Memory

1. Memory Sara Buhl Pages 261-271

2. Memory • The persistence of learning over time through the storage and retrieval of information

3. Storage & Retrieval • Storage – retaining information • Retrieval – getting info out of storage

4. Sensory Memory • Immediate; Fleeting • Very brief recording of sensory info • includes echoic & iconic memory • Echoic (Sensory) Memory • fleeting memory for sounds (a few seconds) • we are able to recall the last few words spoken by someone even if our attention is elsewhere

5. Sensory Memory K Z R Q B T S G N • Iconic (Sensory) Memory • momentary photographic memory • only lasts a few tenths of a second • When shown letters for 1/20 of a second: • we can recall half of the letters • BUT if we are asked to recall a specific line, we can report all three • needs to occur quickly (half of a second)

6. Short-Term/Working Memory • activated memory • holds a few items briefly • approx. 7 bits of info (+/- 2) • after info is used it is stored or forgotten • slightly better for digits than letters

7. Short-term memory decay

8. Working (Short-Term) Memory • temporary work site where we associate new and old information & solve problems • requires attention • higher working memory capacity = more focus • essential for everyday life

9. Long-term Memory • relatively permanent • limitless • accumulated knowledge • skills • experiences

10. Long-term memory • not like an attic that gets full • limitless • amazing memory feats • memorizing hundreds of random digits (in 5 minutes), pi to 100,000 places • http://www.usamemorychampionships.com/

11. How are memories stored? • most info is not stored with the exact precision of a video recorder • Synaptic Changes • neural impulses (messages) • experience changes neuron connections in the brain • synapses become more efficient at sending signals

12. Stress Hormones & Memory • stronger emotional experiences = stronger memories • traumatic experiences seem to be “burned” in our memories • Flashbulb memories • clear memory of emotionally significant event • assassination of president JFK (1963) • Challenger explosion (1986) • 9/11 (2001)

13. Amnesia • loss of memory • may be unable to form new memories • “Jimmie” (patient of Oliver Sacks) • brain injury 1945 • could not form new memories • no sense of elapsed time • 1975: still believed he was 19 & that Truman was president • 50 First Dates movie

14. Implicit & Explicit Memory • amnesia does not necessarily mean the individual can no longer learn • Implicit Memory • learn how to do something • retention independent of conscious recollection • Explicit Memory • memory of facts/experiences • consciously aware of it • Read a story faster the 2nd time, even if they cannot recall reading it before • (implicit memory, but no explicit memory)

15. Retrieval • Recall • ability to retrieve information learned earlier • e.g., fill-in-the-blank • Recognition • ability to identify items previously learned • e.g., multiple choice test • Relearning • the amount of time saved when learning material for a second time

16. Retrieval Cues • we associate a target piece of info with the surroundings, mood, etc. • mnemonic devices (ROY G. BIV) • context effects • words heard underwater are best recalled underwater (heard on land better recalled on land)