Psychology Lecture on Memory Overview

Memory Lecture Overview

• The lecture covers the nature of memory, forgetting, biological bases of memory, memory and the criminal justice system, and strategies to improve memory.

The Nature of Memory

• Memory is an internal record or representation of past events or experiences.
• Memory is a constructive process where information is actively organized and shaped during processing, storage, and retrieval.

Models of Memory

• Information Processing Model: Memory is like a computer with encoding, storage, and retrieval stages.
  • Encoding: taking in information (visual, auditory, semantic).
  • Storage: holding encoded information (short-term or long-term).
  • Retrieval: accessing the stored information.
• Parallel Distributed Processing (PDP) Model: Memory is a vast network of interconnected units (neurons) processing information simultaneously. Information is distributed across a network. This model is useful for complex tasks like multitasking.
• Levels of Processing Model: Deeper processing leads to better memory retention (e.g., understanding meaning is better than superficial processing).
• Traditional Three-Stage Memory Model: Different storage boxes for different lengths of time.
  • Sensory Memory: brief sensory input (sights, sounds, smells).
  • Short-Term Memory (STM): Temporary holding area (about 20-30 seconds); limited capacity (7 ± 2 items).
  • Long-Term Memory (LTM): Relatively permanent storage; unlimited capacity. LTM can be improved by organization, elaborative rehearsal, and retrieval cues.

Application in Daily Life

• Information processing model is helpful for study habits.
  • Effective encoding strengthens retention.
  • Testing improves retrieval.
• PDP model explains why a particular sensory input (e.g., smell, sound) can trigger related memories. This is helpful for multitasking.
• Levels of processing model helps understand understanding new information.
  • Deep processing enhances learning.
• Traditional three-stage model helps understand how information is initially processed and recalled. Rehearsal is helpful to move information from short-term to long-term.

Biological Bases of Memory

• Long-term potentiation (LTP): changes in neurons.
  • Repeated stimulation of a synapse strengthens the synapse.
  • The ability to release neurotransmitters can be increased or decreased.
• Hormones also impact memory.
• Flashbulb memories: vivid images of emotionally charged occurrences.
• Memory is localized but also distributes throughout the brain.

Memory and the Criminal Justice System

• Eyewitness accounts can be flawed due to memory issues.
• Repressed memories are a debatable concept regarding accuracy.

Using Psychology to Improve Our Memory

• Strategies for boosting memory:
  • Pay attention.
  • Use effective rehearsal techniques.
  • Organize information.
  • Counteract serial position effect.
  • Manage study time.
  • Use the encoding specificity principle.
  • Use self-monitoring and overlearning.
  • Use mnemonic devices.

Forgetting

• Ebbinghaus found that forgetting occurs immediately after learning, but relearning takes less time.
• 5 theories of forgetting:
  • Decay theory: Memory fades over time.
  • Interference theory: Information competes with other information.
    • Retroactive interference: New information interferes with old information.
    • Proactive interference: Old information interferes with new information.
  • Motivated forgetting: People forget painful, threatening, or embarrassing information.
  • Encoding failure: New information isn't encoded properly.
  • Retrieval failure: Stored information is momentarily inaccessible.

Overcoming Problems With Forgetting

• Serial position effect, source amnesia, sleeper effect, and distributed practice are all issues which affect remembrance. Techniques for overcoming such issues are also highlighted.

Amnesia

• Amnesia is the loss of memory due to brain injury or disease.
  • Retrograde amnesia: loss of past memories.
  • Anterograde amnesia: inability to form new memories.

Alzheimer's Disease

• Alzheimer's disease is a progressive mental deterioration. Memory loss is the defining characteristic.

Sperling's Experiment with Sensory Memory

-(Detailed information on experiment is provided in the document)

Short-Term Memory

• STM is a temporary holding area for information.
• Capacity is limited to about 7 +/- 2 chunks. -maintenance rehearsal and chunking techniques can improve storage capacity and time of remembrance

Long-Term Memory

• LTM is a relatively permanent storage with unlimited capacity.
• Different types of LTM are described.

This quiz covers key concepts about memory, including its nature, the biological underpinnings, and how memory relates to the criminal justice system. You'll explore various models of memory, such as the Information Processing Model and Parallel Distributed Processing. Test your understanding of memory functions and strategies for improvement.