Topic 2: Memory Study Guide

Memory is a cognitive process involving the encoding, storage, and retrieval of information. Psychologists distinguish between different memory stores based on their duration and capacity. Short-term memory (STM) is a temporary storage system with a limited capacity and duration, typically holding information for a short period unless actively rehearsed. Its primary role is to process current information. Long-term memory (LTM), on the other hand, is a more permanent and virtually limitless store, capable of holding vast amounts of information for extended periods, from minutes to a lifetime. Encoding in STM is often acoustic (based on sound), while in LTM it is predominantly semantic (based on meaning). The transfer of information from STM to LTM is often facilitated by rehearsal or deeper processing, impacting learning and recall.

The information processing model views human memory as a system akin to a computer, operating through sequential stages to acquire, store, and retrieve information. This model describes memory processes in a linear fashion: input, processing, and output. Key stages include encoding, where sensory information is converted into a format suitable for memory storage; storage, which involves maintaining this encoded information over time; and retrieval, the process of accessing stored information and bringing it into conscious awareness for use. Psychologists utilise this framework to analyse how individuals interact with information, from initial perception to final recall, forming the foundation for more specific memory theories like the multi-store model.