Learn: Memory

Welcome!Today we'll explore Memory, a fascinating topic in Psychology. You'll learn how memory works, its features, and key theories that explain it.

What is Memory?Memory refers to the mental processes used to encode, store, and retrieve information. It helps us recall experiences, knowledge, and skills.Understanding memory is important because it affects learning, decision-making, and daily life.

Types of MemoryMemory is divided into short-term memory (STM) and long-term memory (LTM). STM has limited capacity and duration, while LTM stores information for extended periods.

Features of STM and LTMSTM lasts for a short time (15-30 seconds) and holds about 7 items at once, like a phone number.LTM can store vast amounts of information for years, such as childhood memories or learned skills.

The Multi-Store ModelAtkinson & Shiffrin's Multi-Store Model (1968) explains memory as a flow of information through three stores: sensory register, STM, and LTM.It highlights the importance of attention for encoding and rehearsal for transferring information into LTM.

Bartlett's Theory of Reconstructive MemoryBartlett (1932) proposed that memory is not an exact copy of events but is reconstructed based on schemas (mental frameworks).Schemas influence how we interpret and recall information, often filling in gaps or altering details.

Research Study: Bartlett (1932)Bartlett studied how people recall stories, using a Native American tale called 'The War of the Ghosts.' Participants changed details to fit their schemas, showing how memory is reconstructed.

Review Time!Great work! You've learned about memory types, features, the Multi-Store Model, and Bartlett's theory. Let's test your understanding with a few review questions.