Psy/360 - Memory Worksheet

Memory Worksheet 

Using the text, Cognition: The Thinking Animal, the University Library, the Internet, and/or other resources, answer the following questions.  Your response to each question should be at least 150 words in length.

1.      What is primary memory?  What are the characteristics of primary memory?

Primary memory can be considered the brain’s short term memory storage, and it is also known as working memory. This memory can be compared to a computer’s storage memory. When the brain needs to figure out complex problems, or anything that needs attention, the primary memory is responsible for that. This memory’s main purpose is to learn new information, and that is why it only holds a small quantity of information at a time. Some of the characteristics of the primary memory are the ability to hold small amounts of information at one time, as well as its short duration, due to the fact that it is supposed to only hold current and relevant information for a present task.

2.      What is the process of memory from perception to retrieval?  What happens when the process is compromised?

After the brain receives and stores information, that information must be retrieved before it can be used. Retrieval can be defined as the process of accessing memory that has been stored. For instance, when taking a test, a student must be able to access and remember the information learned in order to answer the questions. Sometimes, a cue is all that is needed for an individual to remember some information. There are four different ways in which information can be accessed. First, recall, which is the way to access memory without using a cue. Second, recollection, which is the retrieving way that involves piecing different bits of information together until the remaining information can be accessed. Third, recognition, which involces remembering information after experiencing it again. Last, relearning, which means learning information again, after it was learned before. When the process is compromised, the individual will not be able to remember all the information he needs, which is known as the “tip of the tongue” experience.

3.      Is it possible for memory retrieval to be unreliable?  Why or why not?  What factors may affect the reliability of one’s memory?

It is very possible for memory retrieval to be unreliable. A lot of time, trying to remember an event that happened many years ago, with all its details, is almost impossible, as memories can be distorted by the way the questions are asked or even the environmental situation the individual is in. For instance, stress or being under pressure can prevent an individual to remember facts correctly. Also, it is possible for new memories to interfere with old one, causing confusion and misinterpretation. An interesting example of unreliable retrieval is the study performed by Loftus and Palmer, when they showed college students a film with a car collision. By dividing the students into two different groups, and phrasing the same question differently, the researchers were able to get very different answers about details of the same accident, which proves how people’s memories are highly influenceable.

References

Cherry, K. (2013). Memory retrieval. Retrieved from http://psychology.about.com/od/cognitivepsychology/a/memory_retrival.htm

Willingham, D. T. (2007). Cognition: The thinking animal (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Allyn & Bacon.