Class-work Activity 5

Recall from the previous few classes on memory:

• Encoding Techniques
• Sensory memory
• Serial Position Effect
• Why eye-witness testimony is not a good practice - evaluate the process from memory perspective

1. Encoding Techniques:

   Encoding is the process by which memory is encoded. When getting sensory input, we recognise the object, then try and categorise it, and then commit to memory.

2. Sensory Memory:

   Given a bunch of stimuli at the same time, a person will recall less and less the longer the time between the stimuli and the time they are asked to report. If they’re given three rows of 4 letters with different notes (high, low, and medium), then asked to present partial reports of all the letters corresponding to a note, the longer the time between the stimuli and the question, the less they would recall.

3. Serial Position Effect:

   Due to Short-Term Memory (< 30s), when given a list, people tend to remember the elements at the start of the list, and at the end of the list. Recall of information in the middle of the list is reduced.

4. Why eye-witness testimony is not a good practice:

   Memory does not act like a camera, and can be modified when looked back at. When asking questions to an eyewitness, by asking leading questions the recall of what the eyewitness saw can be modified. Also, as we saw earlier if the perceptual load is high, then the details recalled are less accurate.