Storage

Sensory Memory

• “fleeting”

• Sensory Registry– Iconic -

– Echoic -

Working/Short-Term Memory

• From sensory memory, we illuminate by focusing on some info via our selective attention– Without active processing, short term has limited life

• Time/duration: 20 seconds• Capacity: “magical #7 (+/- 2)” – auditory input

– #3 (+/-1) for visuals

• Short term recall slightly better for random digits– Slightly worse for random letters (more similar sounds)

What’s the point?

• At any given moment, we can consciously process only a very limited amount of information

Long-Term Memory

• Capacity for memory is limitless– Not fully known, is it genetic or learned?

• The Real Rain Man• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2T45r5G

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Types of Long-Term Memory

1. Episodic• Memories are personally experienced

• what most people refer to as “memories”• What did you have for breakfast this morning?• What did you wear on the first day of school?

2. Semantic• General factual knowledge• Knowing what/that

3. Procedural• Memories related

to skills or habits– Things that are well-

learned• Knowing how

Explicit and Implicit Memories• Explicit (declarative)

– “I have an explicit memory of playing at a particular golf course”

– Located where?

• Implicit (non-declarative)– “It’s that thing about the stuff, well, you know I

know – I just can’t say right now…” – explaining to someone how to tie a shoe.- CC- Located where?

Hierarchy

Storage and the brain• Hippocampus

– Possible storage bin, where over time info goes to other parts of the cerebral cortex

• Left frontal for auditory• Right frontal for episodic memories

• Cerebellum– Implicit memories stored– Amnesia patient example

Dual System of Memory

1. Explains our parallel processes2. Infantile amnesia

• What we learn in the first three years (i.e. walking) extends throughout life, but we don’t recall learning it (i.e. circumcision)