Memory Practical
Memory Practical
easy words on the topic of memory with the aim of the role of
imagery in memory while containing the following content and
subtopics from the given references
1. aim - the role of imagery on memory
2. write an introduction in 10,000 words while including the
following subsections
a. write about memory (from Baron, R. A., & Misra, G. (2014).
Psychology. New Delhi: Pearson Education.)
b. write about three processes in memory - encoding, storage, and
retrieval (Ciccarelli, S. K., Meyer, G. E., & Misra, G. (2013).
Psychology: South Asian Edition.
NewDelhi: Pearson Education)
c. define imagery
d. explain abstract and concrete imagery
e. explain models of memory 1. information processing model (in
detail), 2. parallel distributed processing model, 3. levels of
processing model (from Ciccarelli, S. K., Meyer, G. E., & Misra, G.
(2013). Psychology: South Asian Edition.
NewDelhi: Pearson Education)
f. write about forgetting ( from Ciccarelli, S. K., Meyer, G. E., &
Misra, G. (2013). Psychology: South Asian Edition.
NewDelhi: Pearson Education)
g. explain theories of forgetting (from Ciccarelli, S. K., Meyer, G. E.,
& Misra, G. (2013). Psychology: South Asian Edition.
NewDelhi: Pearson Education)
h. write about strategies to improve memory (from Ciccarelli, S. K.,
Meyer, G. E., & Misra, G. (2013). Psychology: South Asian Edition.
NewDelhi: Pearson Education)
3. write a review of literature in paragraph in 5000 words ( include 6
studies from genuine cites)
(Include the following research papers from the citations provided:
Baddeley, A., & Andrade, J. (2000). Working memory and the
vividness of imagery. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General,
129(1), 126–145.
Bower, G. H. (1972). Mental imagery and associative learning.
Psychology of Learning and Motivation, 5, 51–90.
Holmes, E. A., Arntz, A., & Smucker, M. R. (2009). Imagery
rescripting in cognitive behavioural therapy: Images, treatment
techniques, and outcomes. Journal of Behavior Therapy and
Experimental Psychiatry, 38(4), 297–305.
Nelson, D. L., & Reed, V. S. (1976). The effects of imagery on
recognition memory: A study of individual differences. Memory &
Cognition, 4(4), 428–434.
Paivio, A. (1971). Imagery and verbal processes. Holt, Rinehart, and
Winston.
Richardson, J. T. E. (1977). Mental imagery and human memory.
British Journal of Psychology, 68(1), 83–94.)
4. Hypothesis –
5. Research design
Research design is the framework of research methods and techniques
choosen by a researcher. A research design is a strategy for answering
your research question using empirical data. A well-planned research
design helps ensure that your methods match your research objectives
and that you use the right kind of analysis for your data. It includes
the blueprint for the collection, measurement & analysis of the data.
The design used in this study is Within subject design because we
are using same participant in control as well as experimental
conditions. In a within subject group design all participants take part
in every condition. It is the opposite of a between-subject design,
where each participant experiences only one condition. A within
subject design is also called a repeated measures design because same
participant is taking part in all the experimental conditions.
In this experiment the participant is exposed to the control as well as
experimental conditions. In control condition (List A), the participant
has to read the words in the list loudly and later on only the left side is
shown and the participant has to recall the word on the right side. In
the experimental condition (List B), the participant is shown another
list of words but the instructions are that now along with reading the
words loudly they have to form bizarre imagery. After this the left
word in the pair is shown and the participant has to recall the right
word. This is how within subject design is used in the study.
We have used 4 pairs of words (CC, CA, AC, AA) in both the
conditions and both the lists includes 16 pairs of words each. We have
conducted total 3 trials for both the conditions. In this study we have
used pair associate learning and also, we have taken one male or one
female in the age group of 18-25 years.
Table 1
Control Condition Experimental
(List A) Condition (List B)
No. of Categories C-C, C-A, A-C, A-A C-C, C-A, A-C,A-A
No. of words/ 4 4
Categories
Total no. of words 16 16
Imagery Instructions No Instructions Bizarre Imagery
Instructions
Trials 3 3
Criteria of Learning Paired Associate Paired Associate
Learning Learning
6. sample
Every individual conducted experiment on one participant (either
male or female) in the age group of 18-25 years. Simple random
sampling was used for data collection. A simple random sample is a
randomly selected subset of a population. In this sampling method,
each member of the population has an exactly equal chance of being
selected. This method is the most straightforward of all the probability
sampling methods, since it only involves a single random selection
and requires little advance knowledge about the population.
