Memory: Encoding, Storage, Retrieval

Study Notes

Memory is the process of encoding, storing, and retrieving information.
Studying memory is crucial for understanding learning, decision-making, and personal identity.
It helps understand and address memory-related issues like amnesia and forgetting.

Encoding transforms sensory input into a storable format.
Types of encoding include visual (images), acoustic (sounds), and semantic (meanings).
Factors influencing encoding include attention, focus, and depth of processing.

Storage is maintaining encoded information over time.
Memory systems include sensory memory (brief storage of sensory input), short-term memory (temporary storage), and long-term memory (permanent storage).
Sensory memory includes iconic (visual) and echoic (auditory) memory.
Short-term memory has limited capacity and duration (20-30 seconds).
Long-term memory includes explicit (declarative) memories (conscious memories like facts and events) and implicit (non-declarative) memories (unconscious procedural skills and priming effects).

Retrieval is accessing stored information as needed.
Methods include recall (retrieving without cues), recognition (identifying previously learned information), and relearning (faster reacquisition of knowledge).

Key brain structures involved in memory include the hippocampus (forming explicit memories), amygdala (emotionally charged events), cerebellum (procedural and motor memories), and prefrontal cortex (supporting working memory).
Neuroplasticity (the brain's ability to reorganize) is crucial for memory formation and learning.

Forgetting can be caused by decay (information fading over time) or interference (new or old information disrupting recall).
Proactive interference occurs when old information disrupts the recall of new information.
Retroactive interference occurs when new information disrupts the recall of old information.
False memories are inaccurate recollections often influenced by suggestion or misinformation. This includes misinformation effect in eyewitness testimonies.
Reconstructive memory: Memory is not a perfect replay but a reconstruction based on beliefs, previous knowledge, and context.

Techniques for improving memory include chunking (grouping information), mnemonics (memory aids), spaced practice (distributing learning sessions), and elaborative rehearsal (connecting new information with existing knowledge).
Healthy habits like adequate sleep, exercise, and a balanced diet also support memory.

Memory research has implications in education (enhancing study techniques, effective curriculum design), therapy (addressing memory disorders like Alzheimer's), workplace (improving employee training), and law (increasing reliability of eyewitness testimony by mitigating misinformation effects).