Storage
How we retain or keep the information we
have encode over time??
Three Box Model of Memory (or three stage model)
• Basically says memory storage is broken down into three
memory systems based on duration or length of memory
retention
#1 Sensory Memory
• Stores incoming sensory information (smells, sights, noises,
things we touch) in detail but only for an instance
Lasts Milliseconds to seconds
– Most of what we sense we forget almost immediately
– If it is not important we don’t encode and store it
• Iconic Memory
– Visual sensory memory
– (a split second perfect photograph of a scene)
• Echoic Memory
– Auditory sensory memory
– (a split second memory for sounds)
#2 Short-term Memory
• The conscious, activated memory that contains
information you are aware of at any point in time
– Also can be called working memory
– Can last seconds to minutes
• There is a limited capacity and duration
– The average stm can only fit 7 units
– (that is why phone numbers are 7 digits long)
• Can be increased by chunking
Storage and Short-Term Memory
• Can store 7 (plus or
minus two) chunks of
information.
• George Miller
– “The Magic Number
7+-2”
• Simon
– “We can only chunk
groups of three”
Breaking Through the Magic 7 Barrier
• Row 1: 6293
• Row 2: 73932
• Row 3: 835405
• Row 4: 3820961
• Row 5: 18294624
• Row 6: 9284619384
• Row 7: 1992199319941995
#3 Long-term Memory
• The relatively permanent storehouse of memories
• Can last days to years (sometimes a lifetime)
• Consolidation
– The process of converting short-term memory into long-term memory
Two Types
– Flashbulb memory
• A vivid clear memory of an emotionally significant moment or
event – 911
– Photographic memory
• It is just a really good memory
• VERY few people have this
• True photographic memory is someone who can see a list of 70 digits for
less than a minute and recite them forward and backwards and remember
them up to 15 years later!!!!
How does our brain store long-term
memories?
• Memories do NOT reside in single specific
spots of our brain.
•Seems the hippocampus is the essential part of the
brain
for memories
•But visual memories may be stored in the visual cortex
Retrieval
The getting of information and memories out of our
heads
How do we recall the information we thought
we remembered and stored?
Lets Jog Our Memory!!!!!!!
Recall vs. Recognition
I probably cannot recall the Smurfs, but
can I recognize them?
Lazy Smurf or Lethargic Smurf
Papa Smurf or Daddy Smurf
Handy Smurf or Practical Smurf
Brainy Smurf or Intellectual Smurf
Clumsy Smurf or Inept Smurf
• Recall
–
–
–
–
Remembering without any external cues
The retrieving of information you learned earlier
What we usually think of as memory
Fill in the blank tests, short answer, essay
• Recognition
– The process of identifying information using
external cues
– Multiple choice and matching test questions
Memory is often triggered by… Retrieval
• Things that help us remember.
– Pictures, smells, touches
– Smell is usually the strongest
•We often use a process called
PRIMING
•the activation of associations in our memory to help
us retrieve information.
•Recalling a particular word or memory becomes
easier if another related word is recalled first
•Example – thinking of me may help you
remember a psychology concept or term
Cues
Priming
Our physical condition
and mood affect our
ability to retrieve
memories
The Pollyanna Principle
Stress and Memory
• Stress can lead to the
release of hormones that
have been shown to
assist in LTM.
– i.e. adrenaline
– Similar to the idea of
Flashbulb Memory.
State-Dependent Memory
• Retrieval is best when the retrieval
state is the same as the encoding state
– If you are tired when encoding, retrieval
will be best when you are also tired
– If you study on your favorite chair at
home, you will probably score higher if
you also took the test on that chair.
Mood-Congruent Memory
• The tendency to recall experiences that are
consistent with one's current good or bad
mood.
Example: If you are depressed, you will more likely recall sad
memories from you past.
Types of Long Term Memories
Declarative Memories
Vs.
Non-Declarative Memories
and
Prospective
Vs.
Retrospective Memory
Declarative Memories
• Also called explicit memories
– The memories that relate to facts and take effort to recall
• Two types
– Semantic Memory
• Memory of facts and general information
• State capitals or rules of a game
– Episodic Memory
• Memories of specific events – personal memories
• Think of this like episodes of your life, like remembering your
16th birthday
Non-declarative Memories
• Also called implicit memories
– Unintentional memories
• that we might not even realize we have and do not take
conscious thinking to recall
– Processed all over the brain
• 2 Types
– Procedural Memories
• Memories of skills and how to perform them
• Riding a bike or driving a car
– Classically condition Memories
• Jumping when you hear the toilet flush
Prospective vs. Retrospective Memory
 Prospective Memory



Remembering to perform actions in the future
Remembering to take the trash out or walk the dog, or to
call someone
Those who appear bad at prospective memory are often
characterized as “absent minded”
 Retrospective Memory


Remembering events from the past or previously learned
information
Trying to remember what was said in your last class