Memory Processes: Encoding, Storage, Retrieval

Memory Processes

• Encoding: The initial step in the information processing model; involves transforming information for storage.
• Storage: The retention of encoded information for later access; critical for memory organization.
• Retrieval: The process of accessing stored information; essential for recalling memories when needed.

Types of Memory

• Implicit Memory: Involves skills and tasks; examples include riding a bike or driving a car. Knowledge is often unconscious and difficult to transfer to others.
• Explicit Memory: Comprises conscious recollections, such as memories of directions or definitions; this knowledge is easily communicated and shared.

Memory Systems and Structures

• Hippocampus: Unique horseshoe-shaped brain structure pivotal for long-term memory storage and spatial memory (location of objects and people).
• Prefrontal Cortex (PFC): Plays a role in memory processing, decision-making, and working memory.

Encoding Types

• Selective Encoding: Focused attention leads to better encoding; not all information can be encoded due to limited attention.
• Conceptual Encoding: Involves understanding and relating new information to existing knowledge for effective recall.

Memory Traces

• Memory Traces: Changes in the brain that correspond to the storage of memories; can deteriorate over time, affecting recall.

Memory Storage Types

• Sensory Memory: Brief retention of sensory input before it is processed; includes iconic (visual) and echoic (auditory) memories.
• Working Memory: Temporary holding and processing of information currently in focus.
• Long-Term Memory: Information stored over extended periods, not immediately needed but readily accessible.

Sensory Memory Types

• Iconic Memory: Visual fleeting impressions that last a very short period.
• Echoic Memory: Auditory information that is momentarily retained, like recalling a question after asking "What?"

Stages of Memory

• Three Stages: Encoding (initial learning), Storage (long-term retention), and Retrieval (accessing information).

Memory Differences

• Explicit vs. Implicit Memory: Explicit memory is conscious and intentional, while implicit memory is automatic and not consciously recalled.

Memory Improvement Techniques

• Chunking: Organizing information into manageable units to enhance memory capacity and recall.

Memory Capacities

• Working Memory Capacity: Typically ranges from 5 to 9 items, also known as Miller's law.
• Long-Term Memory Capacity: Considered to be virtually unlimited.

Special Memory Types

• Flashbulb Memory: Vivid and detailed memories of significant events; often perceived as more accurate than regular memories but can still be flawed.
• Autobiographical Memory: Personal recollections of one’s life events.

Memory Stability Processes

• Consolidation: The process stabilizing memory traces after encoding, integrating them into long-term memory.
• Distinctiveness: Unusual events are more vividly recalled and recognized compared to typical occurrences.

Episodic Memory

• Episodic Memory: The ability to remember specific episodes and events in one’s life; essential for narrative and personal history recall.

Memory Tests

• Recall vs. Recognition: Recall involves retrieving information without prompts, while recognition is identifying previously learned information; examples include essay questions (recall) vs. multiple-choice tests (recognition).