PSY111 Lecture Notes - Lecture 10: Implicit Memory, Procedural Memory, Memory Span
Long-term memory (LTM)
- The representations of facts, images, actions and skills that may persist over a lifetime
(potentially limitless duration)
- LTM is theoretically limitless in capacity
- Extracting information from the LTM is called retrieval
Evolution of the memory model
- Memory is no longer thought of in terms of a serial processing model
- Memory is now thought to be comprised of a number of modules which are discrete but
interdependent (parallel processing)
- It is recognised that remembering is not always conscious or retroactive
- Memory is no longer likened to the processing of a computer
Working Memory
Baddeley, 1986
- “It is not simply a storehouse with a number of shelves to hold partially processed
information until moves to the LTM. Working memory is more like a workbench where
material is constantly being handled, combined and transformed” (Matlin, 2005; p.110).
- Working memory is temporary storage and processing of information is used to solve
problems respond to environmental demands achieve goals
- Dual task method: Participants were asked to verify a sentence (e.g., dogs have
feathers, canaries have wings
- Asked to remember a sequence of digits (0 to 8 numbers) Repeat the sequence until the
sentence was verified.
- Longer response time but accuracy rate of 95%
Working Memory Systems
1. Visuospatial sketchpad: Visual memory store
2. Phonological loop: Verbal memory store
3. Central executive: control system
4. Episodic buffer: gathers and combines other systems
Neuropsychology of working memory
- Working memory is thought to be directed by the prefrontal cortex
- Verbal and visual working memory activate different cortical regions of the brain. This
demonstrates the independence of different components of working memory.
Evidence supporting a distinction between working memory and LTM:
- Working memory is easily accessed, but is limited in capacity
- LTM deficit: person shows normal working memory, but cannot transfer information to
LTM
Document Summary
The representations of facts, images, actions and skills that may persist over a lifetime (potentially limitless duration) Extracting information from the ltm is called retrieval. Memory is no longer thought of in terms of a serial processing model. Memory is now thought to be comprised of a number of modules which are discrete but interdependent (parallel processing) It is recognised that remembering is not always conscious or retroactive. Memory is no longer likened to the processing of a computer. It is not simply a storehouse with a number of shelves to hold partially processed information until moves to the ltm. Working memory is more like a workbench where material is constantly being handled, combined and transformed (matlin, 2005; p. 110). Working memory is temporary storage and processing of information is used to solve problems respond to environmental demands achieve goals. Dual task method: participants were asked to verify a sentence (e. g. , dogs have feathers, canaries have wings.
