We process vast amounts of information daily through our senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste), but only some of it gets stored for later retrieval.
Models help us understand how this information processing occurs; one key model is the information-processing model.
This model likens the brain to a computer: input, process, output.
Information-Processing Model
Not a physical map of the brain, but a conceptual one.
Sensory Memory
First stage: Receiving input from the environment.
Also known as the sensory register.
Temporary storage for all sensory input.
Main senses studied: sight (iconic memory) and sound (echoic memory).
Iconic memory (visual) lasts less than half a second.
Echoic memory (auditory) lasts about 3-4 seconds.
We selectively process information based on attention.
Working Memory (Short-Term Memory)
Second stage: Information passes from sensory memory to working memory.
Current thoughts and focus.
Capacity: around 7 ± 2 items.
Phone numbers historically designed to fit this capacity.
Components:
Visuo-spatial sketchpad: Processes visual and spatial information.
Phonological loop: Processes verbal information (words, numbers from both seen and heard sources).
Central Executive: Coordinates the visuo-spatial sketchpad and phonological loop.
Integrates information into the episodic buffer, connecting to long-term memory.
Long-Term Memory
Final stage: Comparable to saving a file on a computer.
Not perfect, but large capacity.
Types:
Explicit (Declarative) Memory: Facts/events you can describe.
Semantic Memory: Facts, meanings of words (e.g., state capitals).
Episodic Memory: Events, personal experiences (e.g., birthday parties).
Implicit (Non-declarative) Memory: Skills, tasks not easily articulated.
Procedural Memory: Skills like riding a bike.
Priming: Previous experience affecting interpretation (e.g., interpretation of the word "hair").
Capacity of Long-Term Memory
Infinite as far as we know; does not get "full."
Processing capacity may feel limited at times, but storage is not.