Psychology Chapter on Attention and Memory

Study Notes

Types of Attention

Selective Attention: Focus on a specific stimulus while ignoring others (e.g., listening to a conversation in a noisy room).
Sustained Attention: Maintaining focus on a task over an extended period (e.g., reading a book).
Divided Attention: Distributing attention across multiple tasks or stimuli (e.g., talking on the phone while driving).
Alternating Attention: Switching focus between tasks that require different cognitive demands (e.g., alternating between writing and reading).

Memory Processes

Encoding: The process of transforming information into a format that can be stored in memory. Can be enhanced by:
- Rehearsal
- Mnemonic devices
- Semantic encoding (understanding meaning)
Storage: Maintaining information over time, which can be divided into:
- Short-term Memory (STM): Holds limited information for a brief period.
- Long-term Memory (LTM): Can store vast amounts of information for an extended period.
Retrieval: The process of accessing and bringing stored information into awareness, influenced by:
- Cues (external or internal triggers)
- Context (environmental factors)

Working Memory

A system for temporarily holding and manipulating information.
Comprises:
- Phonological Loop: Processes verbal and auditory information.
- Visuospatial Sketchpad: Handles visual and spatial information.
- Central Executive: Directs attention and coordinates information from the other components.
Limited capacity, typically around 7±2 items.

Memory Retrieval Techniques

Recall: Retrieving information without external cues (e.g., essay questions).
Recognition: Identifying information from a list or set of options (e.g., multiple-choice questions).
Reconstruction: Rebuilding memories from fragments, which can be influenced by biases or suggestions.
Contextual Cues: Using environmental or situational factors to enhance retrieval (e.g., studying in the same place as the test).

Attention Span

The length of time a person can maintain focus on a task without becoming distracted.
Influencing factors include:
- Task complexity
- Interest level
- Individual differences (e.g., age, cognitive load)
Average attention span has been observed to decrease with increased digital media use, impacting concentration levels.

Types of Attention

Selective Attention: Engaging with one stimulus while ignoring distractions, exemplified by listening to a conversation amid background noise.
Sustained Attention: The ability to keep focus on a task for a long duration, such as when reading a book.
Divided Attention: Spreading focus across various tasks simultaneously, like having a phone conversation while driving.
Alternating Attention: The capacity to shift focus between different tasks, requiring different types of cognitive processes, such as switching from writing to reading.

Memory Processes

Encoding: Transforming information for storage in memory, enhanced through:
- Rehearsal techniques
- Mnemonic devices for better retention
- Semantic encoding, which involves grasping and interpreting meaning.
Storage: Keeping information over time, categorized into:
- Short-term Memory (STM): Temporarily retains limited information briefly.
- Long-term Memory (LTM): Capable of holding extensive information for prolonged periods.
Retrieval: Accessing stored information, influenced by:
- Cues that serve as triggers for memory recall
- Contextual factors related to the environment when retrieving memories.

Working Memory

A dynamic system for holding and manipulating information temporarily, consisting of:
- Phonological Loop: Manages verbal and auditory information.
- Visuospatial Sketchpad: Responsible for visual and spatial data.
- Central Executive: Oversees attention allocation and coordinates information from other components.
Typically has a limited capacity of about 7±2 items.

Memory Retrieval Techniques

Recall: Recovering information from memory without external cues, such as during essay-based assessments.
Recognition: Identifying previously learned information from a list, as seen in multiple-choice tests.
Reconstruction: The process of piecing together memories that may be affected by biases or suggestions from others.
Contextual Cues: Utilizing environmental factors to aid memory retrieval, like studying in the same location where one will take a test.

Attention Span

Defined as the duration a person can focus on a task without distraction.
Influenced by various factors, including:
- Complexity of the task
- Level of interest in the activity
- Individual characteristics such as age and cognitive load.
Noteworthy decline in average attention span linked to increased use of digital media, which affects overall concentration levels.

Description

Explore the different types of attention and memory processes in this quiz. From selective attention to encoding information, test your understanding of cognitive psychology concepts. Perfect for students delving into psychological principles and memory systems.