Unit 7 Cognition

Unit 7 Layout Day 1 – Studying and Building Memory (Module 31) Day 2 – Systems of Memory (Modules 32 & 33) Day 3 – Thinking, Concepts, and Creativity (Module 34) + Vocab Quiz Day 4 – Problem Solving and Decision Making (Module 35) Day 5 – Thought and Language (Module 36) Day 6 – Review and Unit 7 CUA

Module 31 – Studying and Building Memory SWBAT describe information processing as relates to memory and encoding processes

Memory Memory The extremes of memory: The persistence of learning over time The extremes of memory: Some individuals suffer from incredible short-term memory loss: they are unable to make new memories or even remember what day of the week it is Others are incredibly capable of remembering Russian journalist Shereshevskii was able to remember more than 70 digits or words spoken to him in a silent room (you or I might be able to remember 7-9) The current world record holder for memorized digits of Pi is Chao Lu of China at 67,890 digits Dominic O’Brien of the UK memorized 54 decks of cards (2808 cards) Ben Pridmore of the UK memorized a single shuffled deck of cards in under 30 seconds

Memory In order to truly remember any event, we must (like computers): Encoding: getting information into our brains Storage: retaining that information Retrieval: getting that information back out We also typically perform parallel processing, unlike computers, where we process information about people you see, voices you hear, and food you smell at once.

Models of Memory Atkinson & Shiffren model: We record to-be-remembered information as a fleeting sensory memory We process information into short-term memory, activated memory that holds few items briefly before the information is stored or forgotten Information moves into long-term memory, the relatively permanent and limitless storehouse of information, skills, and experiences

Models of Memory Working memory model Alan Baddeley model The memory process is ALWAYS active, involving rehearsal of info in short-term and recall from long-term

Working Memory and the Central Executive

Encoding: Dual-Track Memory You process a LOT of information at once, and encode it one of two ways: Explicit memory Also known as declarative memory, memory of facts and experiences that one can consciously know and declare Uses effortful processing Encoding that requires conscious attention and effort Implicit Memory Memory that is independent of conscious recollection Uses automatic processing Processing that occurs automatically (like the time, space around you, or frequency of event Involved in latent learning and making cognitive maps

Sensory Memory EXTREMELY brief recording of nearly all sensory data in memory Iconic memory A fleeting sensory memory of visual stimuli – a photographic or “perfect” image memory lasting only a few seconds Echoic memory A momentary sensory memory of auditory stimuli – if attention is elsewhere, sounds and words can still be recalled for 3 or 4 seconds

Capacity of Short Term Memory Let’s see how much you can remember in the short term. Magic number 7 Most people can remember roughly seven numbers, digits, or items for a brief period of time in their short term memory (seven plus or minus 2, so most people can remember between 5 and 9)

How You Process With Effort Chunking Organizing information into meaningful, familiar units Let’s try!

How You Process With Effort Mnemonics Memory aids, such as techniques that use vivid imagery and organizational devices to help remember things Examples: ROY G BIV Colors of the rainbow: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet HOMES Names of the North American Great Lakes: Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior

How You Process With Effort Mnemonics Memory aids, such as techniques that use vivid imagery and organizational devices to help remember things Examples: ROY G BIV Colors of the rainbow: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet HOMES Names of the North American Great Lakes: Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior

How You Process With Effort Hierarchies Stacks of information subdivided by area and focus

How You Process With Effort Overlearning Cramming and re-reading simply overload your brain with information. It’s pretty much as bad as not studying – you’ll remember about 20% of the content if you only read it the night before. Spacing effect Distributed practice – the longer the spaces between info you study, the longer you will remember it (study it tomorrow to remember it 10 days from now, study it a month from now to remember it for 6 months) Testing effect Memory is enhanced after retrieving the info, rather than rereading (like exit tickets or quizzes!)

Levels of Processing Shallow Processing Deep Processing Encoding on a basic level – such as the structure or appearance of words Deep Processing Encoding semantically (meaning), based on the meaning of words Based on this, if new information is not meaningful, we will struggle to remember it. We especially remember information when it relates to us.