Memory FeaturesSerial Position Effect

Memory FeaturesSerial Position Effect

Primacy

Effect:

Better recall, or improvement in retention, of information presented at the beginning of a task

Recency

Effect:

Better recall, or improvement in retention, of information presented at the end of a task

Why?Why?•More time for rehearsal•Still in working memory

Baddeley’s Working Memory ModelBaddeley’s Working Memory Model

ExecutiveControlSystem

ExecutiveControlSystem

MaintenanceRehearsal

What is the capital of South Dakota?

a) Madison

b) Pierre

c) Montpelier

d) Jefferson City

What is the difference between recall and recognition? Which is easier to

remember?

Recall – must retrieve previously learned info without (or with very few) external cues

Recognition – you are given more external cues

Recognition is easier

Forgetting Curve

Reasons We Forget “Vlog”Reasons We Forget “Vlog” Within your group discuss your assigned

reason for forgetting Use your text as a source, but also include

personal information (if applicable) to demonstrate your understanding of the concept

Create a video entry with the Flip camera; explain the basic idea and provide examples to help your classmates understand

Feel free to get creative (act out a scene, show a graphic from the book while you speak, etc.)

Everyone from each group must speak Turn in the camera when finished

Within your group discuss your assigned reason for forgetting

Use your text as a source, but also include personal information (if applicable) to demonstrate your understanding of the concept

Create a video entry with the Flip camera; explain the basic idea and provide examples to help your classmates understand

Feel free to get creative (act out a scene, show a graphic from the book while you speak, etc.)

Everyone from each group must speak Turn in the camera when finished

Reasons We ForgetReasons We Forget1. Ineffective encoding and retrieval failure (p.

280-282); also include the “tip-of-the-tongue” phenomenon (p. 275)

2. Decay Theory (p. 281) and organic amnesia (p. 288); be sure to discuss the different types of memories (sensory, short-term, & long-term)

3. Interference (p. 281-282); also discuss how the concept of “prospective” versus “retrospective” memory (p. 293-294)

4. Motivated forgetting & repressed memories (p. 282-283); discuss the main point of contention over supposedly recovered repressed memories (you don’t need to go into all of the evidence for and against)

1. Ineffective encoding and retrieval failure (p. 280-282); also include the “tip-of-the-tongue” phenomenon (p. 275)

2. Decay Theory (p. 281) and organic amnesia (p. 288); be sure to discuss the different types of memories (sensory, short-term, & long-term)

3. Interference (p. 281-282); also discuss how the concept of “prospective” versus “retrospective” memory (p. 293-294)

4. Motivated forgetting & repressed memories (p. 282-283); discuss the main point of contention over supposedly recovered repressed memories (you don’t need to go into all of the evidence for and against)

Decay Theory

Memories fade away over time because they are not used

True of sensory and short-term memory, but not long-term memory

Time is thought to be the key factor, but it can’t explain why we remember many old unused memories

It is what happens during the time that is most important

Repression Unconscious process where

info that is threatening to our self-concept or that makes us anxious is pushed beyond our access

Thought to occur after an especially traumatic event

Sometimes these memories resurface, but there are controversies over their accuracy

InterferenceOther memories block or prevent

retrieval of a particular memoryRetroactive interference – new info

goes back to interfere with previously learned material

Proactive interference – old info goes forward to interfere with newly learned material

Inadequate Retrieval Cues Too few associations or

reminders are for available for memories to be retrieved

Tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon supports this

State-dependent learning – it is easier to recall info when you are in the same physiological state as when you learned it

Mood congruence effect – our memories match our moods ( mood = memories)

Amnesia/Biological Causes Anterograde amnesia – inability to form new

memories after brain injury Retrograde amnesia – inability to retrieve

memories encoded prior to brain injury or psychological trauma

Korsakoff’s Syndrome – variety of memory problems, as well as general apathy in mood; often caused by malnutrition as a consequence of alcohol abuse

Alzheimer’s DiseaseCause unknownRisk increases with age, but not caused

by ageDestruction of neurons that supply

acetylcholine (neurotransmitter)Starts in hippocampus; creates

problems forming new memoriesThen spreads to frontal & temporal;

difficulty with old memories and planning

Then parietal; difficulty with coordination

Misinformation effect