SE234: Human Computer Interaction - Chapter 2-4: HCI Concepts

Memory

• Three types of memory functions: sensory memories, short-term memory or working memory, and long-term memory.
• Selection of stimuli governed by level of arousal.

Sensory Memory

• Buffers for stimuli received through senses.
• Three types: iconic memory (visual stimuli), echoic memory (aural stimuli), and haptic memory (tactile stimuli).
• Examples: sparkler trail, stereo sound.
• Continuously overwritten.

Short-term Memory (STM)

• Scratch-pad for temporary recall.
• Characteristics:
  • Rapid access (~70ms).
  • Rapid decay (~200ms).
  • Limited capacity (7±2 chunks).
• Examples: phone numbers, random sequences.

Long-term Memory (LTM)

• Repository for all our knowledge.
• Characteristics:
  • Slow access (~1/10 second).
  • Slow decay, if any.
  • Huge or unlimited capacity.
• Two types:
  • Episodic memory: serial memory of events.
  • Semantic memory: structured memory of facts, concepts, skills.
• Semantic LTM derived from episodic LTM.

Semantic Memory Structure

• Provides access to information.
• Represents relationships between bits of information.
• Supports inference through inheritance.
• Model: semantic network.

Models of LTM

• Semantic Network:
  • Inheritance: child nodes inherit properties of parent nodes.
  • Relationships between bits of information explicit.
  • Supports inference through inheritance.
• Frames:
  • Information organized in data structures.
  • Slots in structure instantiated with values for instance of data.
  • Type–subtype relationships (e.g., DOG-COLLIE).
• Scripts:
  • Model of stereotypical information required to interpret situation.
  • Script has elements that can be instantiated with values for context (e.g., script for a visit to the vet).

Quiz on Human Computer Interaction concepts covering human, computer, and interaction aspects, including memory functions and types.