memory also unit 3

MEMORY- the persistence of learning over time through the storage and retrieval of information.

The memory process:
• Encoding- the processing of information into the memory system 
• Storage- the retention of encoded material over time 
• Retrieval- the process of getting the information out of memory storage 

Recall VS Recognition 

Recall- you must retrieve the information from your memory 
Recognition- you must identify the target from possible targets 

Flashbulb memory- a clear moment of an emotionally significant moment or event. 

TYPES OF MEMORY 
Sensory
- the immediate, initial recording of sensory information in the memory system 
- stores just for an instant, and most gets unprocessed 

Short term
- memory that holds a few items briefly 
- seven digits (+- 2) 
- the information will be stored into long term or forgotten 

Long term
- the relatively permanent and limitless storehouse of the memory system 



   encoding: getting the information in our heads 

Automatic processing- unconscious encoding of incidental information. 
• you encode space, time and word meaning without effort 
• things become automatic with practice 

Effort-full processing- encoding that requires attention and conscious effort 
• reversal is the most common effortful processing technique 
• through enough rehearsal, what was effortful becomes automatic 

THINGS TO REMEMBER ABOUT ENCODING 

1. The next in-line effect: we seldom remember what the person has just said or done if we are next 
2. Information minutes before sleep is seldom remembered; in the hour before sleep; well remembered. 
3. Taped info played while asleep is registered by ears but we do not remember it 
**working memory (modern day STM)- another way of describing the use of short term memory is called working memory 

 working memory has 3 parts- 
1. Audio 
2. Visual 
3. Integration of audio and visual (controls where your attention lies) 

SPACING EFFECT- 
• we encode better when we study or practice over time 
• DONT CRAM 

SERIAL POSITIONING EFFECT
• our tendency to recall best the last and first items in a list 


SEMANTIC ENCODING 
• the encoding of meaning, like meaning of words 

ACOUSTIC ENCODING 
• the encoding of sound, especially the sound of words 

VISUAL ENCODING
• the encoding of picture images 

Tricks to encode- use mental pictures or mnemonic devices use imagery. Like my “peg word” system or

Chunking- 
• organizing items into familiar, manageable units 
• often occurs automatically