Memory as a Constructive and Active Process

Memory as a Constructive and Active Process Memory is a constructive and active process. Evaluate this claim. Simon Andrew Agnew To evaluate the notion that memory is a constructive process an assessment of some of the research[p1] on the exploration of memory is required. Brace and Roth (2007) argue that memory is a constructive and active process rather than a â€Å"passive mechanism for recording external information† (Brace and Roth, 2007, pg.130). However, it can be argued that memory is not exclusively constructive and active but also includes passive elements. This can be seen through the constructive reconstruction techniques and a study conducted by Godden and Braddeley (1975), which demonstrated that active learning alongside passive environment interaction that create extra retrieval cues for context reinstatement. These techniques show that linking passive processing of an environment can aid in the active process of memory retention and recollection. Memories are formed from information perceived through all the senses, after which information is coded and stored. Memory can be broken down into three components, Encoding, Storage, and Retrieval. Encoding is the process (in) by which information is stored in a person’s memory. Sensory information, information from the outside world, is transferred and coded into memory systems. There are at least two ways that sensory information can be coded. Visual codding, where shapes, words and/or objects, are received through visual receptors which in turn form the bases for the meaning of said objects and acoustic coding, which codes particular sounds, like a word or the sound an object makes, similarly linking this information to the meaning of specific sounds, either of words and/or objects. This process of encoding suggests that there is an active process in learning the association between specific sounds or objects and their specific meanings and interpretations, which are subse quently stored in a person’s memory[p2]. Memories are crucial for everyday human functions. Without memory all interactions and experiences would not be stored in memory systems inhibiting the development as individuals and a society. Erik Erikson’s research claimed that identity and memory were directly related to the development of individuality and society (Phoenix, 2007, pg.53). Erikson[p3] stated that â€Å"a conscious sense of individual uniqueness†¦ an unconscious striving for continuity†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Phoenix, 2007, pg.53). This suggests that memory is an active process in which helps in the development toward the idea of ‘who we are’. Storage processes are the means through which information is (coded and) then stored within a person’s memory. Memory is a function that psychologists are long trying to understandThe first psychologist to conceptualise memory as involving different systems was William James (1890). James proposed that the primary memory system involved conscious use of mental activity while the secondary system was for storing knowledge and experiences. James’ theory of different memory sub-systems is still being used, however other research has since been conducted that shows that memory can be broken down into three main processes, Sensory Memory, holds sensory information from the outside world for a brief moment. Short-Term Memory holds coded information for a few seconds or minutes, and Long Term Memory holds coded information in a robust form for many years. (Brace and Roth, 2007, pg.115). There are different ways to study memory function, from methods such as laboratory experiments, quasi-experiments and field experiments (Brace and Roth, 2007, pg.117). . Brace and Roth state that â€Å"memory is an active, selective, and constructive process rather than a passive mechanism for recording external information.† (Brace and Roth, 2007, pg.130). However, this can be challenged through techniques like ‘Retrieval-Enhancing Techniques’. (These‘ are the techniques) used by police officers when interviewing witnesses to aid in memory retrieval of a particular event. The different retrieval-enhancing techniques that are adopted are context reinstatement, where a person is as to recall the physical surroundings, including light, temperature and smells. Recalling everything where a witness is asked to recall everything from a particular incident, whether they think it is relevant or not. This is because retrieving one piece of information, impo rtant or not, can assist in the retrieval of other pieces of information that may not be as easily remembered. . Recalling in different temporal orders where trying to recall an event either from start to finish, or in reverse, starting with the last memory, using salient aspects of the event and working either forward or backward from that specific point (Brace and Roth, 2007, pg.125). There is sufficient evidence that supports memory retrieval through cognitive interviews. It demonstrates the ability to recall information that would not otherwise be actively processed, but could be perceived, in at least one way or another, through particular senses, such as smell, sounds or tastes. Godden and Braddeley (1975) researched Context Reinstatement (Godden and Braddeley) They designed a study that required participants to learn a list of 40 words while underwater or on land. The results showed that the word (were) recall was 40% higher when the recall situation was the same as the learning environment, compared to (that) when the environments were different (switched) (Brace and Roth, 2007, pg.127). It can be argued that these results show that memory is in fact active in some respects and passive others in that it demonstrates links between the passive interpretation of an environment to the active process of storing and recalling words[p4]. Subsequently participants that were asked to recall the word list in (the opposite) a different environment remember less as the opposite environment provided no cues. (such). Endel Tulving (1983) explained the relationship between storing and recalling as stronger when â€Å"retrieval overlap or match with cues that were registered at encoding† (Brace and Roth, 2007, pg.126). However, memory is pliable and recollection can be influenced by post event information as well as previous mental images and thought processes. Bartlett (1932) described these changes in recognition and recall as being â€Å"unwitting[p5].