Memory (AP Unit – “Cognition”)

1. Memory(AP Unit – “Cognition”) The persistence of learning over time through the encoding, storage, and retrieval of information.

4. Was it easy or hard? • It depends on several things…. • If you like Disney movies? • When was the last time you have seen the movie? • Are people around you being loud so you cannot concentrate?

5. Take out a piece of paper….. • Name the seven dwarves….. Now name them…..

6. Recall vs. Recognition Recall Recognition you must identify the target from possible targets multiple-choice tests • you must retrieve the information from your memory • fill-in-the blank or essay tests

7. The Memory Process Three step process…. • Encoding: The processing of information into the memory system. • Storage: The retention of encoded material over time. • Retrieval: The process of getting the information out of memory storage.

8. Three Stage Theory of Memory

9. Sensory Memory • A split second holding tank for ALL sensory information. • Iconic (Visual) • Echoic (Auditory)

10. Short Term Memory • The stuff we encode from the sensory goes to STM. • Events are encoded visually (images), acoustically (sounds) or semantically (meanings). • Holds about 7 (plus or minus 2) items for about 20 seconds. • We recall digits better than letters.

11. Important People - Memory George Miller • Research on Short-term Memory Capacity • “The Magical Number Seven, Plus or Minus Two” • established 7, + or – 2 as the limit of storable information • also first developed the concept of “chunking” to aid in memory retention

12. Transferring from STM to LTM • Chunking - organizing items into familiar, manageable units • Mnemonic Devices • Rehearsal – repetition, repetition, repetition 1-4-9-2-1-7-7-6-1-8-1-2-1-9-4-1 "Mary Very Easily Makes Jam Saturday Unless No Plums."

13. Long Term Memory • unlimited storehouse of information • ExplicitMemories (Declarative) • Facts Memorized (Semantic) • Events / Experiences (Episodic) • Implicit Memories (Non-declarative or Procedural) • Skills • Classical and Operant Conditional Effects

14. Storing Memories - Encoding Effortful Processing Automatic Processing done passively, “without effort”, by “accident” Remembering what you ate for breakfast this morning Remembering the score of sporting event Remembering who you first spoke to today • done actively, “with effort”, on purpose • Studying for a test • Completing AP Psych reading assignment • Drilling with AP Psych flashcards

15. Storing Memories - Encoding • Amnesia - generally, the loss of memory • The Physical Basis of Memory • Cortex? • Ongoing Electrical Activity? • Synaptic Changes? • Long-term Potentiation (LTP) – increase in a synapse’s firing potential after stimulation

16. Encoding Processes • Visual Encoding: the encoding of images • Acoustic Encoding: the encoding of sound • Semantic Encoding: the encoding of meaning • the most effective • encoding with multiple process types is even more effective • Elaborate Rehearsal – reharsal based on semantics/meaning

18. Listen as I read a list of names… Now, write down as many as you can remember…

19. Encoding Information • Serial Positioning Effects– the tendency for recall to be affected by the order of encoding • Primacy Effect–more likely to recall items at the beginning of a list • Recency Effect– likely to recall items at the end of a list • What else influenced your ability to recall? Third Period

20. Encoding – The Spacing Effect • distributed study or practice yields better long term retention • cramming is minimally effective • What, then, would be good strategies for preparing for AP Psych tests? • For the AP Exam in the spring?

21. Forgetting – Encoding Failure

22. Forgetting - Storage Decay • Even after encoding something well, we sometimes forget it. • Herman Ebbinghaus’ experiments with non-sense syllables • Showed the memory fades quickly, but then the speed at which it fades levels out.

24. Forgetting – Retrieval Failure • Retroactive Interference: new information blocks out old information • Proactive Interference: old information blocks out new information Getting a new bus number and forgetting old bus number. Calling your new girlfriend by old girlfriend’s name.

25. Forgetting – Motivated Forgetting • Perhaps we forget because it is to our benefit? • Repression – Freud’s concept of the basic defense mechanism that banishes from consciousness anxiety arousing thoughts, feelings, and memories

26. Endless Memory

27. The Context Matters!!! • Flashbulb Memories • a clear memory of an emotionally significant moment or event • Mood Congruent Memory • the tendency to recall experiences that are consistent with your current mood • State Dependent Memory • memory that is recalled under the consciousness conditions it was formed

28. Memory Construction • Elizabeth Loftus • Memories are not always what they seem • Misinformation Effect – incorporating misleading information into one’s memory of an event

29. Memory Construction Depiction of Actual Accident • Eyewitnesses reconstruct memories when questioned Question: “About how fast were the cars going when they ____________ each other?” Memory Construction

31. Eyewitness