University:
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Course:
PSY 105 | General Psychology
Academic year:

2023
Views:

466

Pages:

2
Author:

Jithin J I

Memory Systems - Sensory Memory and Working Memory s I. Memory Systems Overview 1. Structural Approach to Memory  Memory is divided into several separate systems.  Multistore models of memory, e.g., Atkinson and Shiffrin (1968) and modern models. 2. Memory Systems  Sensory Memory: Collects information from the senses, transforms it into perceptual representations, and temporarily maintains it.  Working Memory (Short-Term Memory): Temporarily stores and processes information, capacity of 7 plus/minus 2 items, retains information for about 20 s. II. Sensory Memory (Sensory Register) 1. Sensory Memory Function  Collects sensory information from the environment or body.  Transforms it into perceptual representations.  Temporarily maintains memory traces about physical properties of stimuli. 2. Characteristics  Transient memory system.  Different sensory storages.  Information either decays or further processed into permanent representations.  Rapid decay of stored information. 3. Types of Sensory Memory  Visual Sensory Memory: Iconic image (lasting <1 s).  Auditory Sensory Memory: Echoic memory (lasting ~4 s). III. Working Memory (Short-Term Memory) 1. Role of Working Memory  Transfer information from sensory memory.  Temporary storage until forgotten or transferred to long-term memory.  Recent approaches view it as a working memory for processing complex tasks. 2. Models of Working Memory   Three-Component Model of Working Memory (Baddeley, 2003):  Phonological loop (auditory and verbal information).  Visuospatial sketchpad (visual and spatial information).  Episodic buffer (multimodal storage for coherent episodes).  Central executive (coordinates the three systems). Embedded Processes Model (Cowan, 1997):  Working memory is an activated part of long-term memory.  Elements or information nodes are activated and made available for working memory.  Focus of attention vs. elements outside of attentional focus.  Central executive controls voluntary cognitive processes. Key Takeaways  Memory is divided into separate systems, including sensory memory and working memory.  Sensory memory collects sensory information, transforms it, and temporarily maintains it.  Working memory temporarily stores and processes information, with different models explaining its structure and function.