Understanding How We Process Information

The Information Processing Theory says that our brains work a lot like computers. This theory helps us understand how we take in, keep, and find information. Here are some important memory models based on this idea:

1. Multi-Store Model (Atkinson & Shiffrin, 1968):

   • What It Includes:
     • Sensory Memory
     • Short-Term Memory (STM)
     • Long-Term Memory (LTM)
   • Memory Size:
     • Sensory Memory: Can hold a large amount of information for just a tiny moment.
     • Short-Term Memory: Can only hold about 7 things at once (this comes from something called Miller's Law).
     • Long-Term Memory: Can last a very long time and hold an almost endless amount of information.
   • How It Works: To move information from sensory memory to STM, you need to pay attention. To go from STM to LTM, it helps to keep practicing or rehearsing the information.

2. Working Memory Model (Baddeley & Hitch, 1974):

   • What It Includes:
     • Central Executive
     • Phonological Loop (which deals with sounds)
     • Visuo-Spatial Sketchpad (which deals with images)
     • Later added: Episodic Buffer
   • What It Does: This model focuses more on how we work with information instead of just storing it.
   • Facts: Research shows that most people can handle about 4 pieces of information at a time in their working memory.

3. Levels of Processing Theory (Craik & Lockhart, 1972):

   • Main Idea: How well we remember something depends on how deeply we think about it.
   • Different Levels:
     • Shallow level (like just looking at the structure of words): Leads to weak memories.
     • Deep level (like understanding the meaning of words): Helps create strong and lasting memories.
   • Facts: Studies show that thinking deeply about information can double how well you remember it compared to just skimming the surface.

4. Dual Coding Theory (Paivio, 1986):

   • Main Idea: We process pictures and words separately.
   • Conclusion: Using both pictures and words when learning can help you remember things better.
   • Findings: Some studies show that using both types of information together can make learning up to 50% more effective!

In short, these memory models help us see how we take in and keep information. They highlight the importance of paying attention, thinking deeply, and using different types of information together to boost our memory skills. Understanding these ideas has really changed how we teach and learn in schools and other settings.