Human Memory

Class 11 Psychology · Psychology · Chapter 6

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Summary

Memory refers to retaining and recalling information over time, and is conceptualised as three interrelated stages: encoding (registering information so it becomes usable), storage (retaining it over time) and retrieval (bringing it back to awareness). The information-processing approach is captured by the Stage Model of Atkinson and Shiffrin, which proposes three memory systems: sensory memory (large capacity, lasting less than a second, with iconic and echoic registers), short-term memory (small capacity of about 7 plus or minus 2 items, lasting under 30 seconds, expanded by chunking and held by maintenance rehearsal), and long-term memory (unlimited and permanent, encoded semantically through elaborative rehearsal). Baddeley's working memory adds the phonological loop, visuospatial sketchpad and central executive. The levels-of-processing view of Craik and Lockhart holds that deeper, semantic processing leads to better retention. Long-term memory is classified into declarative (episodic and semantic) and procedural memories. Forgetting, first studied by Ebbinghaus, is rapid at first and then gradual, and is explained by trace decay, interference (proactive and retroactive) and retrieval failure due to absent or inappropriate cues. Memory can be enhanced using mnemonics such as the keyword method, method of loci, chunking, the first-letter technique and the PQRST method, along with deep processing and minimising interference.

Nature of MemoryInformation Processing Approach: The Stage ModelMemory Systems: Sensory, Short-term and Long-termWorking MemoryLevels of ProcessingTypes of Long-term MemoryMethods of Memory MeasurementNature and Causes of ForgettingForgetting due to Trace Decay, Interference and Retrieval FailureEnhancing Memory

Key terms

Encoding
The first stage of memory in which incoming information is recorded and registered so it becomes usable.
Sensory memory
A memory system of large capacity but very brief duration that registers an exact replica of the stimulus.
Short-term memory
A memory store of small capacity (about 7 plus or minus 2 items) holding information for less than 30 seconds.
Long-term memory
A permanent memory store of unlimited capacity in which information is encoded semantically.
Chunking
Combining smaller units of information into larger meaningful units to expand short-term memory capacity.
Mnemonics
Strategies for improving memory, using images (keyword method, method of loci) or organisation (chunking, first-letter technique).
Interference
Forgetting that occurs when competing associations, learned earlier or later, disrupt retrieval (proactive and retroactive).

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The three stages of memory in order are:
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