Lecture Series on Memory

Introduction

• Topic: Memory
• Series Includes:
  • Two models of memory
  • Types of long-term memory
  • Reasons for forgetting
  • Factors affecting eyewitness testimony accuracy
  • Improving eyewitness testimony accuracy with cognitive interviews
• Focus: Cognitive Psychology
  • Internal mental processes

Multi-Store Model of Memory

• Proposed by: Richard Atkinson and Richard Shiffrin (1968)
• Purpose: Explain how information from the environment is stored in long-term memory
• Structure: Multiple stores for memory
  • Sensory Store
  • Short-Term Memory (STM)
  • Long-Term Memory (LTM)
• Nature of Stores:
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Memory are unitary (single unit)

Process of Memory Transfer

• Sensory Register: Initial reception of information via senses
• Attention: Required for transferring information to Short-Term Memory
• Maintenance Rehearsal: Temporarily keeps information in STM
• Prolonged Rehearsal: Moves information to LTM
• Retrieval: Information is moved from LTM to STM when needed
• Model Type: Linear and Sequential

Features of Different Stores

Sensory Register

• Coding (Encoding):
  • Transforming information into storable form
  • Visual (Iconic), Auditory (Echoic), Semantic (Meaning)
• Duration: Very short (~250 milliseconds for iconic memories)
• Capacity: Potentially unlimited due to high sensory input

Attention and Memory

• Significance: Attention is critical for transferring information from sensory register to STM
• Implications:
  • Lack of attention leads to missing information
  • Example: Magicians exploit attentional limits

Practical Implications

• Student's Attention:
  • Importance of focusing during lectures to avoid missing information
  • Distractions (e.g., phone notifications) hinder memory retention
• Further Reading: "Stolen Focus" for a deeper understanding of attention and distraction

Conclusion

• Upcoming topics include coding, capacity, and duration of Short-Term and Long-Term Memory
• Encouragement to continue with the series for comprehensive understanding

This summary captures the key points of the lecture on the multi-store model of memory as part of a broader series on memory in cognitive psychology.