Chapter 13
Part 4: Cognitive Psychology - Memory
Memory
Define Memory
• The ability to remember
• The ability/ faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information
• The power of retaining and recalling past experiences
• The ability/ faculty of the brain by which information is encoded, stored, and retrieved when
needed
• The retention of information over time
The information-processing approach to understanding memory
• Memory originally understood as taking place in our head- a mental process.
• Later, agreement that memory also affected by contextual factors
• Computer as an analogy/ metaphor
• 3 stages:
1. Input stage (acquisition)
2. Storage stage
3. Output stage (Retrieval)
Two- store model of memory
Two types of memory:
• Short term memory
Currently in awareness
Holds info for a few seconds, unless rehearsed
Route through which memory can be stored in long term memory
• Long term memory
Not currently aware, but kept in storage
Hold info for hours, weeks, months, even decades
Library of information and experiences gathered throughout life
Least effected by aging
Different types of long-term memory