1. What is the difference between iconic memory and echoic memory? b) What is the difference
between short-term memory and working memory? c) Describe the capacity and duration of
short-term memory and long-term memory.
Iconic memory happens with sensory images and it usually lasts for about half a second, it is a mental
image or visual representation. When you hear something, it is stored as echoic memory. Echoic memory
usually lasts for up to two seconds. So, the difference between iconic memory is that iconic memory is
with a visual stimulus and echoic memory is with an auditory stimulus. The duration for which each
memory lasts also differs. Short term memory is used for storing small amounts of information. It can be
affected by interruption or interference which can affect how effectively you can recall the information.
Working memory is another name for short term memory and this type of memory is when you STM is
used for problem solving and thinking. The capacity of long term memory is unlimited and its duration
could range from a couple minutes or a lifetime. The capacity of short term memory is 15 to 30 seconds
and its’ capacity is approximately seven items of pieces of information at once.
2. What are the benefits of visual, acoustic, and semantic encoding? b) Give an instance where each
one might be the optimal method of encoding. c) Discuss the synaptic changes that accompany
memory formation and storage.
Visual encoding is used with visual stimuli (images) and acoustic encoding is used with auditory stimuli
(sounds) and they are considered shallow forms of encoding when compared to semantic encoding.
Semantic encoding deals with the meaning. When we process verbal stimuli semantically and relate it to
ourselves (self-reference effect) we are more likely to remember that information
We use visual encoding when we are remembering people’s faces. Acoustic encoding is used when were
are remembering the lyrics to a song or words. Semantic encoding should be used for important
information as it will allow us to remember it for a longer period of time. There are synaptic changes that
accompany memory formation and storage. The pathways between neurons are strengthened by our
experiences and if the pathways between the neurons are stronger then synapses send signals better. This
process leads to long term potentiation which allows neurotransmitters to release faster, gain more
receptors which helps them detect more neurotransmitters. Long term potentiation is the building blocks
for learning information and remembering it.
3. Your friend tells you that her father experienced brain damage in an accident. She w
if psychology can explain why he can still play checkers very well but has a hard time
holding a sensible conversation. What can you tell her?
Different memories are stored in different sections of the brain. Our explicit memories are
processed in our hippocampus. Implicit memories are those that encompass skills and pro
that are necessary for playing games like checkers. Implicit memories are processed in the
cerebellum and other parts of the brain. I would tell my friend that her father probably suffe
more damage to the parts of his brain responsible for explicit memories, but did not suffer a
damage to the part of his brain needed for implicit memories.
between short-term memory and working memory? c) Describe the capacity and duration of
short-term memory and long-term memory.
Iconic memory happens with sensory images and it usually lasts for about half a second, it is a mental
image or visual representation. When you hear something, it is stored as echoic memory. Echoic memory
usually lasts for up to two seconds. So, the difference between iconic memory is that iconic memory is
with a visual stimulus and echoic memory is with an auditory stimulus. The duration for which each
memory lasts also differs. Short term memory is used for storing small amounts of information. It can be
affected by interruption or interference which can affect how effectively you can recall the information.
Working memory is another name for short term memory and this type of memory is when you STM is
used for problem solving and thinking. The capacity of long term memory is unlimited and its duration
could range from a couple minutes or a lifetime. The capacity of short term memory is 15 to 30 seconds
and its’ capacity is approximately seven items of pieces of information at once.
2. What are the benefits of visual, acoustic, and semantic encoding? b) Give an instance where each
one might be the optimal method of encoding. c) Discuss the synaptic changes that accompany
memory formation and storage.
Visual encoding is used with visual stimuli (images) and acoustic encoding is used with auditory stimuli
(sounds) and they are considered shallow forms of encoding when compared to semantic encoding.
Semantic encoding deals with the meaning. When we process verbal stimuli semantically and relate it to
ourselves (self-reference effect) we are more likely to remember that information
We use visual encoding when we are remembering people’s faces. Acoustic encoding is used when were
are remembering the lyrics to a song or words. Semantic encoding should be used for important
information as it will allow us to remember it for a longer period of time. There are synaptic changes that
accompany memory formation and storage. The pathways between neurons are strengthened by our
experiences and if the pathways between the neurons are stronger then synapses send signals better. This
process leads to long term potentiation which allows neurotransmitters to release faster, gain more
receptors which helps them detect more neurotransmitters. Long term potentiation is the building blocks
for learning information and remembering it.
3. Your friend tells you that her father experienced brain damage in an accident. She w
if psychology can explain why he can still play checkers very well but has a hard time
holding a sensible conversation. What can you tell her?
Different memories are stored in different sections of the brain. Our explicit memories are
processed in our hippocampus. Implicit memories are those that encompass skills and pro
that are necessary for playing games like checkers. Implicit memories are processed in the
cerebellum and other parts of the brain. I would tell my friend that her father probably suffe
more damage to the parts of his brain responsible for explicit memories, but did not suffer a
damage to the part of his brain needed for implicit memories.
