Memory Study Guide.pdf - 1. Define memory: ​Memory​ refers...

1. Define memory: Memory refers to the processes that are used to acquire, store, retain,
and later retrieve information. There are three major processes involved in memory:
encoding, storage, and retrieval.
2. Understand encoding, storage, & retrieval: Encoding: we process information into the
memory system similar to how data are entered on a keyboard and encoded in a way that
the computer can understand and use Storage: to retain the information over time similar
to how data are stored on a computer's hard drive. Retrieval: to recall information that is
necessary to analyze
3. Describe the Stage Model of Memory : While several different models of memory have
been proposed, the stage model of memory is often used to explain the basic structure and
function of memory. Initially proposed in 1968 by Atkinson and Shiffrin, this theory
outlines three separate stages of memory: sensory memory, short-term memory, and
long-term memory.
4. Describe sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory: Sensory
memory is the earliest stage of memory. During this stage, sensory information from the
environment is stored for a very brief period of time, generally for no longer than a
half-second for visual information and 3 or 4 seconds for auditory information. We attend
to only certain aspects of this sensory memory, allowing some of this information to pass
into the next stage - short-term memory. Short-term memory , also known as active
memory, is the information we are currently aware of or thinking about. In Freudian
psychology, this memory would be referred to as the conscious mind. Paying attention to
sensory memories generates information in short-term memory. Most of the information
stored in active memory will be kept for approximately 20 to 30 seconds. While many of
our short-term memories are quickly forgotten, attending to this information allows it to
continue to the next stage - long-term memory. Long-term memory refers to the
continuing storage of information. In Freudian psychology, long-term memory would be
called the preconscious and unconscious. This information is largely outside of our
awareness but can be called into working memory to be used when needed. Some of this
information is fairly easy to recall, while other memories are much more difficult to
access.