Understanding Memory: Encoding, Storage, and Retrieval

### Recalling and Coding The process of changing data into a format that can be stored in memory is known as "encoding." It entails transforming sensory input into a mental model that the brain can store and retrieve later. Semantic, acoustic, or visual encoding are all possible. ### Types of Memory 1. Unless rehearsed, **Short-term Memory (STM):** holds information for a short period of time, typically between 20 and 30 seconds. STM typically has a capacity of around 72 items. 2. Long-term memory, or LTM, stores information for a considerable amount of time—possibly a lifetime. It contains both explicit (conscious) and implicit (unconscious) memories and appears to have an unlimited capacity. 3. A brief storage system that stores information from the senses for a few seconds is referred to as sensory memory. It acts as a buffer for the senses to absorb stimuli. - **Iconic Memory:** A type of sensory memory that stores visual information for roughly one and a half seconds. - **Echoic Memory:** A kind of sensory memory that stores auditory information for between two and four seconds. The Multi Store Method Atkinson and Shiffrin' s "Multi Store Model" of memory suggests that there are three stores of memory: sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory. In a straight line, information moves through these stores. The key to transferring information from STM to LTM is rehearsal. ### Processing Levels Craik and Lockhart's Levels of Processing model posits that memory retention is influenced by processing depth. Long-term retention is better with semantic processing than with surface-level processing. ### Methods of Organization and Memorization The process of organizing data in a manner that makes it simpler to recall, such as by categorizing or chunking it, is known as "organization." Mnemonic techniques are methods for improving memory. Some common methods include: - **Acronyms:** Forming a word from the first letters of a list of things. - "Visualization" refers to the process of forming vivid mental images of information. - "Method of Loci": Associating information with particular locations in a place that is already familiar. ### Hypotheses About Forgetting 1. The "Decay Theory" posits that memories deteriorate over time as a result of time, particularly if they are not accessed frequently. 2. The interference theory proposes that additional information hinders memory retrieval. It contains: - "Proactive Interference": Old memories prevent new information from being retrieved. - "Retroactive Interference": New information prevents older memories from being retrieved. 3. **Retrieval Failure:** This occurs when there are insufficient retrieval cues and information that is stored in memory cannot be accessed. Metamemory ### A person's awareness and comprehension of their own memory processes is referred to as "metamemory." Memory strategies and retrieval can be monitored and controlled as part of this ability. ### Dementia 1. **Anterograde Amnesia:** A brain injury that prevents people from making new memories. Anterograde amnesia sufferers are able to recall past events, but they struggle to recall new information. 2. **Retrograde Amnesia:** Memory loss that occurred prior to a brain injury. Retrograde amnesia patients may lose access to their past memories while still being able to form new memories. These notes give a quick overview of important ideas about memory, such as how memories are encoded, stored, and retrieved, methods for improving memory, and theories about forgetting.

Memory is a complex system that involves the encoding of sensory input into a mental model that the brain can store and retrieve later. Memory types include short-term memory (STM), long-term memory (LTM), sensory memory, iconic memory, and echoic memory. The Multistore Method by Atkinson and Shiffrin suggests three stores of memory: sensory, short-term, and long-term. Memory retention is influenced by processing depth, with semantic processing being better than surface-level processing. Organization and memorization involve organizing data for easier recall. Mnemonic techniques, such as acronyms, visualization, and the method of loci, can improve memory. The "Decay Theory" suggests that memories deteriorate over time, while the interference theory suggests that additional information hinders memory retrieval. Metamemory refers to a person's awareness and comprehension of their memory processes. Dementia can result from anterograde amnesia, a brain injury that prevents new memories, or from retrograde amnesia, memory loss that occurred before a brain injury.