7. variables of study
Independent Variable- In the experiment, independent variables are
list of words and instructions given to the participant.
Dependent Variable- In the experiment, the dependent variable is
recall of the words.
Control Variable- In the experiment, control variables are size of the
words (5-9 letters), no. of words, presentation of words-Font size
(44), Font style (Arial), Time Interval (4 seconds), Concreteness
( mean of I & C b/w 5-7) and Abstractness ( mean of I & C b/w 1-3)
of words. No. of trials (3), environmental factors- Temperature, Noise,
Age of the subject (18-25 years).
8. preliminaries
Age- 19
Gender- male
Educational Qualification- undergrad student
Place of Conduction- lab
Date & time of Conduction-
9. materials required
Allan Paivio’s word list
Graph
Laptop (Slides)
Paper
Pen/Pencil
Calculator
11. instructions
For List A 1- ‘Now I will be showing you a list of word pairs for a
brief period of time on this screen. As you see each word pair, please
read it out loudly.
For List A 2- ‘Now I will be showing you the left side of the word of
each word pair which you have previously seen. Try to recall the
right-hand side of the word there (pointing to the word on the screen).
For List B 1- ‘Now I will be showing you another list of word pairs.
In your mind try to form bizarre imagery between the word pair in
your mind’. For example, for pair animal-democracy imagine an
animal talking about democracy.
For List B 2 – ‘Now I will be showing you the left side of the word of
each word pair which you have previously seen. Try to recall the
right-hand side of the word there (pointing to the word on the
screen)’.
16. results
19. Limitations
a. Small Sample size makes it difficult to generalize .
b.Social context is limited.
c.Age group is also restricted .
d.Practice effect can influence results .
INTRO
Introduction
Memory: The Foundation of Cognitive Function
Memory is a critical cognitive process that underpins all aspects of
human thought, learning, and daily functioning. It allows us to
remember past experiences, learn new information, and adapt to our
environment. Psychologists have studied memory extensively to
understand how we acquire, retain, and retrieve information.
Hermann Ebbinghaus (1885) was one of the first to empirically
investigate memory, laying the groundwork for modern cognitive
psychology by exploring the processes of learning and forgetting.
Ebbinghaus’s research highlighted the concept of the "forgetting
curve," which showed how information retention declines over time,
providing early insights into the transient nature of memory.
Memory is evident in various everyday activities, from recalling
where you left your keys to remembering the names of past
acquaintances. These memory tasks can be categorized into short-
term memory (STM), which involves holding a limited amount of
information temporarily, and long-term memory (LTM), which stores
vast amounts of information over extended periods. For example,
remembering a phone number involves STM, while recalling a
childhood memory activates LTM. This distinction underscores the
different capacities and durations of various memory systems.
Understanding memory is not only essential for cognitive psychology
but also for enhancing learning and improving cognitive function.
This introduction aims to explore memory's core processes, including
encoding, storage, and retrieval, and delve into the role of imagery
within these processes. Additionally, it will examine how models of
memory and theories of forgetting provide a deeper understanding of
the memory system. By integrating concepts of abstract and concrete
imagery and strategies to enhance memory, this introduction aims to
offer a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms underlying human
memory.
1. **Encoding**
Encoding is the first step. It’s how we take in new
information and change it into a form our brain can store.
This involves using our senses to understand things and
turning those experiences into neural codes. For example, if
you see a red apple, you encode its color, shape, and texture.
According to Craik and Lockhart’s Levels of Processing
Theory (1972), how deeply we process information during
encoding affects how well we remember it. They suggest that
thinking about the meaning of the information (semantic
encoding) helps create stronger memories than just seeing or
hearing it (shallow processing). For instance, remembering
the word "apple" is easier if you think of a time you bit into
one on a hot day.
2. **Storage**
Storage is how we keep information over time. Atkinson and
Shiffrin's (1968) multi-store model explains that information
goes through three stages: sensory memory, short-term
memory (STM), and long-term memory (LTM). Sensory
memory holds new sensory inputs for a brief moment before
we forget them unless we pay attention. STM can hold about
seven items and is where we actively work with information.
