Human Memory

1. Human Memory A basic overview of Human Memory, its primary functions and importance. Written by Zoe Lent 10138330 CMM1108 - Assignment 2 Fig A (University of California, 2009)

2. Human Memory • What is memory? • Memory is the mental ability to store and recall information. It is a concept that refers to the process of remembering. Fig 1 (Camazine, 2008) CMM1108 - Assignment 2

3. Memory Why is Memory important? Fig. B Human Memory Image (Exponent, 2008) • It is important to understand how your memory works in order to maintain it’s function and to help keep your mind healthy. CMM1108 - Assignment 2

4. Types of Memory • Each form of memory is held and functioned by different parts of the brain. Things we learn and remember are not processed by the same neural mechanisms. • Sensory Memory – acts as a buffer for stimuli that are received through the senses. Sensory memory exists in each sensory channel. (Baddeley, 1997 p. 9) • Iconic memory for visual stimuli • Echoic memory for aural stimuli • Haptic memory for touch • Information is passed from the sensory memory into the short-term memory by attention and focus. (Baddeley, 1997 p. 9) CMM1108 - Assignment 2

5. Types of Memory- Short and Long Term • Short Term Memory – acts as a temporary recall of information under process. Short-term memory decays rapidly and has little capacity. Short-term memory is usually held for about thirty seconds. • Long Term Memory – is intended for storage of information over a long period of time. Information from the working memory is transferred over after a few seconds. Unlike short term memory there is little decay. CMM1108 - Assignment 2

6. Stages of Long Term Memory • The three stages in the Long Term Memory Process: • Encoding: is the registration of information, as well as the receiving, processing and combining of received information. • Storage: is the creation of a permanent record of the stored information. • Retrieval: is when the mind calls back the stored information in response to a cue for use in a process or activity. (Schacter, 1996) Fig 2 Encoding, Storage and Retrieval (Scientific Journals, 2007) CMM1108 - Assignment 2

7. Recall and Recognition • Recall and Recognition – these are the two types of information retrieval. • Recall: is when information is reproduced from the memory. It can be assisted by the provision of retrieval clues. • Recognition: is the presentation of information. It provides the knowledge that the information has been seen before. • Recognition is of a lesser complexity than recall as information is provided as a cue for memory function. (Baddeley, 1997 p. 197) CMM1108 - Assignment 2

8. Declarative and Procedural Memory • Declarative Memory: this is the memory that stores facts and events; for example the memory of dates, historical facts and telephone numbers. • Procedural Memory: this is the memory that stores procedure and abilities; such as how to drive a car, ride a bike, rules of how to play a basketball or football game. (Mohs, 2009) CMM1108 - Assignment 2

9. Conclusion • Conclusion: Memory is a very complicated process that we still do not fully understand. Scientists are learning more about human memory function every day. It is important to be aware of our memory, like all other aspects of our health. We should strive to keep our brains active, take time out from stress, drink plenty of water and get lots of sleep to help preserve our memory, mind and overall well being. CMM1108 - Assignment 2

10. Design Principles Used: Colours: The colours I used within this presentation were primarily light greys and blacks to keep the design of the report looking official; I used these colours throughout to help keep the overall design consistent. I also decided on these colours because the white font I chose to use stands out perfectly, looks neat and attractive and ties in with the overall design of this report. I used the repetition of all these colours throughout to help create a pattern and promote organisation. • Images: I used diagrams from the internet, which help to support the information shown on human memory in the article. I used some bright images to capture the reader’s interest and attention. I also used relevant images from clip art. • Typography: I used the Constantia font in this assignment. I chose white as the colour of the font so that it looks effective and eye catching on the grey background. This font is extremely legible and ideal for an on-screen presentation. • Page Layout: I used headers and footers to keep the report neat and official. I used different layouts on each slide; subject to the information that needed to be displayed. CMM1108 - Assignment 2

11. Design Principles Used: • Cover Page: I included all relevant information on the cover page to introduce the report appropriately. I made sure it was clear and neat. I kept it simplistic but professional looking. • Rhythm: I feel I created rhythm within this report by keeping the colours and overall style of each slide similar. This helps to create pattern and organisation. I used elements of visual design to help create the overall rhythm of the report; including shape, colour, and size. • Scale and Emphasis: I used scale and emphasis within this report within the animations, to help assist with the hierarchy of this report. This helped to control the order and arrangement of the report; and helped to direct the reader. CMM1108 - Assignment 2

12. Design Principles Used: Design Elements • Hierarchy: I feel I demonstrated hierarchy within the animations of this assignment. I designed them to display important information first and to help with the structure of the reading. This helps to prepare the reader for what information is coming next, and controls the order of their reading. (Evans & Thomas, 2008, p. 5) • Balance: I displayed balance on each of the slides, to keep the information in proportion. This helps to draw the reader in and make the information accessible; it also helps with the overall presentation of the report. (Evans & Thomas, 2008, p. 8) • Repetition: I feel I demonstrated repetition in colours and text used within this report. I did this by keeping the text of the titles the same throughout the report, and keeping the main feature colours as grey and white. I kept a similar structure throughout to help the report flow smoothly.(Evans & Thomas, 2008, p. 14) CMM1108 - Assignment 2

13. Self-evaluation Table CMM1108 - Assignment 2

14. Reference List • Baddeley, A. (1997 ) Human memory theory and practice East Sussex: Psychology PressTaylor and Francis Group. Available from http://books.google.com.au/books?id=fMgm-2NXAXYC • Baddeley, A. (1997) Human memory theory and practice East Sussex: Psychology Press Taylor and Francis Group. Available from http://books.google.com.au/books?id=fMgm2NXAXYC&pg=PA9&source=gbs_toc_r& • Evans, P. & Thomas, M. (2008) The elements of design Clifton Park NY: Delmar Cengage Learning • Mohs, R. (2009) How human memory works Retrieved March 14th 2009 from http://health.howstuffworks.com/human-memory.htm • Schacter, D. (1996) Encoding and Retrieval Retrieved March 20th 2009 from http://www.brainchannels.com/Memory/encoding/encoding.html • Images: • Fig 1: Camazine, S. (2009) How does human memory work Retrieved March 20th from http://www.usatoday.com/tech/columnist/aprilholladay/2007-03-12-memory-first_N.htm • Fig 2: Scientific Journals (2007) Encoding, storage and retrieval Retrieved March 20th from http://www.scientificjournals.org/journals2007/articles/graphics/1038.gif • Fig A : University of California (2009) Human memory Retrieved March 8th 2009 from http://images.google.com.au/imgres?imgurl=http://psychology.ucdavis.edu/labs/yonelinas/images/photos/Andy%27s_Brain.jpg&imgrefurl=http://psychology.ucdavis.edu/labs/ CMM1108 - Assignment 2

15. Reference List • Fig B: Exponent (2008). Visibility, Attention, Memory Retrieved April 15th 2009 from www.exponent.com/visibility_attention_memory/ CMM1108 - Assignment 2