Psychology Memory Overview

Memory Lecture Overview

• The lecture covers the nature of memory, forgetting, the biological basis of memory, memory and the criminal justice system, and using psychology to improve memory.

Nature of Memory

• Memory is an internal record or representation of prior events or experiences.
• Memory is a constructive process. Information is actively organized and shaped as it's processed, stored, and retrieved.

Models of Memory

• Information Processing Model: Memory is analogous to a computer with encoding, storage, and retrieval.
• Parallel Distributed Processing (PDP) Model: Memory is distributed across a vast network of interconnected neurons that function in parallel, rather than sequentially. This model is sometimes called the "connectionist" model.
• Levels of Processing: Memory retention depends on the depth of processing. Deeper processing leads to better storage and retrieval. Shallow processing leads to weaker retention.
• Traditional Three-Stage Memory Model: Memory involves three distinct stages: sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory.

Encoding

• Encoding involves taking in sensory information (visual, auditory, semantic).
• Information is stored in memory, either short-term or long-term, depending on the level of attention paid to it and the degree of review or repetition.
• Retrieval involves accessing stored information when needed.

Application in Daily Life

• The model is applicable to understanding study habits. Encoding information effectively and connecting it to existing knowledge are more likely to lead to long-term storage. Consistent review and testing are also useful.

Sensory Memory

• Sensory memory is the briefest stage, holding sensory input (sights, sounds, smells) for a fraction of a second.
• Information quickly fades if not attended to.
• The capacity is large.

Short-Term Memory

• Holds current thoughts.
• Capacity is limited (approximately 5-9 items).
• Can be increased through chunking.
• Information can be stored longer than 30 seconds using maintenance rehearsal.
• STM is also a working memory, including active processing (e.g., visuospatial sketchpad, phonological loop, central executive).

Long-Term Memory

• A relatively permanent storage with unlimited capacity.
• Organization, elaborative rehearsal, and retrieval cues improve LTM.
• Types of LTM include:
  • Explicit (declarative): memories with conscious recall (semantic and episodic).
  • Implicit (nondeclarative): memories without conscious recall (procedural, classical conditioning, priming).

Forgetting

• Ebbinghaus found that forgetting occurs most rapidly immediately after learning, though relearning is quicker.
• Theories of forgetting include decay theory, interference theory (proactive and retroactive interference), motivated forgetting, encoding failure, and retrieval failure.

Overcoming Problems With Forgetting

• Serial position effect: remembering the beginning and end of a list is better than the middle.
• Source amnesia: forgetting the true source of a memory.
• Sleeper effect: initially discounting information from an unreliable source, later viewing it as reliable.
• Spacing of practice: distributed practice is superior to massed practice.

Biological Basis of Memory

• Changes in neurons (e.g., long-term potentiation) can strengthen synapses and influence neurotransmitter release in long-term memory.
• Hormones affect various brain structures. Flashbulb memories are vivid images of emotionally significant events.
• Memory is localized and distributed throughout the brain.

Biological Causes of Memory Loss

• Amnesia: loss of memory due to brain injury or trauma. This can include retrograde amnesia (loss of past memories) and anterograde amnesia (inability to create new memories).
• Alzheimer's disease leads to progressive mental deterioration, often featuring severe memory loss.

Memory and the Criminal Justice System

• Eyewitness accounts can be very persuasive but flawed.
• Repressed memories are a debated topic regarding accuracy.

Using Psychology to Improve Our Memory

• Strategies include paying attention, using rehearsal techniques, improving organization, managing time, utilizing the encoding specificity principle, employing self-monitoring and overlearning, and using mnemonic devices.