Human Memory
This domain tests the architecture of memory, the causes of forgetting, and evidence-based ways to improve retention.
Architecture
Memory involves encoding, storage and retrieval. The Atkinson–Shiffrin model has sensory memory, short-term memory (STM; capacity about 7±2 chunks, duration around 20 seconds) and long-term memory (LTM). Baddeley's working memory adds a central executive with phonological and visuospatial components. LTM divides into explicit (declarative: episodic, semantic) and implicit (procedural). In levels of processing, deep, meaning-based encoding outperforms shallow rehearsal.
Forgetting
Causes include encoding failure, decay, interference, retrieval failure and motivated forgetting. Proactive interference is when old learning disrupts new; retroactive interference is when new learning disrupts old. Cue-dependent forgetting reflects missing retrieval cues.
Improving memory
Use chunking, spaced rehearsal, elaboration, organisation, mnemonics and retrieval practice. Distributed practice beats massed practice.
Worked example
A student's old mobile number keeps surfacing when she tries to recall the new one. Old learning is interfering with new recall, so this is proactive interference. If the new number blocked the old, it would be retroactive.
Traps
STM is not unlimited. Proactive and retroactive interference are frequently reversed. Forgetting is not always decay; interference and retrieval failure are distinct. Recognition and recall are different retrieval tasks.