Memory
Memory and Retention
Memory is learning that persist over time, through the encoding, storage and retrieval of information.
A popular way of measuring memory is the Wechsler Memory scale (WMS-IV) which was rst
developed by David Wechsler in 1945.There are three retention measures that show learning:
Recall: Retrieving information that is not currently in your conscious awareness, but that was learned
at an earlier time. Tested through ll-in-the-blank questions.
Recognition: Identifying items previously learned, such as terms, equations and de nitions.
Recognition is often tested through multiple choice questions.
Relearning: Learning something more quickly and more easily when learning it a second time or a
later time.
Our response speed when recalling or recognizing information indicates memory strength.
Memory Models
Humans modern information processing model is similar to that of computer operations, these steps
include:
Encode: Get information into our brain
Store: Retain that information
Retrieve: Later get the information back out
The three stage processing model explains how we process information into our memory, the steps are
as follows:
1. We remember eeting moments as a sensory memory which we encode either into working
memory or automatically process into long term memory
2. Information is passed into short term or working memory where we encode it through rehearsal.
3. Information nally moves into long term memory where we can retrieve it back into short term
memory at a later time.
Encoding memories
Explicit memories: retention of facts and experiences that we can consciously know and declare. This
is also called declarative memory.
Implicit memories: Retention of learned skills or classically conditioned associations independent of
conscious recollection. This is also called non-declarative memory.
Effortful processing: encoding that requires attention and conscious effort. This is often how we
process explicit memories.
Automatic processing: Unconcious encoding of incidental information such as space, time and
frequency. This is often how we process implicit memories.
Iconic memory: a momentary sensory memory of visual stimuli.
Echoic memory: a momentary sensory memory of auditory stimuli.
Memory and Retention
Memory is learning that persist over time, through the encoding, storage and retrieval of information.
A popular way of measuring memory is the Wechsler Memory scale (WMS-IV) which was rst
developed by David Wechsler in 1945.There are three retention measures that show learning:
Recall: Retrieving information that is not currently in your conscious awareness, but that was learned
at an earlier time. Tested through ll-in-the-blank questions.
Recognition: Identifying items previously learned, such as terms, equations and de nitions.
Recognition is often tested through multiple choice questions.
Relearning: Learning something more quickly and more easily when learning it a second time or a
later time.
Our response speed when recalling or recognizing information indicates memory strength.
Memory Models
Humans modern information processing model is similar to that of computer operations, these steps
include:
Encode: Get information into our brain
Store: Retain that information
Retrieve: Later get the information back out
The three stage processing model explains how we process information into our memory, the steps are
as follows:
1. We remember eeting moments as a sensory memory which we encode either into working
memory or automatically process into long term memory
2. Information is passed into short term or working memory where we encode it through rehearsal.
3. Information nally moves into long term memory where we can retrieve it back into short term
memory at a later time.
Encoding memories
Explicit memories: retention of facts and experiences that we can consciously know and declare. This
is also called declarative memory.
Implicit memories: Retention of learned skills or classically conditioned associations independent of
conscious recollection. This is also called non-declarative memory.
Effortful processing: encoding that requires attention and conscious effort. This is often how we
process explicit memories.
Automatic processing: Unconcious encoding of incidental information such as space, time and
frequency. This is often how we process implicit memories.
Iconic memory: a momentary sensory memory of visual stimuli.
Echoic memory: a momentary sensory memory of auditory stimuli.