† Research by Bartlett illustrated that when actively recalling new information, in order to make sense of it, a person relies on past knowledge and experiences. . Bartlett designed an experiment which highlighted influences of social factors on memory. . The experiment included participants reading an extract and then asked to recall as much of the extract as possible. . It was found that when new information was recalled the recognition was different to the original information. . He noted that unusual descriptions were changed into standard descriptions, for example, â€Å"something black came out of his mouth† became â€Å"foamed at the mouth†. . Other changes occurred through rationalisations and omission of materials (Brace and Roth, 2007, pg.132). . Bartlett explains this as ‘effect after meaning’ in that past experiences, unconsciously and/or passively, intertwine with new information to help interpret and make sense of the new information. . These particular observations supported the idea that memory adopts both active and passive processing when processing new information making memory pliable and influential (Brace and Roth, 2007, pg.133). Another example that demonstrates that memory is able to passive process information is through the works of Craik and Lckhart (1972). . Craik and Lockhart proposed two different levels of processing, shallow and deep. . They suggest that ‘shallow’ level processing is simple coded information in terms of physical characteristics, shapes and sounds. . ‘Deep’ level coding is information that is processed is assigned a meaning (Brace and Roth, 2007, pg.119). This theory led Craik and Tulving (1975) to further investigate these different levels. . A study conducted by Craik and Tulving demonstrates the abilities of incidental learning against intentional learning. . This required participants with in the study to try not actively remember the words in the stimuli, as to ‘only’ demonstrate the capabilities of incidental learning. The results found that people were more likely to incidentally learn words that they came across during the semantic task (word that fit into sentences), and less likely to incidentally learn the words in the structural task (words in block capitals), and an intermediate amount of acoustic learn words (words based on rhyme) (Brace and Roth, 2007, pg.120). This notion of incidental learning would suggest that the memory processes are also being passively stored to memory systems, as one of the main requirements was that participants were asked to try not actively learn anything during testing and yet their memory still subconsciously encodes and stores the information. In evaluating the notion that memory is a constructive process the assessment on some of the research in exploration of memory systems suggests that memory is not only constructive and active process, but a passive one as well. . It cannot be stated that memory is not an active process, as this is evident in the active process of visual and acoustic encoding, and that encoded information is key everyday human function, development and interactions. However it can be argued that memory is also a passive processes, in which sensory information is taken in and linked with active memory processes through environmental interactions or already established schemas. . This can be seen and argued through multiple studies. The results of Godden and Braddeley (1975) demonstrate that memory is active and passive in that it highlights links between the passive interpretation of an environment to the active process of storing and recalling words. Which is explained by Turlving that when â€Å" retrieval overlap or match with cues that were registered at encoding† (Brace and Roth, 2007, pg.126). . However Bartletts discussion of the pliability of memory, due to the notion that memories are processed and understood using already established schemas, and that Incidental and intentional learning, further supports the argument that memory adopts both an active and passive process when processing and/or applying meaning to new information. Words: 1637 References Brace. N, Roth I., (2007) ‘Memory: Structures, Processes and Skills’ in D. Miell, A. Phoenix, K. Thomas (Eds.), Mapping Psychology (2nd ed., pp. 113-160). Milton Keynes, The Open University. Phoenix. A. (2007) ‘Identity and Diversity’ in D. Miell, A. Phoenix, K. Thomas (Eds.), Mapping Psychology (2nd ed., pp. 45-92). Milton Keynes, The Open University. [p1]Though you have explain the issue to some extent– this cannot be said to be an introduction, as you are referring to terms and studies that have not yet been explained, You also need to inform the reader you mean to answer the question, and how it is to be organised. [p2]Though things can be stored in memory passively, without us attending to them. [p3]This quote is not really relevant to the question, and as above, there are elements of memory storage that occur without consciousness. [p4]I didn’t understand this point in the introduction, but it makes sense this time! [p5]Note that recognition is matching something to what is already in memory, whereas recall is retrieving something stored in memory.

