory Memory  Immediate;

Fleeting  Very brief recording of sensory info  includes echoic & iconic memory 

Echoic (Sensory) Memory  fleeting

memory for sounds (a few seconds)  we are able to recall the last few words spoken by someone even if our attention is elsewhere

Sensory Memory 

Iconic (Sensory) Memory

K

Z

R

Q

B

T

S

G

N

 momentary

photographic memory  only lasts a few tenths of a second 

When shown letters for 1/20 of a second:  we

can recall half of the letters  BUT if we are asked to recall a specific line, we can report all three 

needs to occur quickly (half of a second)

Short-Term/Working Memory activated memory  holds a few items briefly  approx. 7 bits of info (+/- 2)  after info is used it is stored or forgotten  slightly better for digits than letters 

Short-term memory decay

Working (Short-Term) Memory temporary work site where we associate new and old information & solve problems  requires attention  higher working memory capacity = more focus  essential for everyday life 

Long-term Memory relatively permanent  limitless  accumulated knowledge  skills  experiences 

Long-term memory not like an attic that gets full  limitless  amazing memory feats 

 memorizing

hundreds of random digits (in 5 minutes), pi to 100,000 places

 http://www.usamemorychampionships.com/

How are memories stored? most info is not stored with the exact precision of a video recorder  Synaptic Changes 

 neural

impulses (messages)  experience changes neuron connections in the brain 

synapses become more efficient at sending signals

Stress Hormones & Memory stronger emotional experiences = stronger memories  traumatic experiences seem to be “burned” in our memories  Flashbulb memories 

 clear

memory of emotionally significant event

assassination of president JFK (1963)  Challenger explosion (1986)  9/11 (2001) 

Amnesia loss of memory  may be unable to form new memories 

 “Jimmie”

(patient of Oliver Sacks)

brain injury 1945  could not form new memories  no sense of elapsed time  1975: still believed he was 19 & that Truman was president 

 50

First Dates movie

Implicit & Explicit Memory  

amnesia does not necessarily mean the individual can no longer learn Implicit Memory  learn how to do something  retention independent of conscious



recollection

Explicit Memory

 memory of facts/experiences  consciously aware of it  Read a story faster the 2nd time,

even if they

cannot recall reading it before  (implicit

memory, but no explicit memory)

Retrieval 

Recall  ability

to retrieve information learned earlier  e.g., fill-in-the-blank 

Recognition  ability

to identify items previously learned  e.g., multiple choice test 

Relearning  the

amount of time saved when learning material for a second time

Retrieval Cues we associate a target piece of info with the surroundings, mood, etc.  mnemonic devices (ROY G. BIV)  context effects 

 words

heard underwater are best recalled underwater (heard on land better recalled on land)