Chapter 6 : Memory

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Chapter 6 Memory

• Michael L. Farris
• Psychology 101

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Memory

• Short Term Memory Temporary Storage of
  Information (P.196-197). The memory subsystem
  that allows for retention and processing of newly
  acquired information for a maximum of about
  thirty seconds (also called working memory).
• Digit Span Test How many numbers can the average
  person remember at one time?
• Chunking (Re-Coding) The process of enhancing
  retention of a large amount of information by
  breaking it down into smaller, more easily
  recalled chunks. Grouping numbers or other data
  together to make them easier to recall (think of
  a telephone number) P.197.

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Memory Strategies

• Rehearsal-silently repeating a short term memory
  until it is needed, or until it enters long term
  memory for more permanent storage.
• Recall, Recognition, and Relearning 3 commonly
  used memory tasks (tests of memory). Recognition
  (p.211) is usually superior to recall. (Please
  see pages 197-199 in your text for details)

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Memory Errors

• Serial Position Effect The greatest number of
  errors is found for middle items of an ordered
  list. (Please see page 208 in your text for
  details)
• Distractors (false items included with an item to
  be recognized) and False Positives (a false sense
  of recognition). (Please see Coon page 312 for
  details)

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Relearning and Forgetting

• Relearning-Learning again something that was
  previously learned. This results in quicker
  learning the second time. (Please see Coon page
  313 for details.)
• Why we forget Encoding Failure (p.209) , Decay,
  Cue-Dependent Learning, State-Dependent Learning.
  (Please see Coon, pages 318-319 for details.)

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Why We Forget

• Encoding Failure Memories cannot be retrieved if
  they were never encoded (stored in long term
  memory) in the first place.
• Events that stand out tend to be better
  remembered. You are more likely to remember your
  first date than your twenty-third one.
• Does anyone remember what image appears on the
  back of a nickel?
• We tend to encode only as much information as we
  need to know. Since we dont need to encode more
  specific details of a coin to recognize one or
  use it correctly, such information may not be
  encoded and thus cannot be retrieved. Nevid,
  P.219.

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Cue Dependent/State Dependent Learning

• Cue Dependent Learning (Coon, Pgs. 318-319) A
  technique of memory enhancement involving the
  assignment of specific data to cues found in the
  environment. For example, assigning the name of
  a president to a clock on the wall when you look
  at the clock, it helps jog your memory.
• State Dependent Learning (Coon, pgs. 318-319)
  Putting your body in the same physical state it
  was in when you were learning the information you
  are attempting to recall. If you drink Coke
  while you study, try to drink it again when you
  take the quiz. It helps to be in the same
  physical and mental state you were in when you
  absorbed the information.

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Memory Loss

• Repression (involuntary) versus Suppression
  (voluntary) of memories (Please see page 210
  (Nevid) and 322 (Coon).
• Freud believed that certain memories are not
  forgotten but are kept hidden from awareness by
  repression, or motivated forgetting.
• In Freuds view, repression is a psychological
  defense mechanism that protects the self from
  awareness of threatening material.
• Amnesia-Retrograde (forgetting past events) and
  Anterograde (people cannot form or store new
  memories or have difficulty doing so). (Please
  see pages 211-212 in your text for details)

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Ways to Improve Memory

• Recitation (Repeating information verbally until
  it is encoded into long term memory)
• Rehearsal (Silently repeating information until
  it is encoded into long term memory)
• Selection (Highlighting important information
  instead of reading an entire page)
• Organization (chunking) (Separating information
  into smaller chunks of information to remember)
• Spaced practice (Studying a small amount of
  information for a short time, then taking a break
  before studying more)
• Mnemonic-any kind of memory system or aid.
  (Please see page 217 in your text for details)
• (Please see Coon pages 326-332 for details)