Unit 7: Human Memory

Memory:

• 3 basic questions psychologists study today:

1. How does information get into memory?2. How is information maintained in memory?3. How is information pulled back out of

memory?

3 Key Processes in Memory

• Encoding, Storage, and Retrieval• CPU: keyboarding, drive/saving, opening a

file– What are the issues with the CPU analogy?

The Filing Cabinet Analogy

• Putting it into a manila folder, placing it in the drawer, opening the drawer and getting it out

Info Processing Example of Memory (to be taught in more detail later)

• Selective Attention Model– First think, “What does attention have to do

with memory?”

1. Whether stimuli are screened out earlier or later

• Location of attention filter may not be fixed• Ex: cocktail party effect

Cocktail Party Effect:

• Does the filter happen earlier or later?

Encoding

• Attention = _________ filter– Where is filter located?

• Early during sensory input or later during processing??

Sensory Detection

Recognition of meaning

Responseselection

ResponseStimulus

Early-selectionmodels placethe filter here

Late-selectionmodels placethe filter here

• Location of filter depends on “cognitive load”

• Multi-tasking

Is it possible for you to actually multitask?

Encoding is… getting the info in

1. ______________ – enormous amounts of info encoded without thinking

• Space• Time• Frequency• Well-learned

Encoding must also be…

2. _______________:

– Boost memory through rehearsal:

Is it only ever one or the other?

• NO!– Effortful can become automatic through

____________

Principles of Remembering (encoding)

• The more repetition one day, the less required to relearn the next.– The amount of something remembered

depends on the amount of time spent learning

• Overlearning

Ebbinghaus’ Retention Curve