7.2 Three Processes of Memory

7.2 Three Processes of Memory

Introduction

Computers and people both process information. Computers use their electronic circuits to process the information they recieve, while people use their brains. But the process used by computers and people are very similar. Both computers and people encode, store, and retrieve information.

Encoding- the translation of information into a form in which it can be stored. This is the first stage of processing information.

Visual Codes

Acoustic Codes

Semantic Codes

Trying to form a mental picture of letters in your mind. Example: Trying to memorize letters by picturing them in your mind

Records the letters in your memory as a sequence of sounds.

Represents information in terms of its meaning. By using semantic codes you will probably remember itams and lists for a longer period of time. Example: OTTF O= one T= Two T=Three F= Four

Storage

Is the maintanance of encoded information over a period of time.

How do we store encoded information?

People who want to store new information in their memory use a variety of strategies. These strategies are closely related to those used for encoding.

• Maintenance Rehersal- repeating information over and over again to keep from forgetting.
• the more time spent repeating or rehearsing the lomger the information will be remembered

Example: Actors and actresses rehsersing as script helps them to memorize their lines

• Elaborative Rehersal- a more effective and lasting way to remember new information by making concepts meaningful by relating it to information you already know well.
• It is widely used in education (has proven to be more effective than maintenance rehersal)

Example: A spainish teacher may use this method when encouraging students to use new vocabulary words in a sentence instead of just repeating the words .

Memory Storage

continued

Additional forms of storage

Organizational Systems

• Memories that you have stored in your mind become organized and arranged in your brain for future use

• Your memory is like a vast storehouse of files and cabinets in which you store what you learn and need to remember

• As your memory develops it organizes the information you learn into files and then files within files. Your memory organizes new information it recieves into certain groups

Example: mammals that share certain features may be stored together in your memory (based on what you already know)

Memory Storage

continued

Mistakes in memory storage

Filing Errors-

• Our ability to store information in our memory- even when we are healthy and functioning well- is subject to error

• We may file information in our brain "incorrectly"

• Psychologists have found that when we classify information accurately- when we place info into the correct "file" in our brain- we have a better chance of recalling accurate information about them.

Retrieval

Consists of locating stored information and returning it to conscious thought. This is the third memory process.

How do we retrieve information?

• Some information in our memory is so familar to us that it is readily available and almost impossible to forget

• Our names, who are friends are, family members, pets, etc.

• Using encoding strategies is important in helping to retrieve more complex information (like math equations or street addresses)

Retrieval

continued

Context-Dependent Memory

The situation in which a person first had that experience being remembered.

• dependent on the place where the memory was encoded and stored

Example: students did better on a test when they studied in the same room where they took the test

• The ability to retrieve memories is greater when people are in the place or situation in which they stored the memories to begin with

Retrieval

continued

State-Dependent Memory

Memories that are retrieved because the mood which they were originally encoded in was re-created:

• Feelings of happiness tend to bring back memories from others which you were happy

• Not only is memory better when people are in the same mood as when the memories were acquired, it is also better when people are in the same state of consciousness

Retrieval

continued

On the Tip of the Toungue

Is sometimes referred to as the "feeling of of knowing experience"

• You feel like you know something (you are sure that you do) but you cannot seem to verbalize it

• The "files" in your brain have "lables" on them which include sounds and meanings of words

• We often try to retrieve memories that are on the top of the toungue by using either acoustic or semantic cues

• We try to summon up words that are similar to help us find information we are looking for

Example: I cant think of her name. It starts which M. Mary? Maria? Or soemthing like that