Psychology Types of Memory Quiz

Types of Memory

• Sensory Memory: A brief, initial recording of sensory information; iconic (visual) and echoic (auditory).
• Short-Term Memory (STM): Limited capacity store holding information briefly (around 30 seconds) unless rehearsed. Information encoded mainly acoustically.
• Long-Term Memory (LTM): A relatively permanent and limitless storehouse of the memory system. Encodes information semantically (meaning-based).

Encoding in Memory

• Acoustic Encoding: Encoding information based on sounds.
• Visual Encoding: Encoding information based on imagery.
• Semantic Encoding: Encoding information based on meaning. Semantic encoding is the most effective for long-term storage.

Models of Memory

• Multi-Store Model (MSM): Memory consists of three stores: sensory register, short-term store, and long-term store; information flows linearly.
  • Sensory Register: Holds sensory information briefly.
  • Short-Term Store (STS): Information retained briefly via rehearsal.
  • Long-Term Store (LTS): Information stored permanently unless forgotten.
• Working Memory Model (WMM): STM is not a single store, but a dynamic system with multiple components.
  • Central Executive: Supervises and allocates resources to other components.
  • Phonological Loop: Deals with auditory information (inner ear and inner voice).
  • Visuospatial Sketchpad: Handles visual and spatial information.
  • Episodic Buffer: Integrates information from other components and LTM.

Retrieval of Memories

• Retrieval Cues: Stimuli triggering memory retrieval (words, images, emotions).

Forgetting

• Proactive Interference: Previously learned information hinders learning new information.
• Retroactive Interference: New information interferes with recalling old information.
• Retrieval Failure: Inability to access stored information due to lack of cues.
• Motivated Forgetting (Repression): Unconsciously pushing negative memories out of awareness for emotional protection.

Types of Long-Term Memory

• Episodic Memory: Memory for personal events (e.g., first day of school).
• Semantic Memory: Memory for general knowledge (e.g., definition of a bicycle).
• Procedural Memory: Memory for how to do things (e.g., riding a bicycle).

Factors Affecting Memory

• Emotional State: Emotions influence encoding and retrieval; strong emotions create stronger memories.
• Anxiety: High anxiety can impair memory.
• Context: Learning environment influences memory retrieval.
• Distraction: Distractions during learning hinder memory encoding.

Eyewitness Testimony

• Reconstruction of Memory: Eyewitness accounts are often inaccurate due to leading questions or post-event information. Memories are actively constructed, not passively recorded.
• Reconstructive Memory: Filling memory gaps based on prior experiences and expectations, leading to eyewitness errors.

Improving Memory

• Rehearsal: Repeating information to improve retention.
• Elaboration: Connecting new information to existing knowledge for stronger associations.
• Mnemonics: Memory aids (acronyms, visual imagery).
• Organization: Structuring information meaningfully (e.g., using categories).
• Retrieval Practice: Actively recalling information to enhance long-term retention.