Psychology

MemoryMemory is an organism's ability to store,

retain, and recall information and experiences

Theories of Memory

Theory of General Memory Functions

Information Processing Theory Theory by Atkinson and Richard Shiffrin

Theory of General Memory Functions

3 Basic Memory functions

Information Processing Theories

Memory works in three stages

Output or Information

Step by step process

Input from sensory organs

Theory by Atkinson and Richard Shiffrin Most widely used theory

Levels Of Processing Theories Craik & Lockhart (1972)

Incoming Information is analyzed in various levels of analysis.

Better the analysis, better the memory.

Processing will be automatic unless attention is focused on a particular level

Sensory Register

Very Brief Storage of Information by Our Sensory Channels. Information Stored is lost very fast

Example:- Visual Sensory Register holds information

of 11 to 16 items for only one second. Auditory Register holds in formation for 4

or 5 seconds

Short –Term Memory A memory which can hold information from

sensory register for about 30 seconds and which has less storage capacity, depending upon :-

The state of the brain

Flow of information

Emotional State

Rehearsal The process of rehearsal consists of

keeping items of information in The Center OF Attention, by repeating them silently or aloud or by writing.

The amount of rehearsal determines the time for which the Information is held in the memory.

Previously, continuous rehearsal also called “Maintenance Rehearsal” was responsible for retaining memory.

Modern theories suggest that

“Elaborative Rehearsal” helps in retaining Memory.

Elaborative Rehearsal :- Giving the information a meaning, so to ease the process of retaining

Long Term Memory Memory which has no specific time limit

for storing information. It can be weeks, months, or years or even lifetime. It has no limit in terms of storage capacity.

Semantic

Episodic

Semantic memory The brain stores information about words,

what they look like and represent, and how they are used in an organized way

Episodic memory Episodic memory is a form of memory

which allows someone to recall events of personal importance.

Tip of the tongue The tip-of-the-tongue (TOT) phenomenon

refers to the experience of feeling confident that one knows an answer, yet is unable to produce the word.

Encoding & Storing Long Term Memories Encoding for long term storage requires

Special attention

Role of imagery Imagery is simply the formation of any mental

pictures

Example: trying to remember a phone number by repeating it in your head is a common method, but what might enhance your processing of the information might be to use imagery - maybe visualize the numbers being written on a chalk board. This allows you to create a mental picture of the numbers that may be processed more completely

Role of constructive process During encoding, to be remembered information

epically if it is a complex life event or something which you have read.

“The driver of the car was seen drinking before he was involved in an accident”

Memory Retrieval Once information has been encoded and

stored in memory, it must be retrieved in order to be used. There are four basic ways in which information can be pulled from long-term memory

Recall Recollection Recognition Relearning

Recall & Recollection Recall: This type of

memory retrieval involves being able to access the information without being cued

Recollection: This type of memory retrieval involves reconstructing memory, often utilizing logical structures, partial memories, narratives or clues

Recognition & Relearning Recognition: This

type of memory retrieval involves identifying information after experiencing it again.

Relearning: This type of memory retrieval involves relearning information that has been previously learned

Amnesia Amnesia from the Greek word Ἀμνησία is

a condition in which memory is disturbed or lost. A memory disorder which resulting in loss of what has been already stored or an In-ability to retrieve stored information.

Physiological Amnesia An Amnesia caused without any physical

force, brain disorder or biological malfunctioning in the body.

Child hood Amnesia

Dream Amnesia

Defensive Amnesia

Biological Amnesia Concussions from blows to the head, other

damage to the brain, temporary disturbances in the brains blood supply, certain drugs and brain diseases are causes of amnesia and fall under biological amnesia

Transient global amnesia

Drug induced amnesia

Brain diseases