PSYC 105 Lecture Notes - Lecture 12: Memory Span, Interference Theory, Sensory Memory
Document Summary
Information attended to goes to short-term memory: short-term memory either lost or maintained with rehearsal, going to long-term memory. Working memory differs from original definition of short-term memory because it consists of multiple parts. Working memory: capacity: digit span: how many digits a person can remember in order. Not just about how many numbers/letters, but about how many units of information: chunking: small units can be combined into larger meaningful units. Chunk: collection of elements strongly associated with one another but weakly associated with elements in other chunks: ex: ericcson et al. (1989) Trained college student with average memory ability to use chunking. Initial digit span of 7; after 230 one-hour training sessions, could remember. 79 digits by chunking into meaningful units: ex: chase and simon (1973) Memory for chess pieces on a board. Pieces positioned for a real chess game or randomly positioned. If real chess game, masters could remember more: more modern measurement of capacity.
