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Processes of Human Memory

PSY405

Course CodePSY405
ECTS

Course Description

This aim of this unit is to equip learners with the knowledge and understanding of the different types of memory and the models that show its representation. Theories on forgetting will be included, and the application of psychology is seen in the reliability of witness testimony.

Course Objectives

This aim of this unit is to equip learners with the knowledge and understanding of the different types of memory and the models that show its representation. Theories on forgetting will be included, and the application of psychology is seen in the reliability of witness testimony.

Key Topics

  1. LO1: Understand the multi- store model of memory, sensory register and short- and long-term memory.
  2. LO2: Understand the working memory model.
  3. LO3: Understand types of long-term memory.
  4. LO4: Understand explanations for forgetting.

Course Outline

WeekTopics
1Sensory register, short- and long-term memory: capacity, duration and coding
2The multi-store model (Atkinson and Shiffrin): strengths and limitations
3Baddeley's working memory model: central executive, phonological loop, visuo-spatial sketchpad, episodic buffer
4Evaluating the working memory model
5Episodic, semantic and procedural memory defined
6Distinguishing episodic, procedural and declarative memories
7Interference theory: proactive and retroactive interference; paired-associate testing
MidtermMidterm evaluation
9Retrieval failure: encoding specificity, context- and state-dependent forgetting
10Eyewitness testimony: misleading information (Loftus and Palmer) and anxiety (Johnson and Scott)
11The cognitive interview (Geiselman et al.); consolidating memory models and forgetting
12Applying Processes of Human Memory in practice: case studies
13Assignment workshop: research, planning and referencing
14Assignment workshop: drafting, feedback and improvement
15Review and coursework completion
FinalFinal assessment and submission

Learning Outcomes

  1. LO1 Understand the multi- store model of memory, sensory register and short- and long-term memory.
  2. 1.1 Define: multi-store model of memory; sensory register; short-term memory; long-term memory.
  3. 1.2 Evaluate the strengths and limitations of the multi-store model of memory.
  4. LO2 Understand the working memory model.
  5. 2.1 Discuss one research study that supports the working memory model.
  6. 2.2 Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the working memory model.
  7. LO3 Understand types of long-term memory.
  8. 3.1 Explain what is meant by the term episodic memory.
  9. 3.2 Explain what is meant by the term semantic memory.
  10. 3.3 Explain what is meant by the term 'procedural memory.
  11. 3.4 Explain the distinction between episodic and procedural memory.
  12. 3.5 Describe types of long-term memory.
  13. LO4 Understand explanations for forgetting.
  14. 4.1 Define what is meant by the terms proactive interference and retroactive interference.
  15. 4.2 Explain how interference may cause forgetting.
  16. 4.3 Explain how retrieval failure due to the absence of cues leads to forgetting.
  17. 4.4 Explain the factors affecting the accuracy of eyewitness testimony.
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