6.2 - Theories of Remembering
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Atkinson-Shiffrin Multi-Store Model
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Today, let's discuss the Atkinson-Shiffrin Multi-Store Model of memory. This model outlines three primary stages of memory: sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory. Can anyone explain what sensory memory is?
Is it the initial stage where we hold information from our senses?
Exactly! Sensory memory holds sensory information for a very short period, milliseconds to seconds. Now, what about short-term memory?
It keeps a limited amount of information for a short time, right? Like seven items for about 20-30 seconds?
Spot on! And finally, can anyone tell me what long-term memory is?
It holds information for a long time, sometimes even a lifetime, and has virtually unlimited capacity!
Well done! Remembering the stages can be aided by using the acronym 'S-S-L' for Sensory, Short-term, and Long-term memory. Let's continue to the next theory.
Levels of Processing Theory
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Now, let's shift our focus to Craik and Lockhart's Levels of Processing Theory. This theory suggests that memory retention depends on the depth of processing. What do we mean by this?
It means that deeper processing results in better memory retention?
Correct! Shallow processing involves repeating things without truly engaging with them. Can anyone give an example of deep processing?
Connecting new information to what we already know?
Exactly! Associating new knowledge with existing understanding enhances memory retention significantly. So when we study, we should aim for deep processing.
Working Memory Model
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Next, we will discuss the Working Memory Model proposed by Baddeley and Hitch. This model elaborates on short-term memory as an active system. Can anyone tell me what components make up this model?
There's the Central Executive, Phonological Loop, Visuospatial Sketchpad, and Episodic Buffer!
Great job! The Central Executive directs our attention. What function does the Phonological Loop serve?
It processes verbal and auditory information! That's why it's important for language.
Right! And what about the Visuospatial Sketchpad?
It deals with visual and spatial information, like remembering a layout or directions!
Excellent! And the Episodic Buffer integrates information across the other systems. A useful way to remember these components is through the acronym 'C-P-V-E' where C stands for Central Executive, P for Phonological Loop, V for Visuospatial Sketchpad, and E for Episodic Buffer. Well done, everyone!
Introduction & Overview
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Quick Overview
Standard
In this section, we explore key theories of remembering that provide insights into the structure and function of memory. The Atkinson-Shiffrin Multi-Store Model delineates stages of memory—sensory, short-term, and long-term. Levels of Processing Theory emphasizes the depth of processing, while the Working Memory Model introduces multiple subsystems for managing information actively. Together, these theories illustrate the complexity of memory retention and retrieval.
Detailed
Theories of Remembering
This section delves into significant theories that explain how memory functions, detailing essential models that influence our understanding of remembering. The theories are:
Atkinson-Shiffrin Multi-Store Model (1968)
The Atkinson-Shiffrin model suggests that memory consists of three main stages:
1. Sensory Memory: This stage briefly holds sensory information ranging from milliseconds to seconds.
2. Short-Term Memory (STM): It retains a limited amount of information (typically 7±2 items) for about 20-30 seconds.
3. Long-Term Memory (LTM): Long-term memory can store information for extended periods—potentially a lifetime—and has an unlimited capacity.
Levels of Processing Theory (Craik & Lockhart, 1972)
This theory posits that memory retention is directly related to the depth of processing:
- Shallow Processing: This involves mere repetition or surface-level engagement with the information, leading to weaker retention.
- Deep Processing: It entails relating new information to existing knowledge, enhancing memory retention significantly.
Working Memory Model (Baddeley & Hitch, 1974)
An expansion of the concept of short-term memory, this model considers memory as an active process comprised of multiple subsystems:
1. Central Executive: Directs attention and controls other components.
2. Phonological Loop: Responsible for verbal and auditory information.
3. Visuospatial Sketchpad: Manages visual and spatial data.
4. Episodic Buffer: integrates information across the systems and long-term memory.
Understanding these theories is crucial for comprehending how we retrieve information and how various processes influence memory retention.
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The Atkinson-Shiffrin Multi-Store Model
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Chapter Content
According to the Atkinson-Shiffrin model (1968), memory consists of three main stages:
1. Sensory Memory: Holds sensory information for a very short period (milliseconds to seconds).
2. Short-Term Memory (STM): Holds a limited amount of information for about 20-30 seconds. The capacity is typically 7±2 items.
3. Long-Term Memory (LTM): Stores information for long periods, potentially for a lifetime, with a seemingly unlimited capacity.
