Psychology of Learning
EXP4404
Chapter 11: Memory and Forgetting
Dr. Steve
Topics Covered
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Stage Model of Memory
Semantic Models of Memory
Theories of Forgetting
Memory Disorders
Applications of Memory Research
Memory Strategies
Stage Model of Memory
Atkinson & Shiffrin
Rehearsal
Retrieval Failure
Displacement
Decay
Stage Model of Memory
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Sensory Memory
Sperling
experiment
demonstrates
that . . .
Stage Model of Memory
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Short Term Memory
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Encoding
Storage
Retrieval
Serial Position Effect
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Primacy Effect
Recency Effect
Stage Model of Memory
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Encoding and Remembering
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Maintenance Rehearsal
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Elaborative Rehearsal
Levels of Processing (Craik & Lockhart)
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Shallow
Deep
Von Restorff Effect
Stage Model of Memory
Long Term Memory
 Declarative Memory
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Semantic Memory
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Episodic Memory
Stage Model of Memory
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Nondeclarative Memory
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Procedural Memory
Semantic Network Models
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Hierarchical Networks
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RT studies by Collins & Quillian (1972)
Animal
Bird
Canary
•Can sing
•Is yellow
•Has skin
•Can move around
•Eats
•Breaths
•Has wings
•Can fly
•Has feathers
Penguin
•Is black & white
•Can’t fly
Fish
Shark
•Can bite
•Is dangerous
•Has fins
•Can swim
•Has gills
Salmon
•Is pink
•Is edible
•Swims
upstream
Semantic Network Models
Spreading Activation
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Strong semantic relationship are represented by . . .
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Demonstrated with priming effect experiments
spoon
fork
knife
hammer
saw
tools
nails
arms
hands
fingers
toes
Semantic Models
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Category Clustering
Forgetting
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Ebbinghaus
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Memorized long lists of nonsense syllables (cew, qoz)
Forgetting
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Theories of Forgetting
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Decay Theory
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Interference
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Proactive
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Retroactive
Forgetting
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Variables affecting interference:
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Meaningfulness of material
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Similarity of material
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Time between learning and recall
Memory Disorders
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Amnesia
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May be caused by damage to the limbic system
(specifically Hippocampus).
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Case of HM –
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Suffered from:
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Moderate retrograde amnesia
Severe anterograde amnesia
Memory Disorders
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Korsakoff’s Syndrome
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May suffer both retrograde and anterograde amnesia
Case of 59 yr old man
Memory Disorders
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Alzheimer’s Disease
Applications: Foraging
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Organisms may be less likely to forget
information when it is important for survival
Applications: Eyewitness
Testimony
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Loftus & Palmer
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Believed memories were reconstructed each time they are
accessed
Study:
Memory Techniques and
Strategies
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Cue-Dependent Forgetting(Encoding
Specificity)
State-Dependent Learning
Memory Techniques and
Strategies
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Massed vs. Distributed Practice
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Fatigue
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Consolidation
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Differential Encoding Hypothesis
Memory Techniques and
Strategies
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Generation Effects
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Overlearning
Memory Techniques and
Strategies
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Method of Loci
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First noted as technique by ancient Greeks
Memory Techniques and
Strategies
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Keyword Technique
Memory Techniques and Strategies
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Other Mnemonics
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Musical staff
Biological categorizations
Mathematical order of functions
I before E, except after C
30 days has November, April, June, and September
Memory Techniques and
Strategies
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Pegword
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To recall following grocery list (eggs, apples, butter,
soda, pasta, tuna, steak, sugar, chips, lettuce)
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One is a bun – egg resting on a bun
Two is a shoe – shoe kicking an apple
Three is a tree – a butter tree
Four is a door – coke logo on a door
Five is a hive – beehive made of pasta
Six is sticks – can of tuna balanced on a stick
Seven is heaven – steak with angel wings
Eight is a gate – fence gate made of sugar cubes
Nine is wine – potato chips floating down a river of wine
Ten is a hen – hen sitting on top of lettuce head
Memory Techniques and
Strategies
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Chunking
Memory Techniques and
Strategies
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Narrative Chaining
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Make a story with the following word list:
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Walrus, Brass, Fan, Frog, Hospital, Lightbulb, Cookie
Amazing Feats of Memory Video