Memory Components, Forgetting, and Strategies

Our capacity to remember things from the past

Memory is the capacity that permits organisms to benefit from past experiences

Working memoryLong term memory

Storage of information Retrieval of information System specific functions

Memory system associated with sensory, perceptual, attentional, and short-term memory processes Involved in all situations requiring temporary use and storage of information

: Enables people to respond according to the demands of a “right now” situation Critical role in decision making, problem solving, movement planning and execution Interacts with long-term memory Interactive workspace

Phonological loop – inner ear, inner voice Repeating telephone number Visuospatial sketchpad – mind’s eye See things in our mind Central executive – coordinated the information in working memory

Maintains information for 20-30 sec. before losing parts of info

Can store ~ 7 items (+/- 2) Person can increase capacity “Chunking”

Serves as the more permanent storage repository of information

Allows people to have information about specific past events as well as general knowledge, never lost info in LTM

Unknown since we cannot satisfactorily measure duration of info

Relatively unlimited

ProceduralSemanticEpisodic

Stores information about “how to do” specific activities, e.g. motor skills Difficult to verbalize but easy to demenstrate