Detailed Explanation
The Atkinson-Shiffrin model describes how we remember information through three key stages. First, sensory memory captures information from our senses (like sights and sounds) for a brief time, just long enough for us to notice it. Then, if we focus on this information, it moves to short-term memory (STM), where we can hold a few pieces of information (like a phone number) for about 20 to 30 seconds. Finally, if the information is rehearsed or meaningful, it can be stored in long-term memory (LTM), where it can remain for years, possibly a lifetime.
Examples & Analogies
Think of sensory memory as a screenshot on your phone—it's there for a moment but doesn’t stay unless you save it. If you remember the number you just saw and write it down, you’re transferring it to short-term memory, similar to saving it in a draft. If you actually store it in your contacts, you’ve moved it to long-term memory.
Levels of Processing Theory (Craik & Lockhart)
Chapter 2 of 3
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Chapter Content
Craik and Lockhart’s Levels of Processing Theory (1972) emphasizes that memory depends on the depth of processing. The deeper the processing, the better the memory retention.
- Shallow processing (e.g., repeating information without understanding) results in weaker memory.
- Deep processing (e.g., relating new information to existing knowledge) leads to stronger memory retention.
Detailed Explanation
The Levels of Processing Theory states that how we process information affects how well we remember it. When we simply repeat something (shallow processing), we’re less likely to remember it later. In contrast, if we connect new information to what we already know (deep processing), we’re likely to remember it much better because the information is integrated into existing networks in our memory.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine studying for a test. If you memorize definitions word-for-word (shallow processing), you might forget them shortly after. But if you relate those terms to your own experiences or ideas (deep processing), like connecting 'photosynthesis' to how plants grow around you, you’ll probably recall that information much more easily later.
Working Memory Model (Baddeley & Hitch)
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Chapter Content
Baddeley and Hitch’s Working Memory Model (1974) expands on the concept of short-term memory. The model suggests that memory is an active process and consists of multiple systems:
1. Central Executive: The control system that directs attention and coordinates other components.
2. Phonological Loop: Stores and processes verbal and auditory information.
3. Visuospatial Sketchpad: Stores and processes visual and spatial information.
4. Episodic Buffer: Integrates information from the other systems and long-term memory.
Detailed Explanation
The Working Memory Model breaks down short-term memory into different components, explaining how we actively process information. The central executive acts like a manager, deciding which information to focus on. The phonological loop handles sounds and spoken words, while the visuospatial sketchpad deals with images and spatial relationships. Meanwhile, the episodic buffer connects all of the above with long-term memories, ensuring a cohesive understanding of current information.
Examples & Analogies
Think of working memory like a busy office. The central executive is the manager, directing tasks. The phonological loop is like a filing cabinet for notes and conversations, while the visuospatial sketchpad is a wall covered with visual aids and diagrams. The episodic buffer is similar to a team meeting where everyone shares their files and knowledge to solve a current issue together.
Key Concepts
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Atkinson-Shiffrin Model: A three-stage model of memory—sensory, short-term, and long-term.
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Levels of Processing Theory: Suggests deeper processing leads to better memory retention.
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Working Memory Model: Proposes multiple components involved in actively managing memory.
Examples & Applications
When you look at an object and remember its features for a second, that's sensory memory.
Reciting a phone number before dialing it involves using short-term memory.
When you scan for keywords while reading, you're engaging in deep processing to retain that information.
Memory Aids
Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts
Rhymes
Sensory, Short, Long; that's the memory song!
Stories
Imagine a brief flash of light when you see a star — that's sensory memory. As you think about it, it moves to short-term memory; and with rehearsal, it can become a long-lasting part of your life story.
Memory Tools
Use 'S-S-L' to recall the stages of memory: Sensory, Short-Term, Long-Term.
Acronyms
Remember 'C-P-V-E' for the components of the Working Memory Model
Central Executive
Phonological Loop
Visuospatial Sketchpad
and Episodic Buffer.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Sensory Memory
The initial stage of memory that holds sensory information for a very short period of time.
- ShortTerm Memory (STM)
A memory stage that stores a limited amount of information for a brief period, typically 20-30 seconds.
- LongTerm Memory (LTM)
The stage of memory that stores information for long periods of time, potentially for a lifetime.
- Levels of Processing
A theory that suggests memory retention depends on the depth of processing applied to information.
- Working Memory Model
A model that describes memory as an active process comprised of multiple components that manage information.
- Central Executive
The component of the Working Memory Model that directs attention and coordinates activities.
- Phonological Loop
A subsystem within the Working Memory Model that processes verbal and auditory information.
- Visuospatial Sketchpad
A subsystem within the Working Memory Model for the management of visual and spatial information.
- Episodic Buffer
A component of the Working Memory Model that integrates information across subsystems and long-term memory.
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