BASIC CONCEPT OF MEMORY THEORY

• Studying memory - enclosed in the mind and virutally inaccessible - relies on models, based on concepts we understand and behaviours we have seen.
• A model is a theoretical construct which provides a base from which to start - a framework which we build up.
• Known as INDUCTIVE or bottom up approach.  Start with minimal info, or a suggestion, and end up with the fuill picture which allows you to propose a hyopthesis.
• Atkinson & Shiffrin developed the first multistage model of memory in 1968.  Has gradually been superceded bu the working memory approach which has elements of a stage model but is more fluid in it's approach.
• Advancement of technology has see explosion in research on memory using equipment more commonly used in medicine.  
• No coincidence that many models of memory are based on ideas proposed in information-processing technology, as both emerged in the C20th.
• Memory is an active process.  All our experiences and expectations have an impact on what and how much we remember.  
• Memories of events and episodes in our lives are often referred to as mental sets or schema and sometimes scripts.
• Photos are full of memories - don't just remind you of the people, places or objects in the photo but of the sounds, smells, tastes, sights, feelings and whole host of other memories.

• Study of memory as a process is generally split into 3 closely connected stages:

1. Encoding:. Changing info from sensory stimuli to neural simuli.  Occurs particularly in the Sensory Memory / Register, but more advanced types of coding also take place in the STM and LTM.  Varies as to how the info is recieved e.g. iconic, auditory, haptic etc. This is called encoding specificity.

2. Storage:. retaining the information, which occurs in both the STM and LTM.

3.  Retrieval: getting it back out, which occurs in both STM and LTM.

• Memory is a structural process.  Each stage is dependent on the previous one, although 2-way movement is possible between STM and LTM.
• Encoding is necessary pre-condition for storage but not everything which is registered can be stored.
• There can be no retreival unless an item has been stored, but not everything which is stored can be retreived.
• At every stage, a large proportion of information is being lost, from SM / SR, STM and LTM.