Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- memory_models:a_brief_history_of_human_memory_systems [2011/06/30 12:49]
jpetrovic [Early models and measures of memory]
+++ memory_models:a_brief_history_of_human_memory_systems [2011/08/29 12:13]
jpetrovic [Early models and measures of memory]
@@ Line 4: / Line 4: @@
 ===== Early models and measures of memory =====
-Some of the first notable noted research on human memory was conducted in 1890 by **[[http://www.hcl.harvard.edu/libraries/houghton/exhibits/james/introduction.cfm|William James]]**. Based on his research, James assumed memory consists out of **two systems**:
+Some of the first notable noted research on human memory was conducted in 1890 by **[[http://www.hcl.harvard.edu/libraries/houghton/exhibits/james/introduction.cfm|William James]]**. Based on his research, James assumed memory consists out of **two systems** (//dichotomous memory//)(([[http://books.google.hr/books?id=zp5ODdDGVW0C|Loftus, G. R., and Elizabeth F. Loftus. Human Memory: The Processing of Information. Routledge, 1976.]])):
-  * **primary memory**, which lasts for a **few seconds** and holds **in our consciousness** the perception of events in our environment, and
+  * **primary memory**, which lasts for a **few seconds** and holds information **in our consciousness**, and
-  *** second memory**, which has **unlimited duration** and can be **brought to consciousness** if wanted.
+  *** second memory**, which has **unlimited duration** and can be **brought to consciousness** if desired.
-A measure for the **capacity of short-term** (primary) memory was first introduced even a bit earlier, in 1887, by **Joseph Jacobs**, who tested the span of digits his students were able to remember. Under the criterion that at least 50% of the digits need to be remembered correctly, subjects he tested mostly remembered **about 7 digits**. What he also noticed is that this result can be improved by grouping the digits (for example in groups of three), or reading aloud.
+A measure for the **capacity of short-term** (primary) memory was first introduced even a bit earlier, in 1887, by **Joseph Jacobs**, who tested the span of digits his students were able to remember.((Jacobs, J. Experiments in 'prehension'. Mind, 12, 75-79, 1887. Cited by [[http://books.google.com/books?id=fMgm-2NXAXYC|Baddeley, Alan D. Human memory: theory and practice. Psychology Press, 1997.]])) Under the criterion that at least 50% of the digits need to be remembered correctly, subjects he tested mostly remembered **about 7 digits**. What he also noticed is that this result can be improved by grouping the digits (for example in groups of three), or reading aloud.
 Similar results were reported by **[[http://www.lifecircles-inc.com/Learningtheories/IP/GAMiller.html|George Miller]]** in 1956 in his famous work "The **Magical Number Seven**, Plus or Minus Two: Some Limits on Our Capacity for Processing Information"(([[http://cogprints.org/730/1/miller.html|Miller, G. A. The magical number seven, plus or minus two: Some limits on our capacity for processing information. Psychological Review, 63, 81–97. 1956.]])), where he suggested human short-term capacity was determined by the number of **//chunks//** or cognitive wholes one can remember, no matter if it is a letter, digit or word. This number on average equals **seven**, and may vary usually **between five and nine**.

Learning Theories

User Tools

Site Tools

Differences

Page Tools