Conclusion The combination of biased emotional sentences Essay

â€Å"It’s very hard to keep personal prejudice out of a thing like this. And no matter where you run into it, prejudice obscures the truth. † This quote from the â€Å"12 angry men† is, probably, the best sum of the bias’s meaning in the movie. Most of the jurors have their own prejudices and some of them play the important role in the movie’s plot. 12 angry men and the role of bias One of the main ideas of this film is that people’s bias often affects on their opinion. The last part of the movie proves this idea clearly. The most biased is juror 3. After the vote 8-4 â€Å"Not guilty† most of the arguments are aimed on his persuasion but juror #3 resists these attempts. At last he confesses he is biased against the young men because of his own conflict with his son. Even when 11 jurors found the boy to be not guilty, the juror #3 doesn’t agree. He is sure that the boy shouldn’t even tell to his father â€Å"I’m gonna kill you,† but the roots of his opinion go back to his own son who punched him in the face. Another biased person is juror#10. His sentences are full of racism and intolerance. He reveals his biases in the following words: â€Å"I’m telling ya, they let those kids run wild up there. Well, maybe it serves ’em right. † Conclusion The combination of biased emotional sentences and the deductive reasonable arguments makes the dialogues in the movie breathtaking and the plot dynamical. References â€Å"12 angry men† – Movie Quotes. Retrieved at http://www. cinemasavvy. com/moviequotes/1/12angrymenquotes. html

Senior Citizen Population by State Per 2010 Census

This article lists the United States senior citizen population (i.e. sixty-five years old and over) by state, as recorded in the 2010 Census. This data is relevant to national and state elections because historically, more senior citizens vote Republican than vote Democratic. In the 2008 presidential election, senior citizens nationwide heavily favored Republican John McCain over Democrat Barack Obama by a margin of 53% to 45%. Reported campaign strategists Democracy Corps about the 2008 election in comparison to 2004, According to the exit polls, while Obama made gains with nearly all groups compared to John Kerry, this did not happen with seniors. They, along with gay and lesbian voters, were the big underperformers for Obama. However, in the 2012 elections, voters sixty-five years old and over could be upset enough over Republican proposals to cut and/or change Social Security and Medicare benefits to opt to vote for Democratic candidates. States with high concentrations of senior citizens include 2012 battlegrounds Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, and potential battleground states Missouri, Arizona, Montana, and Iowa. State Resident Population 65 Years Old and Over According to the 2010 Census Very High Level of Senior Citizen Population1. Florida - 17.3%2. West Virginia - 16.0%3. Maine - 15.9%4. Pennsylvania - 15.4%5. Iowa - 14.9%6. Montana - 14.8%7. Vermont - 14.6%8. North Dakota - 14.5%9. Arkansas - 14.4%9. Rhode Island - 14.4%9. Delaware - 14.4%12. South Dakota - 14.3%12. Hawaii - 14.3%High Level of Senior Citizen Population14. Connecticut - 14.2%15. Ohio - 14.1 %16. Missouri - 14.0%17. Oregon - 13.9%18. Michigan - 13.8%18. Arizona - 13.8%18. Massachusetts - 13.8%18. Alabama - 13.8%22. Wisconsin - 13.7%22. South Carolina - 13.7%24. Nebraska - 13.5%24. New York - 13.5%24. Oklahoma - 13.5%24. New Jersey - 13.5%Median Level of Senior Citizen Population28. New Hampshire - 13.5%29. Tennessee - 13.4%30. Kentucky - 13.3%31. New Mexico - 13.2%31. Kansas - 13.2%33. Indiana - 13.0%34. North Carolina - 12.9%34. Minnesota - 12.9%36. Mississippi - 12.8%37. Illinois - 12.5%38. Wyoming - 12.4%38. Idaho - 12.4%40. Louisiana - 12.3%40. Maryland - 12.3%40. Washington - 12.3%43. Virginia - 12.2%44. Nevada - 12.0%Low Level of Senior Citizen Population45. California - 11.4%46. Colorado - 10.9%47. Georgia - 10.7%48. Texas - 10.3%49. Utah - 9.0%50. Alaska - 7.7%Top 20 Labor Union StatesHispanic Population by State U.S. Census Bureau, Table 16, State Resident Population by Age and State: 2010

