U09 Psych 100 Chapter Notes - Chapter 7.2: Memory Span, George Sperling, Echoic Memory
2 Oct 2016
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Sensory memory a temporary memory system closely tied to the sensory systems: lasts a fraction of a second, not aware that it is operating. Everything we remember, therefore, is the result of neurons firing in the brain. George sperling (1960) proposed the existence of sensory memory: experiment: three rows of letters were flashed on a screen for 1/20 of a second; Participants were then asked to recall all the letters, but could only recall 3 or 4; by the time it took them to recall the first 3 or 4 letters, they forgot the other ones. Ex: substitution expecting 20 people to show up for dinner, but is told there will 25; will substitute the ne number into working memory. Now may be as limited to 4 items: memory span varies among individuals, capacity of working memory increases a s children develop and decreases with advanced aging.
