HPS111 Lecture Notes - Lecture 8: Semantic Memory, Sensory Memory, Echoic Memory
WEEK 8
Memory – refers to the process that allows us to record, store and later retrieve experiences and information.
Memory has been compared to an information processing system that encodes, stores and retrieves information.
Encoding – getting information into the system by translating it into a neural code that your brain processes.
Encoding may be automatic (unconsciously process the information, requiring minimal attention) or effortful
(paying close attention to the information and making an effort to understand the information). It can also take
on 3 different levels of depth (Craik and Lockhart’s level of processing model):
Structural encoding (shallow) – noting how the stimulus looks.
Phonological encoding (intermediate) – sounding out the stimulus.
Semantic encoding (deep) – paying attention to what the stimulus means.
Storage – involves retaining information over time.
Retrieval – involves recovering information from memory, or taking information out of storage so it can be
used.
The Atkinson and Shiffrin multi-store/three-stage model of memory:
Sensory memory – briefly holds unlimited, incoming sensory information. If stimulus is not attended to,
memory is lost. Further divided into 2 different sensory registers:
a) Iconic store – visual memory e.g. pictures, lasts for approximately 0.3 secs.
b) Echoic memory – auditory memory, e.g. sounds, lasts for approximately 3-4 secs.
Short-term memory (working memory) – a limited memory store (holds 5-9 meaningful items) that
temporarily holds a limited amount of information from both sensory memory and long-term memory.
Lasts 18-20 secs unless rehearsed.
Memory codes are used in order to be retained in STM once information leaves sensory memory. Memory
codes are mental representations of some type of information or stimulus and it can take 4 different forms:
Visual codes – forming mental images
Phonological codes – sound codes
Semantic codes – code by finding meaning in the stimulus
Motor codes – code patterns of movement e.g. sports
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Document Summary
Memory refers to the process that allows us to record, store and later retrieve experiences and information. Memory has been compared to an information processing system that encodes, stores and retrieves information. Encoding getting information into the system by translating it into a neural code that your brain processes. Encoding may be automatic (unconsciously process the information, requiring minimal attention) or effortful (paying close attention to the information and making an effort to understand the information). It can also take on 3 different levels of depth (craik and lockhart"s level of processing model): Structural encoding (shallow) noting how the stimulus looks. Phonological encoding (intermediate) sounding out the stimulus. Semantic encoding (deep) paying attention to what the stimulus means. Retrieval involves recovering information from memory, or taking information out of storage so it can be used. The atkinson and shiffrin multi-store/three-stage model of memory: Sensory memory briefly holds unlimited, incoming sensory information. If stimulus is not attended to, memory is lost.
