Memory Processes and Models

Memory Processes

• Encoding: Transforming information into memory codes. This crucial process involves attention, emphasizing how information looks, sounds, or means.
• Storage: Maintaining encoded information over time, like saving data in a computer file.
• Retrieval: Recovering information from memory, like bringing a saved file to mind.

Key Memory Models

• Attention & Selective Attention Filter Model: Attention focuses awareness on specific stimuli, while selective attention filters out irrelevant stimuli, crucial for everyday tasks.
• Levels-of-Processing Theory: Deeper levels of processing (meaning) lead to better memory, compared with shallow processing (structure or sound).
• Elaboration: Enhancing encoding by linking new information to existing knowledge.
• Dual-Coding Theory: Combining visual and verbal information strengthens memory.
• Self-Referent Encoding: Linking information to personal experiences improves memory.

Memory Stores

• Sensory Memory: Briefly holds sensory information.
• Short-Term/Working Memory: Holds information temporarily, with limited capacity, crucial for manipulating information.
• Long-Term Memory: Stores information indefinitely, with virtually unlimited capacity.

Memory Processes & Measures

• Chunking: Organizing information into meaningful units increases short-term memory capacity.
• Rehearsal: Actively repeating information maintains it in short-term memory.
• Retrieval Cues: Stimuli that help access stored information.
• Measures of Retention: Different methods to assess memory, like recall, recognition, and relearning.
• Decay Theory: Forgetting due to memory traces fading over time.
• Proactive Interference: Previously learned information hinders recall of new information.
• Retroactive Interference: Newly learned information interferes with the recall of previously learned information.
• Repression: Unconsciously blocking distressing memories.
• Long-Term Potentiation (LTP): Strengthening neural connections through repeated activation.

Memory and the Brain

• Brain Regions Involved in Memory: Areas like the hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex play critical roles.
• Retrograde Amnesia: Loss of memories from before a brain injury.
• Anterograde Amnesia: Inability to form new memories after a brain injury.
• Consolidation: Gradual conversion of information into long-term memory.
• Memory Codes: Types of memory codes such as structural, phonemic and semantic

Types of Memory

• Implicit Memory (Non-declarative): Automatic, non-conscious recall (skills, past experiences).
• Explicit Memory (Declarative): Conscious recall of facts and events.
• Semantic Memory: General knowledge about the world.
• Episodic Memory: Personal experiences and events.
• Prospective Memory: Remembering to perform actions in the future.
• Retrospective Memory: Remembering past events.

Memory Errors and Biases

• Misinformation Effect: Incorporating misleading information into memories.
• Source Monitoring Errors: Incorrectly determining the source of a memory.
• Reality Monitoring: Differentiating between real and imagined experiences.