PYC1501
Memory
^ an active process that stores, organises and retrieves info (helps explain why our experience
of the world is subjective).
^ affected by many factors; age, physical health, activities performed.
^ working memory- type of short-term memory that helps us cope with new situations and to
solve problems, allows us to draw on and work with all kinds of info from memory to apply to
new situations. Described as the desktop of memory/mental notebook with various components;
phonological loop- allows access to verbal info or sounds, visuospatial sketchpad- allows us to
manipulate visual images, executive control system- controls, monitors and regulates the info
needed for reasoning and problem solving, long-term knowledge store
^ involves 3 NB phases;
1. Encoding- process of forming a memory code.
^ when a memory code is formed one remembers what things looked like or what they
mean, associated sounds etc.
^ by paying attention to and disregarding info, one decreases the amount of info so that
it is more manageable.
^ attention is a very NB aspect of remembering.
^ diff strategies to improve memory by making coding more effective; elaboration- linking
one fact to other bits of info (thinking of examples that illustrate an idea), visual imagery-
create pictures or visual images of things you want to remember, make the info
personally meaningful.
2. Storage- involves holding or maintaining info in the memory store.
Diff stages;
^ sensory memory- info is kept in its original form for a brief time, held in sensory
memory just long enough for part of it to be selected for longer storage.
^ short-term memory- temporary store for small amounts of info then encoded as images
or sounds. Info kept here for approx 20 sec but longer if it is rehearsed (repeatedly
verbalising or thinking about the info). Info is forgotten when other events or info interfere
with the storage process or compete for our attention. (Golden rule- 7+2 or 7-2- can deal
most efficiently with between 5 and 9 bits of info at a time).
^ long-term memory- store where info is held for long periods of time with unlimited and
permanent capacity. We select info to store here on the basis of the meaning and
importance of that info.
Memory
^ an active process that stores, organises and retrieves info (helps explain why our experience
of the world is subjective).
^ affected by many factors; age, physical health, activities performed.
^ working memory- type of short-term memory that helps us cope with new situations and to
solve problems, allows us to draw on and work with all kinds of info from memory to apply to
new situations. Described as the desktop of memory/mental notebook with various components;
phonological loop- allows access to verbal info or sounds, visuospatial sketchpad- allows us to
manipulate visual images, executive control system- controls, monitors and regulates the info
needed for reasoning and problem solving, long-term knowledge store
^ involves 3 NB phases;
1. Encoding- process of forming a memory code.
^ when a memory code is formed one remembers what things looked like or what they
mean, associated sounds etc.
^ by paying attention to and disregarding info, one decreases the amount of info so that
it is more manageable.
^ attention is a very NB aspect of remembering.
^ diff strategies to improve memory by making coding more effective; elaboration- linking
one fact to other bits of info (thinking of examples that illustrate an idea), visual imagery-
create pictures or visual images of things you want to remember, make the info
personally meaningful.
2. Storage- involves holding or maintaining info in the memory store.
Diff stages;
^ sensory memory- info is kept in its original form for a brief time, held in sensory
memory just long enough for part of it to be selected for longer storage.
^ short-term memory- temporary store for small amounts of info then encoded as images
or sounds. Info kept here for approx 20 sec but longer if it is rehearsed (repeatedly
verbalising or thinking about the info). Info is forgotten when other events or info interfere
with the storage process or compete for our attention. (Golden rule- 7+2 or 7-2- can deal
most efficiently with between 5 and 9 bits of info at a time).
^ long-term memory- store where info is held for long periods of time with unlimited and
permanent capacity. We select info to store here on the basis of the meaning and
importance of that info.