For example, when you learn a new phone number, you keep
it in STM so you can rehearse it before moving it to LTM.
LTM has a huge capacity and can hold memories
indefinitely. Some memories, like a favorite childhood song,
are permanent, while others, like a temporary address, may
fade. The multi-store model highlights how memory
processes go from encoding to storage and then retrieval.
3. **Retrieval**
Retrieval is how we access stored information when we need
it. This process depends on what we are trying to remember
and the cues we have to help us recall it. Good retrieval
relies on how well we encoded the information and whether
we have the right cues. For example, a specific scent or
sound might remind you of a past vacation. Tulving’s
Encoding Specificity Principle (1972) says it's easier to recall
memories when the context at the time of recall matches the
context during encoding. This is seen in the "tip-of-the-
tongue" phenomenon when you feel you know something
but can’t quite get it out. Retrieval can also be affected by
interference, where similar memories make it hard to
remember the information you want. For instance, learning
a new language might make it difficult to recall words from
a language you learned earlier.)
Memory consists of three main processes: encoding, storage, and
retrieval.
**Encoding**
The first process, encoding, involves converting sensory information,
like what we see or hear, into a form the brain can understand. This
includes various mental actions that transform sensory input into
something that can be stored in the brain. For example, when we hear
a sound, our ears convert the vibrations in the air into signals for the
brain, allowing it to make sense of that sound. It’s important to note
that encoding varies between different memory systems. In some
systems, it may require repeating information to remember it, while in
others, it may involve reflecting more deeply on the meaning of the
information.
**Storage**
The next process is storage, which means keeping the encoded
information for a certain amount of time. The duration of storage
varies depending on the memory system used. In some cases,
information is retained only for a short time—about 20 seconds—
while in others, it can be stored for much longer, potentially
permanently.
**Retrieval**
The final process is retrieval, which can be challenging for many
people. Retrieval refers to accessing the information that has been
stored. For instance, someone might finish an essay exam and later
recall extra points that could have been included. These retrieval
challenges are discussed in more detail in a later section of this
chapter.
Defining Imagery: A Mental Representation
Imagery refers to the mental representation of sensory experiences in
the absence of physical stimuli. It involves creating internal pictures,
sounds, or sensations based on past experiences. Imagery is a
powerful cognitive tool that enhances memory encoding and retrieval.
Paivio’s Dual-Coding Theory (1971) suggests that memory is
enhanced when both verbal (word-based) and visual (image-based)
codes are used. For instance, remembering the word "apple" is easier
if you can visualize an apple or think of related concepts, such as
"red" or "fruit." This theory is supported by numerous studies
showing that concrete words (words that represent tangible objects)
are remembered better than abstract words (words representing
intangible concepts), due to the richness of their imagery.
Imagery provides a bridge between abstract and concrete information.
Abstract imagery, such as imagining a concept like "freedom" or
"justice," is less vivid and more challenging to encode. Concrete
imagery, like picturing a specific object or event, engages multiple
senses, making it easier to remember. This distinction is crucial in
educational contexts where abstract concepts are often hard to learn
due to their lack of sensory richness. Paivio (1971) demonstrated that
paired-associate learning (learning pairs of words like "apple-tree") is
more effective when the words are concrete and easily visualizable.
This is because the mental image can serve as a strong mnemonic
device, aiding in the recall process.
The difference between abstract and concrete imagery is important in
cognitive psychology, especially when we look at how memory
works. Let’s break down these concepts:
Theories of Forgetting
Several theories attempt to explain why we forget information.
1. Decay Theory
Decay theory suggests that memory fades with the passage of
time if not accessed or used. The memory trace, which is the
physical or chemical change in the brain associated with a
memory, weakens over time. For instance, forgetting a friend’s
phone number might occur because the neural pathways
associated with that number have weakened. This theory is
supported by studies showing that memory loss occurs more
quickly immediately after learning and then slows down over
time.
2. Interference Theory
Interference theory proposes that forgetting is due to the
competition between new and old memories. There are two
types of interference: proactive and retroactive. Proactive
interference occurs when previous memories interfere with the
ability to learn new information, such as having trouble
remembering your new email password because of a similar old
one. Retroactive interference happens when new learning disrupts
the recall of old memories, such as forgetting earlier learned facts
after learning new ones. Both types of interference demonstrate that
memories are not always easy to retrieve because they compete for
mental resources.
