PSYC 1010 Chapter Notes - Chapter chapter 71: Cognitive Load, Cocktail Party, Working Memory
21 Feb 2019
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Chapter 7 – Memory
How does information enter memory?
How is information stored in the memory?
How is information pulled back out of memory?
Encoding- Involves forming a memory code
Storage- involves maintaining encoded information in memory over time
Retrieval- involves recovering information from memory stores
Encoding: Getting information into Memory
Attention involves focusing awareness or a narrowed range of stimuli or events. Selective
attention is critical for everyday functioning
Cocktail party phenomenon – suggests late selection
Attention is linked to a filter. This filter screens out most potential stimuli.
Stimuli can be screened out early or late depending on the location of the filter
The filter placement is not static and varies depending on the cognitive load.
High cognitive load = Early filter (Before recognition of meaning)
Low cognitive load= Late filter (Right after recognition of meaning)
Dividing attention leads to lower memory performance
Multitasking doesn’t mean working on two subjects simultaneously, but instead quickly
switching attention between subjects.
Levels of processing
There are different levels to processing information. Based on the different types of encoding
1) Shallow processing
2) Intermediate processing
3) Deep processing
When dealing with verbal information, there are three levels of encoding information
Shallow processing – Structural encoding (shape, font, capitals etc.…) – weakest memory code
Intermediate processing – Phonemic encoding (sound of words)
Deep processing – Semantic encoding (meaning of the words) – forms most durable memory
code
The deeper the processing, the more durable the memory codes (enhanced memory)
Dual memory theory suggests that forming both semantic and visual codes enhance memory.
This is because either one could lead to recall.
To enrich encoding:
1) Elaboration – Linking a stimulus to other information at the time of encoding
2) Visual imagery – creation of visual images to represent words
3) Self-Referent Encoding – Making a personal connection to the information
Storing – Maintaining information in memory
Sensory memory – Preserves information in its raw original sensory form for a brief moment
usually fraction of a second
- Usually perceived as an after image rather than actual stimulus
STM – Short Term memory
Small memory store which holds unrehearsed information for about 20 seconds.
In order to make information in the STM solid, it must be rehearsed.
Rehearsal is the process of repetitively verbalizing or thinking about the information
Without rehearsal, information in the STM is lost within 20 seconds of learning it.
Loss of information from STM is due to decay and interference from competing material
Capacity of Storage:
George Millner – “Magical number 7 plus or minus 2”
Millner noticed that people could only recall about 7 items for new information.
Even lower than 7, closer to 4 plus/minus 1 instead, didn’t account for chunking.
consensus on STM capacity is getting lower, closer to 4.
Capacity can be increased by chunking – the process where familiar stimuli is stored as a single
unit
Around 4 slots are available in STM. Each of this information only last about 20 seconds without
rehearsal.
Alan Baddeley – Suggested idea of working memory – form of STM
Working memory is a description of STM:
Memory that is limited in capacity and temporarily maintains and stores information by
providing an interface between perception, memory, and action.
Four components to Baddeley’s model of working memory:
1) Phonological Loop – Used for language purposes
2) Visuospatial sketchpad – Used for visual images
3) Central executive system – deployment of attention, switching tasks and focus
4) Episodic buffer – Temporary limited capacity store, links working memory to LTM
Working memory capacity (WMC)– refers to the ability to hold and manipulate information in
conscious attention (in STM).
WMC – can be affected by situational pressure, stress, worrying etc.
WMC provides a general measure of high-level cognitive abilities, such as reading,
comprehension, complex reasoning, and intelligence.
Long Term Memory (LTM)
An unlimited store of memory which can hold information for a long period of time.
Can store information indefinitely. Information is Stored permanently in LTM
Forgetting occurs when information cannot be retrieved from the LTM, NOT because it has
been erased.
Lines of evidence for permanent memory
- Electrical stimulation of the brain results in long lost memories
- Flashbulb memories
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Document Summary
Storage- involves maintaining encoded information in memory over time. Attention involves focusing awareness or a narrowed range of stimuli or events. Stimuli can be screened out early or late depending on the location of the filter. The filter placement is not static and varies depending on the cognitive load. High cognitive load = early filter (before recognition of meaning) Low cognitive load= late filter (right after recognition of meaning) Multitasking doesn"t mean working on two subjects simultaneously, but instead quickly switching attention between subjects. Based on the different types of encoding: shallow processing, intermediate processing, deep processing. When dealing with verbal information, there are three levels of encoding information. Shallow processing structural encoding (shape, font, capitals etc. ) weakest memory code. Intermediate processing phonemic encoding (sound of words) Deep processing semantic encoding (meaning of the words) forms most durable memory code. The deeper the processing, the more durable the memory codes (enhanced memory)
