Transcript Lecture 6 Memory

Psychology 1
Marina Sangkavichai
Apple
Elephant
Cigar
Book
Glasses
Sleeping bag
Shoe
Tuxedo
Bird
boat
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An active system that receives information
from the senses, puts that information into a
usable form, and organizes it as it stores it
away, and then retrieves the information from
storage.
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Memory helps us recognize faces, names, recall
events, speak a language, drive, learn history,
our accomplishments, who we are.
It is the foundation of us and what makes up
our life
Citamotua emoceb nac gnissecorp sseltroffE
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Effortless processing can become automatic.
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Memory is defined as the ability to retain and
recall various types and pieces of information.
It is measured through the demonstration of
“retention” ( what you know ) and the ability
to recall.
If I ask you what’s your phone number, you
can retrieve it.
Memory: a mental system for receiving,
encoding, storing, organizing, altering , and
retrieving information.
Researchers have identified specific stages
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Encoding: the processing of information into
the memory system-for example by extracting
meaning. Like typing in information in a
computer. For example, in a picture of people
crying over a sad movie and one person is
laughing or smiling, what will we encode?
Smiling person. Why is this meaningful?
If it’s meaningful to you, it’s easier to encode.
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Storage: retain the information ( hold it in your
mind ) What are some strategies that help you
retain it.
Retrieval: you are able to get it back out at a
later time.
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Sensory memory: first stage of memory, which
holds an exact record of incoming information
for a few seconds or less.(fleeting mental
image). Like looking at a flower, close your
eyes, and see it in your mind.
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Echoic memory involves hearing information
and holding it in sensory memory as an echo (
a brief continuation of activity in the auditory
system ).
You can play back in your head what someone
just said.
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Short-term memory the memory system used
to hold small amounts of information for
relatively brief periods. The rule is up to seven
items can be in STM aka working memory. For
example storing someones name before a big
meeting.
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Short term memory is subject to interruption or
interference.
For example, if you’re counting pennies and
someone interrupts you, you’ll lose your train
of thought
Or if you’re trying to memorize a phone
number or grocery list.
View video of Clive Wearing
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Explain why some of our memories are
inaccurate. What factors can distort ones
memory?
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Information that is important or meaningful is
transferred to long-term memory (LTM). It is a
more permanent storehouse for information.
LTM stores what we know about the world
Limitless amounts of information. In fact, the
more you know, the easier it becomes to add
new information to memory. That’s why it’s
important to read and increase your
knowledge base. BOT EXAMPLE.
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With hocked gems financing him, our hero bravely
defied all scornful laughter. “Your eyes deceive,” he
had said. “An egg, not a table, correctly typifies this
unexplored planet.” Now three sturdy sisters sought
proof. Forging along, days became weeks as many
doubters spread fearful rumors about the edge. At last
from nowhere welcome winged creatures appeared,
signifying momentous success.
Title of story will help you remember it better….
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They are a North American group living in the
territory between the Canadian Cree, the Yaqui and
Tarahumare of Mexico, and the Carib and Arawak of
the Antilles…Nacirema culture is characterized by a
highly developed market economy which has evolved
in a rich natural habitat. While much of the people’s
time is devoted to economic pursuits, a large part of
the fruits of these labors and a considerable portion of
the day are spent in ritual activity. The focus of this
activity is the human body, the appearance and health
of which loom as a dominant concern in the ethos of
the people.
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When you form an image of the Nacirema
people, what comes to mind?
Do they seem like an advanced civilization or
primitive culture?
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In the preceding description, the Nacirema
people may seem undeveloped or backward. In
truth, however, the Nacirema people are quite
developed.
Only the spelling of their name is backwards.
AMERICAN.
Now if you were to go back and read the
excerpt, it would make sense and you will
remember it better.
Why do we forget?
Because we never bothered to encode it in the first
place. Someone introduces herself to you and
you forget her name. It’s because you never
bothered to learn (encode)it in the first place.
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Memory decay: the fading or weakening of
memories assumed to occur when memory
traces become weaker. Use it or lose it. I.e. not
even recalling events in your own life.
Even seemingly LTM can fade. A friend
worked for College of the Canyons for five
years, knew the number, now doesn’t recall it
since he left.
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Tip of the Tongue ( failure to retrieve):
common term for the inability to access
retrieval cues aka memory cues. Memory cues
are any stimulus associated with a particular
memory. Memory cues usually enhance
retrieval.
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Blocking-You know it but you can’t recall it
(tip of the tongue)
Transcience-info that was learned fades over
time-memory decay, use it or lose it
Bias-attitudes and beliefs about aspects of a
situation distort how details are recalled
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Suggestibility-questions and materials
presented during an interview influence how
the details are recalled ( can lead to memory
distortion or creation of false memories ).
Example: You say this person crashed into
you? Shoved you? Or just bumped into you?
Lawyers use this technique
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Procedural memory includes basic conditioned
responses and learned actions such as typing, driving,
or swinging a golf club. These memories may register
in the cerebellum ( part of brain responsible for
movement).
Declarative memory: stores specific factual
information such as names, faces, words, dates and
ideas. Expressed as words and symbols.
Episodic memory: is an autobiographical record of
personal experiences. It stores life events or episodes of
your life. First date, graduation, etc.
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Flashbulb memories: memories created at times
of high emotion that seem especially vivid.
Where were you on 9/11
Earthquake of 1994
LA RIOTS OF 1992
The Challenger Disaster 1986
These are emotional events in which the limbic
system plays a part.
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Study repeatedly to boost long term recall. Overlearn.
Spend more time rehearsing or actively thinking about material. Rehearse
and critically reflect!
Make the material personally meaningful.
Use mnemonic devices. Chunk items
Study and then go to sleep. Sleep helps you remember the material better.
Increase your knowledge base…link to what you already know.
Continue to exercise
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1. Describe the physical appearance of the
attacker or attackers.
2. Did the attackers have a weapon? If so,
describe it.
3. Describe the exact sequence of events that
took place.
4. Was the incident violent? Was there
swearing?
5. How long did the whole incident last?
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Absent-Mindedness-the mind is too distracted
to encode information
Transcience-Memories are fleeting, for they
decay over time
Blocking-Inability to access previously stored
information. Tip of the Tongue
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Memory Distortions
Misattribution: confusing the source of
information. i.e. believing one had heard a joke
from a friend, but having read it from a book in
reality
Suggestibility: the manifestation of
misinformation
Bias-A present state, emotional or intellectual,
having an altering effect on a past memory.
Video: Lost in a shopping mall video ( Loftus )