Dual Coding Theory DCT

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Dual Coding Theory (DCT)

• Verbal coding system
• -suited for verbal info
• -linguistics and verbal associations
• -includes words, sentences, content of
  conversations and stories

• Imaginal coding system
• -nonverbal information
• -pictures, sensations, and sounds

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DCT continued

• Info can be stored in either Verbal, Imaginal or
  both
• Abstract words and concepts only occurs in verbal
• Concrete words stored in both
• Materials high in imagery more memorable
  therefore easier retrieval

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DCT continued

• Componential approach that involves concrete,
  modality-specific, holistic analogues
• Systems are functionally independent
• Inter-unit connections for activity to spread
• Processing operations for access and activation
  of mental representations
• Verbal and nonverbal processes organize and
  transform info differently as per constraints of
  each system

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Theories of Representationin Long Term Memory
Storage

• Lecture by
• Nicholas Pfaff

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Long Term Memory

• Memory traces developed over periods of days,
  weeks, months, etc
• Long term memory (LTM) permanent repository of
  information accumulated over our lifetimes
• Memories that allow recognition of familiar
  faces, objects, and learned motor operations

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LTM continued

• Explicit memory
• -Memory that involves conscious recall or
  recognition of previous experiences
• Implicit memory
• -Earlier experiences are not available to
  conscious recall but still affect behavior
• -Unintentional, nonconscious retention in which
  actions are influenced by a previous event

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Two Types of Memory

• Episodic memory
• -storage and retrieval of personally dated,
  autobiographical experiences
• -Retrieved using personal tags, associations
  w/ particular time and/or place linked to memory

• Semantic memory
• -the memory of general concepts and principles
  and associations among them
• -contains the organized knowledge we have about
  words and concepts and the associations among them

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Framework for Semantic Memory

• Declarative Knowledge
• -knowing what
• Conditional Knowledge
• -knowing when and why
• Procedural Knowledge
• -knowing how

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How is information stored in long term memory?
Declarative knowledge
Procedural knowledge
-- knowing that something is the case-- facts,
theories, events, objects
-- knowing how to do something-- how to fish
the Sacramento river, write a journal article or
fix bike
The proposition is the basic unit of declarative
knowledge proposes relationships among
concepts-- contains 2 elements (a relation 1
or more arguments) props are meaningful ideas.
Propositions are represented in memory as
networks They preserve underlying semantic
relations.
Procedural Knowledge is represented as
productions. Productions are represented as
condition-action pairs, and are the basic units
of PK. (IF-THEN statements)
Productions are combined into related sets
called production systems. They are given
their relationship by virtue of the fact that
they share the same goal structure.
DK is also stored as images (analog
representations that preserve spatial
relationships) They preserve relative distances
between elements. Metaphors may be the common
imaginal structures we retain between two
apparently different concepts.
PK can be domain general-- that is , the
productions can be applied in gt1 domain. (be
prepared reading a novel) weaker of the two
PK can be domain specific-- that is, the
productions can be applied to specific areas
or domains (e.g. Solving a math problem, or
reading a journal article conducting a piece of
research).
DK is stored as a linear orderings. They
preserve order but not distance. Can be seen in
event sequences (eg. ordering at McDonalds)
Conditional knowledge
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Semantic Models of Memory

• Network Models
• Connectionist Model
• ACT-R

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Network Models

• Knowledge represented by web or network and
  memory defined by that network
• Hypothesized to consist of nodes (cognitive
  units) and links (relations between units)

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Components of Network Models

• Teachable Language Comprehender
• Types of relational links
• Spreading activation
• Lexical Network

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Connectionist Model

• Operates with parallel processing
• Most cognitive tasks involve the resolution of
  multiple constraints
• Processes multiple dimensions at once

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ACT-R

• Attempts to provide unifying theoretical
  framework by emphasizing a propositional
  structure
• Covers initial encoding of info and then info
  storage and retrieval
• Encompasses both declarative and procedural
  knowledge

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Models and Theories of LTM
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Mark Sadoski

• Arguments against Schema theory
• - Reification
• - Bransfords sentence integration studies
• - Wrestling match/evening of music
• - Burglar/homebuyer

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McVee

• Schema theory from a social constructivist
  viewing
• - cultural influences on schema development
• - knowledge is transacted individually
• - our sensory experiences determine
  representations we construct

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Conclusion

• Long Term Memory is the lifetime repository of
  all our experiences. These experiences
  explicitly or implicitly recalled and are either
  episodic of semantic. Semantic memory is the
  combination of declarative, procedural, and
  conditional knowledge.
• The theories covered today try to detail how the
  encoding and retrieval of semantic memory occurs.