9 Questions
What is the primary function of short-term memory (STM), and what is its capacity?
The primary function of STM is to temporarily hold and manipulate information for cognitive tasks, and it has a limited capacity of 7 ± 2 chunks of information.
What are the two primary characteristics of information in short-term memory?
Information in STM is readily accessible but easily forgotten unless rehearsed or consolidated into long-term memory, and it has a limited capacity.
Distinguish between sensory memory and working memory, two subsets of short-term memory.
Sensory memory is a brief storage of sensory information in sensory buffers, whereas working memory involves the manipulation and processing of information.
Compare and contrast the Atkinson-Shiffrin Model and the Levels of Processing Model of short-term memory.
The Atkinson-Shiffrin Model proposes that information enters STM and can be transferred to long-term memory through rehearsal, whereas the Levels of Processing Model suggests that information is processed in STM based on its meaning, leading to better retention.
How does attention affect short-term memory performance, and what are the implications?
Focused attention can improve STM performance, while divided attention can impair it.
Discuss the effects of aging on short-term memory capacity and duration.
Aging declines STM capacity and duration, leading to reduced cognitive performance.
What are the implications of individual differences in short-term memory capacity?
Individual differences in STM capacity can significantly affect cognitive performance and learning.
Explain how chunking can improve short-term memory capacity.
Chunking involves organizing information into smaller groups, which can improve STM capacity by reducing cognitive overload.
What role does rehearsal play in the consolidation of information from short-term to long-term memory?
Rehearsal is essential for consolidating information from STM to long-term memory, ensuring long-term retention.
Study Notes
Definition and Function
- Short-term memory (STM) is a volatile memory system that temporarily holds and manipulates information for cognitive tasks.
- STM is a limited-capacity system that can hold 7 ± 2 chunks of information for a short period ( seconds to minutes).
Characteristics
- Information in STM is readily accessible but easily forgotten unless rehearsed or consolidated into long-term memory.
- STM has a limited capacity, which can be improved through chunking (organizing information into smaller groups).
- Information in STM is temporary and can be displaced by new information.
Types of Short-Term Memory
- Sensory Memory: brief storage of sensory information in sensory buffers (e.g., visual, auditory).
- Working Memory: a subset of STM that involves manipulation and processing of information (e.g., mental arithmetic).
Models of Short-Term Memory
- Atkinson-Shiffrin Model: proposes that information first enters STM and then can be transferred to long-term memory through rehearsal.
- Levels of Processing Model: suggests that information is processed in STM based on its meaning, leading to better retention.
Factors Affecting Short-Term Memory
- Attention: focused attention can improve STM performance.
- Distractions: divided attention can impair STM performance.
- Aging: STM capacity and duration decline with age.
- Individual Differences: STM capacity can vary significantly between individuals.
Understand the concept of Short-Term Memory (STM), its limitations, and its sub-types. Learn about the models and factors that affect STM, including attention, distractions, and individual differences.
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