MemoryThe Phenomenon of Memory

What is memory?

Memory persistence of learning over

time via the storage and retrieval of information

• Flashbulb memories a clear memory of an

emotionally significant moment or event

The Structure of Memory

• Information Processing Model• Memory involves

•Encoding•Storage•Retrieval

• A memory is not stored as one object

Information Processing

Encoding the processing of information into

the memory system

Storage the retention of encoded

information over time Retrieval

process of getting information out of memory

Three types of memory

Sensory Memory the immediate, initial recording of

sensory information in the memory system

Short-Term Memory activated memory that holds a few

items briefly

Long-Term Memory the relatively permanent and

limitless storehouse of the memory system

Sensory Memory

• The initial recording of sensory information in the memory system

• Iconic Memory• A fleeting photographic memory• Lasts only a few tenths of a second

A Model of Memory

Externalevents

Sensorymemory

Short-termmemory

Long-termmemory

Sensory inputAttention to importantor novel information

Encoding

Encoding

Retrieving

MemoryEncoding: Getting Information In

How We Encode

Encoding

Effortful Automatic

How We Encode

Automatic Processing unconscious encoding of incidental

information space time frequency

well-learned information word meanings

we can learn automatic processing reading backwards

How we encode

• .citamotua emoceb nac gnissecorp luftroffE

• Effortful processing can become automatic.

• .ecitcarp elttil a sekat tsuj tI• It just takes a little practice.• .siht ta retteb gnitteg era ouy

that ees ydaerla nac ouY• You can already see that you

are getting better at this.

How We Encode

Effortful Processing requires attention and

conscious effort Rehearsal

conscious repetition of information

to maintain it in consciousness to encode it for storage

Effortful Processing

• Studied by Hermann Ebbinghaus

• Principles of effortful processing• The amount

remembered depends on the time spent learning

• Spacing effect• Serial position

effect

What We Encode

• We encode meaning• We encode imagery• We encode organization

Encoding Meaning

• Semantic Encoding encoding of meaning including meaning of words

Acoustic Encoding encoding of sound especially sound of words

Visual Encoding encoding of picture images

Encoding Meaning

Encoding Meaning

• Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a toatl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe.

Encoding Imagery

Imagery mental pictures a powerful aid to effortful

processing, especially when combined with semantic encoding

Mnemonics memory aids especially those techniques that

use vivid imagery and organizational devices

• Mnemonics•Method of Loci•Peg word•Chunking

Organizing Information

Chunking organizing items into familiar,

manageable units like horizontal organization 1 7 7 6 1 4 9 2 1 8 1 2 1 9 4 1 (1776) (1492) (1812) (1941)

often occurs automatically use of acronyms

HOMES--Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, Superior

ARITHMETIC--A Rat In Tom’s House Might Eat Tom’s Ice Cream

Encoding: Chunking

Organized information is more easily recalled

Encoding: Hierarchies

Hierarchies: complex information broken down into broad concepts and further subdivided into categories and subcategories

Encoding(automatic or effortful)

Imagery(visualEncoding)

Meaning(semanticEncoding)

Organization

Chunks Hierarchies