| What is memory? | A set of storage systems and processes for encoding, storing, and retrieving information acquired through our senses and for relating this information to previously acquired knowledge.
The mental representation of knowledge within memory systems stored within neural networks of the brain. |
| Who proposed the multi-store model? | Atkinson and Shiffrin (1968) |
| What are the three "stores" that memory consists of? | 1. Sensory memory
2. Short-term memory (working memory)
3. Long-term memory |
| What can the three stores of memory be distinguished based on? | How long memory is retained (duration), and how much information can be stored (capacity). |
| What is the processes of encoding? | Most fundamental process of memory.
The processes involved in attending to and acquiring information from experiences and mental processes:
(a) registration of information in sensory regions of brain.
(b) attention to elements of an experience.
(c) interpretation and integration of experience with prior knowledge. |
| What is the process of storage? | Consolidation of information which is then stored in networks and neurons throughout the brain/maitenance of a permanent record to be used at a later time.
Storage capacity and duration depends on what kind of memory system is involved. |
| What is the process of retrieval? | Utilisation of stored information to create a conscious representation, or to execute a learned behaviour.
Explicit and implicit retrieval processes.
"Remembering", "knowing" & "doing". |
| What is iconic memory referring to? | Visual sensory memory |
| What is echoic memory referring to? | Auditory sensory memory |
| How long is the information stored in sensory memory retained? | Only some of the information will be retained.
Has brief duration (decays quickly) but large capacity (relative to STM). |
| What did George Sperling (1960) study? | Determine the capacity and duration of the iconic sensory memory.
Used full-report versus partial report methods. |
| What was discovered in Sperling's study - full report? | Participants could only name 4 of the letters on average.
Felt as though their memory was rapidly decaying. |
| What was discovered in Sperling's study - partial report? | Study involved using tones rather than numbers to cue line to be reported.
Participants needed only to report one line.
Provided a much larger estimate of iconic memory capacity.
By varying the onset of the cue it has been shown that after approximately 500ms, the memory trace decayed and items cant be recalled. |
