In this video I introduce 3 common memory failures from Daniel Schacter’s list of the “seven sins” of memory. Transience refers to forgetting due to the passage of time and follows a “forgetting curve” researched by Hermann Ebbinghaus. Absentmindedness refers … Read More
Long-Term Memory
In this video I cover the final box in the 3-box model of memory, long-term memory. Long-term memory is generally considered to have an unlimited capacity and thus is never “full”. I explain different types of long-term memory which can … Read More
Short-Term Memory & Working Memory
In this video I cover the second box in the 3-box model, short-term memory, in greater detail. I explain the limited capacity of this store, George Miller’s “Magical Number 7”, and how organizational encoding and chunking may appear to expand … Read More
The Sensory Memory Store
In this video I cover the first box in the 3-box model, sensory memory, in greater detail. I explain how this store refers to information from all of the senses, though individual senses can be specified using terms like iconic … Read More
Introduction to Memory
In this video I begin the memory unit by introducing a few key terms (encoding, storage, and retrieval), explaining why it’s important not to extend the “mind as computer” analogy too far, and briefly outlining the 3-Box model of memory … Read More
How Does Memory Work?
Why do we remember some things and not others? How much can we remember and how long can our memories last? What processes shape our memory of the world? Memories are a fundamental part of who we are, so it’s … Read More
Memory Resources
On this page you’ll find a number of resources for understanding the key concepts of memory, including types of memory, memory failures, mnemonics, and more. If I’ve missed a good resource, please share it in the comments section! General Resources Memory … Read More
Key Terms for Memory
Download a free pdf of this key terms list here: Memory-Key-Terms Find explanations and examples of all of these key terms and more here: Master Introductory Psychology: Complete Edition encoding storage retrieval 3-box model … Read More
Alzheimer’s Simulation
This ABC news segment shows two people undergoing a simulation to represent the difficulties that Alzheimer’s sufferers face. While Alzheimer’s is often mentioned in intro psych classes and textbooks in the context of acetylcholine function in learning, concentration, and memory, … Read More
Elizabeth Loftus on Suggestibility and Misattribution
Here’s another excellent TEDtalk, this time with Elizabeth Loftus discussing her work on suggestibility and misattribution and how important it is for us to understand that memory is malleable.