Overview
This lecture introduces the topic of memory, focusing on key processes and the 3-box (Atkinson-Shiffrin) model, which outlines how information is stored and retrieved.
Key Memory Processes
- Memory involves three main processes: encoding (creating memories), storage (maintaining memories), and retrieval (accessing memories).
- These terms are similar to computer terminology but human memory is more complex and prone to error.
- Unlike computers, human memories can change over time and errors can occur at any memory stage.
The 3-Box Model of Memory
- The 3-box (Atkinson-Shiffrin) model divides memory into three stores: sensory, short-term, and long-term.
- Sensory memory stores information for about a second and has a very large capacity.
- Attention determines which sensory information moves into short-term memory.
- Short-term memory holds information for up to a few minutes, typically much less.
- Only some information from short-term memory is transferred to long-term memory.
- Long-term memory can store information for minutes to an entire lifetime, but memories can still change or be lost.
- At each memory stage, information can be lost and not all details are retained.
- The model simplifies how memory works and does not account for all aspects of memory.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Encoding — The process of creating or inputting a memory.
- Storage — Maintaining or keeping information in the brain over time.
- Retrieval — Accessing or recalling stored information.
- Sensory Memory — Very brief holding of sensory information (about a second).
- Short-Term Memory — Temporary holding of information (up to a few minutes).
- Long-Term Memory — The storage of information for long durations, from minutes to a lifetime.
- 3-Box Model (Atkinson-Shiffrin Model) — Theory that divides memory into sensory, short-term, and long-term stores.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review upcoming material on each type of memory storage in more detail.
- Remember the definitions of encoding, storage, and retrieval for future lessons.