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What are the characteristics of memory?
Characteristics of memory include storage capacity, duration, and ease of retrieval.
What are the components of working memory (WM)?
The components of working memory include the central executive, visuospatial buffer, and articulatory rehearsal loop.
How do we know working memory is different from long-term memory?
Working memory has a limited capacity and duration, while long-term memory can hold unlimited information for an indefinite period.
How does information go from working memory to long-term memory?
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What is the capacity of working memory according to George Miller?
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Ease of retrieval is hardest in long-term memory.
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What is the average duration of items in working memory?
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Working Memory is also known as _____ Term Memory.
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What are some tasks used to measure working memory capacity?
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Irrelevant speech has no effect on working memory performance.
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Study Notes
The Modal Model
- Atkinson & Shiffrin (1968) and Waugh & Norman (1965) proposed the modal model of memory.
- It emphasizes the structures – sensory memory, short-term memory (STM), and long-term memory (LTM).
- Processes involved in memory include:
- Encoding/Acquisition: Converting information into a usable format
- Storage: Retaining information over time
- Retrieval: Accessing information from memory
- The modal model suggests that information passes through each structure, potentially being lost along the way.
Working Memory
- Working memory (WM) is a temporary storage system where we actively process information.
- It is also referred to as Short-Term Memory (STM).
- It is distinct from Long-Term Memory (LTM) in several key ways:
- Capacity:
- WM is limited (7 ± 2 items)
- LTM is unlimited
- Duration:
- WM is temporary (approx. 1 minute)
- LTM is permanent
- Function:
- WM is the workspace for active thinking
- LTM is the repository of knowledge
- Ease of Entry: WM is easy to access, LTM is harder to access
- Ease of Retrieval: WM is easy to retrieve, LTM is harder to retrieve
- Capacity:
Components of Working Memory
- WM is composed of several interacting components:
- Central Executive:
- Located in the prefrontal lobe, responsible for directing attention, planning, and controlling behavior
- Oversees and coordinates the other components
- Visuospatial Buffer:
- Also known as the "visual-spatial sketchpad"
- Responsible for processing and storing visual and spatial information
- Primarily associated with the right hemisphere of the brain
- Articulatory Rehearsal Loop:
- Also known as the "phonological loop"
- Responsible for processing and storing auditory and verbal information
- Primarily associated with the left hemisphere of the brain
- Central Executive:
Working Memory Capacity
- Working Memory capacity can be influenced by the type of information being processed.
- Studies have shown that:
- Digit span tasks are used to measure WM.
- The number of items you can accurately recall (e.g., digits, letters, words) is typically limited to about 7 ± 2 items.
- People can remember more dissimilar sounding items (e.g., VGBZDPTC) than similar sounding items (e.g., RLHXKFYM), demonstrating the "Phonological Similarity Effect."
- Word length also affects WM (e.g., "bike" vs. "bicycle").
- WM capacity may be better understood by considering both the time (approximately 2 seconds per item) and the number of items (7 ± 2 chunks).
Other Span Tasks
- Reading span and operation span are other tasks used to assess WM:
- Reading Span: Participants read sentences and then recall the last word of each sentence.
- Operation Span: Participants solve math equations and recall a word associated with each equation.
- Both involve storage (e.g. last word, the word) and processing (reading, solving equations), demonstrating the active nature of WM.
- Reading span and operation span are highly correlated with test performance, reasoning ability, and reading comprehension.
Working Memory and Brain Areas
- Various brain areas contribute to WM, including:
- The prefrontal cortex (PFC) appears to be particularly important for the central executive processes, and working memory capacity.
- Other brain areas are associated with specific WM components (e.g., visuospatial buffer and the articulatory loop).
The Irrelevant Speech Effect
- The "Irrelevant Speech Effect" demonstrates how auditory information can interfere with WM:
- When trying to memorize visually presented information, hearing irrelevant speech in the background can disrupt the rehearsal processes.
- This effect highlights the importance of the phonological loop's role in auditory processing and its impact on WM.
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Description
Explore the Modal Model of memory proposed by Atkinson & Shiffrin, which details structures like sensory memory and long-term memory. Delve into the characteristics and functions of Working Memory, including its limited capacity and temporary nature compared to Long-Term Memory.
