PSYCH 1X03 Chapter Notes - Chapter Module: Sketchpad, Processing Fluency, Working Memory
Document Summary
Memory is a fundamental cognitive mechanism that allows us to encode, store, and retrieve information. Acquisition and encoding -> storage -> retrieval: one memory can act as a cue to signal the retrieval of another memory. Recognition test: determine whether an item is old or new: both test the ability to remember items from the encoding phase. Forgetting curve the rapidly decreasing rate of recall of a memory over time. The multi-store model suggests that memory has a temporary (short-term) and permanent (long-term) storage. Incoming information is first stored in short-term memory. Important information stored in the short-term storage is then stored in long-term memory. If items in short-term memory are rehearsed, it may be transferred into long-term memory. Short-term memory capacity = 7 +- 2 items: these items can be packets containing chunks of information. The levels of processing model suggests that memory performance depends on the level at which items are encoded.