Memory Overview and Techniques

Overview

This lecture explores how memory works, including its types, processes of storage and retrieval, and methods for improving memorization using psychological theories and real-life examples.

Clive Wearing & the Importance of Memory

• Clive Wearing, a musician, developed profound amnesia after encephalitis, losing past memories and the ability to form new ones.
• He recognizes his wife but cannot recall previous moments with her.
• Memory is essential for personal identity, skill retention, and connecting past, present, and future.

Types of Memory & Memory Processes

• Memory is learning that persists over time, allowing stored information to be recalled later.
• Accessing memory involves recall (retrieving info), recognition (identifying info), and relearning (refreshing previously learned info).
• Atkinson and Shiffrin’s model describes memory as a three-stage process: encoding, storage, and retrieval.
• Initial memory is sensory and fleeting; rehearsal moves info to short-term memory.
• Short-term memory holds about 4-7 items and lasts under 30 seconds without rehearsal.
• With enough attention, information transfers from short-term to long-term memory.

Working Memory & Processing Types

• "Working memory" expands on short-term memory, involving both explicit (conscious) and implicit (automatic) processes.
• Explicit processing is intentional, used for facts and knowledge.
• Implicit processing is unconscious, handling automatic associations and learned behaviors.

Long-Term Memory Types

• Procedural memory stores skills like riding a bike or playing an instrument.
• Episodic memory stores personal life events.
• Clive Wearing’s case shows the separation between procedural and episodic memory.

Memorization Techniques & Levels of Processing

• Mnemonics help memorize information by organizing data (e.g., acronyms like ROY G. BIV).
• Chunking combines information into manageable units, improving recall.
• Shallow processing encodes information based on surface features (sound, appearance).
• Deep processing encodes information based on meaning, creating stronger memories.
• Making information personally relevant enhances memory retention.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Amnesia — Loss of memory, often from brain injury or disease.
• Recall — Retrieving information from memory without cues.
• Recognition — Identifying previously learned information from options.
• Relearning — Revisiting information to reinforce or refresh memory.
• Encoding — Initial process of inputting information into memory.
• Chunking — Grouping information into larger, meaningful units.
• Explicit Memory — Conscious, intentional memory of facts and experiences.
• Implicit Memory — Unconscious memory, including skills and conditioned responses.
• Procedural Memory — Long-term memory for how to perform tasks and skills.
• Episodic Memory — Long-term memory of specific events in one’s life.
• Mnemonic — A device or strategy to help remember information.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Review mnemonic strategies and try applying chunking to study materials.
• Practice both shallow and deep processing for upcoming memorization tasks.
• Reflect on how personal relevance affects your own memory retention.