1. MEMORY The ability to store and retrieve information over time.
MEMORY, COGNITION & INFORMATION PROCESSING
MEMORY
The ability to store and retrieve information over time.

2. Key Terms
Cognition*
The process of acquiring and using knowledge: thinking.
Information Processing Theory *
The mind is similar to a computer with input, processing, and output.
Reconstructive Memory *
Memory is stored in pieces, and later put back together using past & present information, emotions, beliefs, bias. Eyewitness Testimony‬‏

3. Stages of Memory * Sensory memory *
Brief storage of sensory information
Iconic (visual) and Echoic (auditory)
Short term memory (STM) *
Small amounts of memory (5-9 bits)
Less than 1 minute (20-30 sec)
Working Memory *
Memory processes used in STM
Long Term Memory *
Storage of information, schemas*
Schemas = Pattern of knowledge to help organize information. Memory (video)

4. Stage Model of Memory
Attention
Encoding

5. Sensory Memory Test Watch this video and follow instructions:
Sensory to Short Term Memory: Attention
For those who did not pay attention, what factors contributed to this failure?
Watch: Door Video‬‏. What is happening?
What real-world situations might occur when a failure of attention causes information be lost before it reaches short term memory?
What might the consequences be?

6. Long Term Memory * A. Explicit (Declarative) Memory *
Knowledge or experiences that can be consciously remembered.
1. Episodic Memory *
First hand experience (e.g. first date)
2. Semantic Memory *
Facts and concepts (e.g. presidents)
B. Implicit (Nondeclarative) Memory *
Experience (procedural) e.g. riding a bike, using a keyboard, swimming

7. Measuring Long Term Memory *
Recall *
Free recall – e.g. essay test (Discuss Thorndike’s theory)
Cued Recall – e.g. fill in the blank questions (Thorndike proposed the law of ____).
Recognition *
Remembering previously seen information
E.g. Multiple choice tests
(Thorndike proposed the law of a. effect b. behavior c. consequences d. averages)

8. Techniques to Improve Memory
Maintenance Rehearsal *
Repetition; not very effective
Chunking * Chunking video
Remembering sets or groups. Increases capacity.
Elaborative encoding *
Relate to another memory.
Elaborative rehearsal *
Study by finding more examples and using other methods, e.g. Organization

9. Mnemonic Devices *
Memory aids, e.g. associations, rhymes, songs, images, Method of Loci (place; story-telling)
Self-referencing *
Apply the material to yourself.
Overlearning *
Keep studying
Spacing *
Distributed better than massed practice; don’t cram the night before test
Forgetting Curve Video

10. Processing Memory Encoding *
Process of putting information into memory
Storage *
Physical memory connections in the brain
Retrieval *
Finding & taking information out of memory

11. Which memory process failed: encoding, storage or retrieval?
Which is the real penny?
Which memory process failed: encoding, storage or retrieval?

12. (declarative)
(nondeclarative)

13. Causes of Forgetting Decay Theory * Applies to STM, not LTM
Encoding failure *
Information not stored properly; can’t find it
Retrieval Failure *
Inability to bring information into working memory
Tip of the tongue phenomenon
Amnesia *
Biological cause , e.g. disease, head injury

14. Forgetting, cont. Motivated Forgetting * Interference *
Inability to encode or retrieve memories due to anxiety.
Biological theory v. Freud’s theory
Interference *
Retroactive Interference – new learning impairs older memory
Proactive Interference – Previous learning interferes with new memory.

15. Biology of Memory Video

16. How to Get the Most Out of Studying: A Video Series

17. REFERENCES http://library.hccs.edu/oer/StangorLamanetal.pdf
powerpoint slides were created by Dr. Carol Laman, HCC-SW Psychology Professor. HCC Counselors have permission from Dr. Laman to use these powerpoint slides.