Scribd
Upload
14 views2 pages

Week 5 Memory Notes

The document discusses the three stages of memory: sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory, detailing their characteristics and examples. It also explains the process of encoding information into long-term memory and provides strategies to improve memory, such as rehearsal, association, visualization, mnemonics, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Overall, it emphasizes the importance of attention and practice in enhancing memory retention.

Uploaded by

Shahzaib Hassan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
14 views2 pages

Week 5 Memory Notes

The document discusses the three stages of memory: sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory, detailing their characteristics and examples. It also explains the process of encoding information into long-term memory and provides strategies to improve memory, such as rehearsal, association, visualization, mnemonics, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Overall, it emphasizes the importance of attention and practice in enhancing memory retention.

Uploaded by

Shahzaib Hassan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Week 5: Memory

1. Sensory Memory
Sensory memory is the first stage of memory that briefly holds information from our five senses — sight,
hearing, touch, taste, and smell — for only a few seconds (1–3 seconds).
It acts like a “snapshot” of the environment — very short-lived. If we don’t pay attention, the information
fades away immediately.
Example: When you look at someone’s dress color or hear a car horn, you remember it for a few
seconds — unless you focus on it, you forget it quickly.

2. Short-Term Memory (STM)


Short-term memory stores information temporarily for about 20–30 seconds so that we can use it
immediately for current tasks.
It is also called “working memory” because it helps us hold and manipulate information for short periods.
The average capacity of short-term memory is 7 ± 2 items (between 5 and 9 things).
Example: When someone tells you a phone number — “0321-9876543” — you can remember it for a
short time if you repeat it mentally, but if you don’t rehearse it, you’ll forget it soon.

3. Long-Term Memory (LTM)


Long-term memory stores information for long periods — hours, days, years, or even a lifetime.
It contains all the knowledge, experiences, and skills that we have learned. Unlike short-term memory,
its capacity is unlimited.
Example: You can easily remember your own name, your parents’ names, or your childhood memories
because they are stored in long-term memory.

4. Learning and Encoding in Long-Term Memory


Encoding is the process of converting new information into a form that can be stored in long-term
memory.
When we focus attention, repeat, or link new information with existing knowledge, it becomes easier to
store and recall it later. Encoding can be visual (images), acoustic (sound), or semantic
(meaning-based).
Example: If you learn a new student’s name and associate it with something familiar — like “Ali”
reminds you of your cousin’s name — it helps you remember it better next time.

5. Improving Your Memory


Here are some effective strategies to enhance memory:
1. Rehearsal (Repetition): Repeating information helps transfer it from short-term to long-term
memory. Example: Revising class notes several times before an exam.
2. Association (Linking): Connecting new information with something you already know. Example:
Relating “Classical Conditioning” to Pavlov’s dog experiment.
3. Visualization (Imagery): Creating a mental picture of what you want to remember. Example:
Visualizing the human brain when studying its parts.
4. Mnemonics (Memory Tricks): Using patterns, initials, or rhymes to recall information. Example: To
remember the schools of psychology: “FSPBB” → Functionalism, Structuralism, Psychoanalysis,
Behaviorism, Biopsychology.
5. Healthy Lifestyle: Getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, eating healthy, and managing stress help
improve memory performance. Example: Students who sleep well before exams perform better in
memory recall tests.

You might also like