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Understanding Memory: The Role of Meaning and Interpretation in Cognitive Processes

This chapter delves into the mechanisms of memory abstraction, emphasizing how memory is influenced by meaning rather than exact wording. Key studies, including Wanner's experiment, highlight that while visual imagery enhances memory retention, the understanding of meaning is crucial for recalling details. Insights from experiments show that memory for pictures is stronger than for words, and meaningful interpretation leads to better recall. The chapter underscores strategies that improve memory retention, demonstrating that context and meaning in learning materials significantly enhance cognitive processing.

cedric-adams
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Understanding Memory: The Role of Meaning and Interpretation in Cognitive Processes

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  1. Cognitive ProcessesPSY 334 Chapter 5 – Abstraction of Information into Memory

  2. Demos • Features of a penny • Eidetic imagery

  3. Wanner’s Experiment • People do not remember exact wording. • Wanner’s experiment: • Two sentences differ in style • Two sentences differ in meaning • Subjects warned or not warned to pay attention to style • Memory is better for changes in wording that affect meaning. • Warning only helps memory for style.

  4. Memory for Visual Information • Memory for pictures is very strong and better than for words. • Mandler’s study – token vs type changes. • Type = meaning • Token = detail • Type changes were easier to identify than token. • Picture memory depends on meaning.

  5. Droodles • Bower, Karlin & Dueck presented droodles with or without their captions. • Subjects given labels were able to redraw them with 70% accuracy. • Subjects without labels were 51% accurate. • Memory depended on meaningful interpretation.

  6. Retention of Detail • Perceptual detail is encoded but quickly forgotten. • Gernsbacher’s picture reversals: • 10 sec delay = 79% accuracy • 10 min delay = 57% accuracy. • Anderson’s story sentences: • Immediate test = 99% correct • 2 min delay = 56% correct • Delay does not affect meaning accuracy.

  7. Implications • Memory is enhanced if people can attach meaning to material. • Loud and fast rehearsal doesn’t work. • Meaningless words can be better remembered by adding meaning: • DAX is like “DAD” • GIB is first part of “gibberish” • KA6PCG

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