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- How memory works: processes, STM and LTM
How memory works: processes, STM and LTM
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Psychologists often compare memory to a computer: information goes in, is processed and stored, and comes out again when needed.
Information processing
Input: information enters through the senses.
Processing: the information is worked on, for example by paying attention to it or repeating it.
Output: the information is used, for example when we answer a question.
This is called the information processing approach.
Processing: the information is worked on, for example by paying attention to it or repeating it.
Output: the information is used, for example when we answer a question.
This is called the information processing approach.
Encoding, storage and retrieval
Encoding: changing information into a form that can be stored, for example by sound (acoustic), meaning (semantic) or images (visual).
Storage: holding information in memory over time.
Retrieval: getting information back out of storage when we need it.
Forgetting can happen at any stage: information may not be encoded, may not be stored, or may not be retrieved.
Storage: holding information in memory over time.
Retrieval: getting information back out of storage when we need it.
Forgetting can happen at any stage: information may not be encoded, may not be stored, or may not be retrieved.
Short-term and long-term memory
Duration: how long information lasts. Capacity: how much can be held.
You look up a phone number, then repeat it until you dial it. Name the memory processes involved.
- Reading the number and turning it into sounds is encoding.
- Repeating it keeps it in short-term memory (storage).
- Recalling it as you dial is retrieval.
Answer: Encoding, storage (in STM, kept there by repeating it) and retrieval.
Memory involves input, processing and output. Information is encoded, stored and retrieved. STM lasts about 18 to 30 seconds and holds about 7 plus or minus 2 items; LTM can last a lifetime and has a very large capacity.
The interactive lesson includes the diagrams for this topic.
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