Psychology: memory

Overview An understanding of human memory is critical to an appreciation of how users will store and use relevant information when using an application, system or website. If you want people to like and use your system, then you need to know their needs and preferences, what makes them tick and how to research these issues. Ben Shneiderman (2002): ‘The old computing was about what computers could do; the new computing is about what users can do.’

Introduction We concentrate on understanding the psychology of human memory as a basis for developing a truly user-centered approach to interactive designs. It’s about how we develop good ideas and insights into what users want.

Introduction Cognitive psychology was the concept of the human mind as a processor of information. This view, although simple, unlocked the door to ways of tackling questions of how people perceive, retain and use information to perform mental or cognitive tasks.

Introduction Model Human Process theory seeks to specify the information-processing demands on and of users. The aim is to: –Design systems that are compatible with their users –Evaluate existing systems and their variants –Make quantitative predictions about their use

Psychology - memory We’ll be looking at users and at some basic psychological theory that will help make sense of how humans behave, particularly when using interactive systems. –Freud and psychoanalysis –Behaviorism –Neuropsychology

Cognitive Psychology Cognitive psychology builds upon the strengths of each of the these approaches: Freud: it accepts the complexity of human cognition and the need to consider a combination of cognition, emotion and drives. Behaviorism: it looks at the input and output, emphasizing an objective and impartial scientific approach. AI: which is based upon early computer simulation work, it seeks to understand human cognition by building computer programs that appear to respond like people. Phenomenology: it emphasizes people’s subjective experiences and seeks to relate existing behavior and experience.

The Model Human Processor Perception Response Cognitive Processing Long-term memory Short-term memory

Working Memory Limit 10 – 20 seconds of decay time Can hold items An item can be a chuck of information: word, letter, a meaningful sentence, etc.

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Long-Term Memory LT Memory is organized as a network of ‘chucks’ of knowledge. LT Memory Practical Rules: Supports recognition rather than recall Reduce working memory load Support the production of chunks of items to facilitate memory Frequent activities become ‘automatic’ and so don’t require conscious attention

Simplex One Model Processing System Abstract Working Memory Long-term associative store Input store Motor Output store

Simplex Two Model Processing System Abstract Working Memory Long-term associative store Input store Motor Output store Emotions And Drives Cognitive Model Construction Feedback Management Zone Output Program Zone