schema theory: a cognitive theory about information processing

Cognitive schema: defined as networks of knowledge, beliefs, and expectations about particular aspects of the world

Encoding: transforming sensory info into meaningful memory

Storage: creating biological trace of the encoded information in memory, which is either consolidated or lost

Retrieval: using the stored information

Atkinson and Shiffrin (1968) 

suggested a basic structure of memory, the multi-store model. 

*memory consists of a number of separate stores

*memory processes are sequential

*model is very simplistic

Word Length Effect: participants were given words for brief periods of time. One Condition - 5 words, one syllable, familiar. Two Conditions - 5 polysyllabic words.

Average correct recall over several trials showed participants remembered the short words much better. 

memory of facts and experiences that one can consciously know and declare, also called declarative memory. 

Semantic memory: memory for general knowledge

Episodic memory: memory for personal knowledge

retention independent of conscious recollection, also called procedural memory.

Procedural memory: non-conscious memory for skills, habits, and actions -- "knowing how"

Emotional memory: emotional memories can be formed via the limbic system and they may persist even when brain damage has destroyed other memories

-HM had a lobotomy performed on him to correct epileptic seizures

-After surgery HM was no longer able to form long term memories

-Believed he was 27 years old and the year was 1953

-Kept his procedural memory but not his episodic memory

-Showed participants video clips of a car crash, and asked them to estimate the speed of the car.

-"About how fast were the cars going when they ______ each other?" 

-Each group was given a different verb: smashed, collided, bumped, hit, or contacted

-Which word was used influenced the participants' speed estimates

Flashbulb Memory: a clear memory of an emotionally significant moment or event.

Examples include: Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Assassination of John Kennedy, September 11 attacks

-people learn about and assess themselves by comparing with others. 

-people are happier if they have more than those who they compare themselves to.

-consequence is that a person may be happy with what they have, until their friend gets something better.

-many people believe there is a relationship between wealth and happiness

-it is actually satisfaction with one's salary that brings happiness

-people become less satisfied if the compare themselves to others