Thinking About Psychology: The Science of Mind and Behavior

1. Thinking About Psychology: The Science of Mind and Behavior Charles T. Blair-Broeker Randal M. Ernst

2. Memory Chapter 08

3. Information Processing Module 18

4. The Information-Processing Model Module 18: Information Processing

5. Amazing Memory • Play “A Super-Memorist Advises on Study Strategies” (9:57) Module #20 from The Brain: Teaching Modules (2nd edition).

6. Information Processing Model • Encoding - getting information into the memory system • Storage - the retaining of encoded information over time • Retrieval - getting encoded information out of memory storage

7. Memory • Play “What Is Memory?” (3:10) Segment #13 from Psychology: The Human Experience.

8. Encoding: Automatic and Effortful Processing Module 18: Information Processing

9. Automatic Processing • The unconscious encoding of some information without effort • Usually information on space, time and frequency

10. Effortful Processing • Encoding that requires attention and a conscious deliberate effort • The best processing is through rehearsal or practice.

11. Rehearsal • The conscious repetition of information in order to encode it • The more time spent on rehearsal, the more information one tends to remember.

12. Rehearsal and Retention(From Baddeley, 1982)

13. Memory and the Brain • Play “Remembering What Matters” (8:30) Segment #16 from Scientific American Frontiers: Video Collection for Introductory Psychology (2nd edition).

14. Hermann Ebbinghaus (1850-1909) • German philosopher who did early memory studies with nonsense syllables • Developed the forgetting curve, also called the “retention curve” or “Ebbinghaus curve”

15. Overlearning • Continuing to rehearse after the point the information has been learned • Rehearsing past the point of mastery • Helps ensure information will be available even under stress

16. Encoding:Serial Position Effect Module 18: Information Processing

17. Serial Position Effect • The tendency to recall the first and last items in a list • Primacy effect – the ability to recall information near the beginning of a list • Recency effect – the ability to recall information near the end of a list

18. Primacy/Recency Effect(From Craik & Watkins, 1973)

19. Encoding:Spacing Effect Module 18: Information Processing

20. Spacing Effect • The tendency for distributed practice to yield better retention than is achieved through massed practice

21. Distributed Practice • Spreading rehearsal out in several sessions separated by period of time • Usually enhances the recalling of the information

22. Massed Practice • Putting all rehearsal together in one long session (cramming) • Not as effective as distributed practice

23. Encoding:Encoding Meaning Module 18: Information Processing

24. Semantic Encoding • The encoding of meaning • Encoding information that is meaningful enhances recall

25. Semantic Encoding(From Craik & Tulving, 1975)

26. Acoustic Encoding • Encoding information based on the sounds of the information

27. Acoustic Encoding(From Craik & Tulving, 1975)

28. Visual Encoding • Encoding information based on the images of the information

29. Visual Encoding(From Craik & Tulving, 1975)

30. Self-Reference Effect • The enhanced semantic encoding of information that is personally relevant • Making information meaningful to a person by making it relevant to one’s life

31. Encoding:Encoding Imagery Module 18: Information Processing

32. Encoding:Mnemonic Devices Module 18: Information Processing

33. Mnemonic Device • A memory trick or technique for remembering specific facts • “Every good boy does fine” to remember the notes on the lines of the scale • “People say you could have odd lots of good years” as a way to remember how to spell “psychology”

34. Method of Loci • A mnemonic device in which the person associates items to be remembered with imaginary places

35. Peg-Word System • A mnemonic device in which the person associates items to remember with a list of peg words already memorized • Goal is to visualize the items to remember with the items on the pegs

36. Peg Word System

37. Encoding:Organizing Information Module 18: Information Processing

38. Chunking • Organizing information into meaningful units • More information can be encoded if organized into meaningful chunks.

40. Storage Module 18: Information Processing

41. Three Storage Systems • Three distinct storage systems : • Sensory Memory • Short-Term Memory (includes Working Memory) • Long-Term Memory

42. Storage:Sensory Memory Module 18: Information Processing

43. Sensory Memory • The brief, initial coding of sensory information in the memory system • Iconic store – visual information • Echoic store – sound information • Information held just long enough to make a decision on its importance

44. Storage:Short-Term Memory Module 18: Information Processing

45. Short-Term Memory • Conscious, activated memory which holds information briefly before it is stored or forgotten • Holds approximately seven, plus or minus two, chunks of information • Can retain the information as long as it is rehearsed • Also called “working memory”

46. Storage:Long-Term Memory Module 18: Information Processing

47. Long-Term Memory • The relatively permanent and limitless storehouse of the memory system • Holds memories without conscious effort

48. Flashbulb Memory • A vivid, clear memory of an emotionally significant moment or event • Can be personal memories or centered around a shared event

49. Flashbulb Memory • Play “Flashbulb Memories” (3:54) Segment #14 from Psychology: The Human Experience.

50. Storage:Memory and the Brain Module 18: Information Processing