3. Retrieval Failure
Retrieval failure occurs when information is stored in memory
but cannot be accessed due to the absence of appropriate cues.
For example, you might remember a person’s name but struggle
to recall it without the right context or prompt. This theory
suggests that retrieval cues—external clues that prompt memory
retrieval—are critical for accessing stored information.
Tulving’s Encoding Specificity Principle (1972) states that
memory retrieval is most successful when the conditions present
at the time of encoding match those present at the time of
retrieval. For instance, recalling a childhood memory is easier if
the current environment resembles the past setting.
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Literature Review
The role of imagery in memory has been extensively explored within
cognitive psychology, with numerous studies underscoring its
importance in enhancing recall and recognition. Allan Paivio's dual
coding theory (1971) is foundational in this regard, positing that
verbal and non-verbal (visual) information is processed through
distinct but interconnected systems. This theoretical framework has
been pivotal in understanding how imagery can bolster memory by
creating additional retrieval pathways. Paivio's experiments using
word lists classified into high-imagery and low-imagery categories
demonstrated that concrete words (e.g., "apple") are more easily
recalled than abstract words (e.g., "justice"), owing to their capacity to
evoke mental images (Paivio, 1971). This seminal work highlighted
the integrative nature of verbal and imagery codes in memory
consolidation and retrieval.
Subsequent research has further validated and expanded on Paivio's
findings. For instance, Bower (1972) examined the mnemonic
benefits of imagery by employing paired-associate learning tasks.
Participants who were instructed to create vivid mental images linking
word pairs demonstrated superior recall compared to those using rote
repetition. This suggests that imagery enhances associative processes,
enabling stronger and more accessible memory traces. Similarly,
Richardson (1977) explored the interplay between imagery and verbal
encoding, revealing that imagery facilitates better organization and
integration of information within memory systems. These studies
collectively emphasize the pivotal role of mental imagery in enriching
cognitive representations and improving memory performance.
In a related study, Nelson and Reed (1976) explored how the
concreteness of words impacts recognition memory. Their results
corroborated Paivio’s dual coding hypothesis, showing that concrete
words with high imagery potential are more likely to be recognized
and recalled than abstract words. The findings also suggested that the
generation of mental images serves as an additional cue during
retrieval, thereby enhancing memory accuracy. This line of research
underscores the practical implications of leveraging imagery
techniques in educational and therapeutic settings to improve memory
performance.
Additionally, Baddeley and Andrade (2000) investigated the
interaction between imagery and working memory. Their research
demonstrated that individuals using imagery-based rehearsal
techniques outperformed those relying solely on verbal strategies in
working memory tasks. This highlights the dynamic interplay
between imagery and cognitive systems, showcasing how mental
imagery serves as a versatile tool for encoding and retrieval processes.
These findings have significant implications for designing memory-
enhancing interventions, particularly for populations with memory
impairments.
Finally, Holmes et al. (2009) explored the therapeutic applications of
imagery in improving memory and emotional regulation. Their study
on individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) revealed
that imagery-based cognitive techniques not only enhance memory
for positive events but also mitigate the emotional impact of negative
memories. This research underscores the broader utility of imagery in
both cognitive and clinical domains, demonstrating its efficacy in
addressing a range of memory-related challenges.
References
Baddeley, A., & Andrade, J. (2000). Working memory and the
vividness of imagery. Journal of Experimental Psychology:
General, 129(1), 126–145. https://doi.org/10.1037/0096-
3445.129.1.126
Bower, G. H. (1972). Mental imagery and associative learning.
Psychology of Learning and Motivation, 5, 51–90.
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0079-7421(08)60452-6
Holmes, E. A., Arntz, A., & Smucker, M. R. (2009). Imagery
rescripting in cognitive behavioral therapy: Images, treatment
techniques, and outcomes. Journal of Behavior Therapy and
Experimental Psychiatry, 38(4), 297–305.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbtep.2007.10.007
Nelson, D. L., & Reed, V. S. (1976). The effects of imagery on
recognition memory: A study of individual differences. Memory
& Cognition, 4(4), 428–434.
https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03213195
Paivio, A. (1971). Imagery and verbal processes. Holt, Rinehart,
and Winston.
Richardson, J. T. E. (1977). Mental imagery and human
memory. British Journal of Psychology, 68(1), 83–94.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2044-8295.1977.tb01560.x
DISSCUSSION