Memory formation involves three key processes: , , and . These processes work together to create, maintain, and access our memories. Understanding how they function helps us improve our learning and abilities.
Encoding turns sensory information into storable forms, while storage keeps memories over time. Retrieval allows us to access stored information when needed. Factors like and can affect how well we remember things.
Encoding and Storage Processes
Sensory Memory and Encoding
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briefly holds sensory information from the environment (sights, sounds, smells, etc.) for a few seconds
Encoding converts sensory information into a form that can be stored in memory
Involves paying attention to and perceiving the information
Can involve , associating the information with existing knowledge
proposes that deeper, more meaningful encoding leads to better retention
focuses on superficial characteristics (word shape or sound)
involves analyzing meaning and connecting to existing knowledge
Rehearsal and Consolidation
is the process of repeating or practicing information to maintain it in memory
involves repeating information without adding meaning (rote memorization)
involves connecting the information to existing knowledge or creating meaningful associations
More effective for long-term retention than maintenance rehearsal
is the process of stabilizing memory traces over time
Involves neural changes that strengthen synaptic connections
Occurs during sleep, particularly during slow-wave sleep
Allows memories to become more resistant to interference or decay
Retrieval Processes
Recall and Recognition
Retrieval is the process of accessing stored information from memory
Recall involves actively retrieving information from memory without cues
requires retrieving information in any order
requires retrieving information in a specific order
involves identifying previously encountered information with cues
Easier than recall because it provides more retrieval cues
Examples include multiple-choice tests or identifying a person from a lineup
Cued Recall
involves retrieving information with the help of cues or hints
Cues can be semantic (related to the meaning of the information) or contextual (related to the context in which the information was encoded)
Cues help to narrow down the search in memory and provide additional retrieval paths
suggests that retrieval is enhanced when the individual's physiological or psychological state matches the state during encoding
Example: Information learned while intoxicated may be easier to recall when intoxicated again
Factors Affecting Memory
Interference and Decay
Interference occurs when other information disrupts the retrieval of target information
happens when new information interferes with the retrieval of previously learned information
Example: Difficulty remembering a previous phone number after learning a new one
happens when previously learned information interferes with the retrieval of new information
Example: Difficulty learning Spanish vocabulary due to interference from French vocabulary learned earlier
proposes that memory traces naturally weaken over time without rehearsal or retrieval
Suggests that forgetting occurs due to the passage of time
Decay is more likely to occur for information in short-term memory that is not rehearsed or transferred to long-term memory