Module 18
Encoding, Storage, and Retrieval of Memory
Chapter 6, Pages 212-228
Essentials of Understanding Psychology- Sixth Edition
PSY110 Psychology
© Richard Goldman
October 23, 2006
Memory
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Process of encoding, storing, and
retrieval of information:
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Encoding – Receiving, processing, and storing
information received from the senses
Storage – Maintenance of information saved in
memory
Retrieval – Locating information and bringing it to
awareness
Types of Memory
1.
Sensory Learning – < 1 second – Raw
Information
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2.
3.
Sight (Iconic)
Hearing (Echoic)
Touch
Taste
Smell
Motion
Short Term Memory – 15-25 seconds
Long Term Memory – Permanent
George Sperling
Sensory Memory Study
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F T Y C
K D N L
Y W B M
Subject exposed to letters for 1/20 of a second – limited
recall (only 4 – 5 letters)
Subject given a Hi, Med, or Lo tone after exposure could
recall could recall corresponding top, mid, or bottom line
Proves that we have sensory memory
Lengthening the delay of the tone identifies the length of
sensory memory (< 1 sec).
Quickly replace with new sensory information.
Must be transferred to short-term memory to be retained.
Short-term Memory
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Holds encoded (processed/meaningful)
information.
Can hold a maximum of seven (+/- 2) chunks
of information.
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7 numbers
7 letters
7 words
(etc.)
Limited to 15-25 seconds
Rehearsal
Transferring Short-term to Long-term Memory
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Just repeating the information over and over
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Keeps the information active in short-term
memory
Often lost when the repeating stops
Elaborative Rehearsal
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Using logic, mnemonics, or organizing the
information leads to long-term memory storage
Traditional Memory Model (Sequential)
Short-term
Memory
Long-term
Memory
Sensory
Memory
Encoding
Retrieval
Simple Rehearsal
Elaborative
Rehearsal
Conscious
Awareness
Working Memory Model
Sensory
Memory
Working
Memory
Long-term
Memory
Central
Executive
Encoding
Visual
Store
Verbal
Store
Retrieval
Storage
Episodic
Buffer
Long-term Memory Model
Long-term Memory
Declarative Memory
Information about things
Semantic Episodic
Memory Memory
•Facts
•2+2=4
•Personal
knowledge
•First kiss
Procedural Memory
•Skills & Habits
•How to do things
•Tying your shoe
Associative Memory Model
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Interconnected mental representations of
information
Priming – Word or concept triggers recall of
related information