5.1: Lesson 5.1: Memory Model and Techniques
An Information Processing Model
UNIT 5, EXERCISE 1.1
While reading through the article linked here, “
Atkinson-Shiffrin model of memory
” answer the following questions.
SENSORY INPUT
1. If you are just walking along somewhere and pass by the usual sights, sounds, smells, etc., about how long do you think you would remember what you just took in by your senses? (Note: nothing out of the ordinary happens.)
2. If you do nothing at all to help you remember what you just took in by your senses, about how many discrete units (pieces) of data (or input, i.e., sights, sounds, smells, etc.) would you be able to remember for the brief period of time?
WORKING MEMORY (ALSO KNOWN AS SHORT TERM MEMORY)
3. Now, If you immediately begin to try to remember the input for later (for example, you notice you just passed a shop you’ve been meaning to go to, or you smell something really good coming from a restaurant that reminds you of something you like), about how many items could you then remember?
4. How long could you keep them in your memory by just using one or two memory techniques, such as associating them with something (like a memory)?
LONG TERM MEMORY
5. About how many items can you keep in your “permanent” memory storage?
6. How long can you keep them there?
RELATED QUESTIONS
7. Why is “cramming” new information the night before a test not a good idea? Go beyond the information in the article to common sense issues.