My First Year Experience Program - 1134 Words

The purpose of the first year experience program focuses on helping the first year students at the university learn how to perform in the classroom and write collegiate style work. There’s no doubt that students benefit from taking these classes during their first semester of college. For me, there wasn’t high expectations at my previous school of good writing techniques and correct uses of writing tools. During the course of this semester I became a stronger writer and well prepared for the rest of my college career here at Pacific Lutheran University by improving my vocabulary, being more descriptive and altering my writing process to be more successful. The Writing 101 assignment that I have chosen best demonstrates my progress as a writer is our Personal Narrative Essay. Though this was our first essay of the semester, I did receive my highest grade on this assignment and believes that it reflects my abilities as a writer. Because it was a Personal Narrative, writing the narrative came easy to me but along the way I faced a couple road blocks. With it being my first college essay, I referred to the Writing Center in the Mortvedt Library for guidance outside the classroom. One road block that I faced was creating imagery and being descriptive. Describing a concerts atmosphere and ambiance in my essay was difficult because I was there to experience the feeling first hand, I struggled with putting that feeling into words that could make sense to someone who has neverShow MoreRelatedBeing A First Generation Latina Essay1357 Words   |  6 PagesAs a first-generation Latina in college, I could not be where I am without the help of mu ltiple individuals. My parent’s sacrificed so much coming into this country. They left behind their family, their home, in order to one day provide a better future for me. Initially, my parents planned on staying in America for five years then they would go back to Ecuador. However plans changed once my mom became pregnant with me. The decision to stay in order to give me the best future possible greatly affectedRead MoreThe Process Of Learning Change892 Words   |  4 Pagesthrough reading and thinking, logic subjects for instance. In addition, we can learn from others’ experiences in learning –learning from others mistakes. In this paper, I am going to tell you about one of the most important periods in my life; in a period where everything, suddenly, deviated from the ordinary, thus, learning and acquiring new skills was the only choice I had. Some of us have experience that period or something similar to it, however, not all of us faced it with the same way . This periodRead MoreEssay1138 Words   |  5 PagesI unmistakably recall my amazement as I watched my high school chemistry teacher balance an oxidation-reduction reaction on the board; in that moment, I became passionate about the molecular world. On the surface, the challenging coursework caught my curiosity, yet deep within was an internal connection to chemistry I had not experienced prior. This fascination with the molecular world was continually refined throughout my undergraduate coursework; however, no topic inspired me more than the molecularRead MorePersonal Statement Essay1118 Words   |  5 PagesProject management became relevant in my life long before I even understood its propensity. It began at age fourteen when I started a neighborhood club for kids with the ambitious mission to save the earth. To create the project, my first agenda item was to recruit new members. I carried this out by going door to door and explaining my cause to the neighbors and asking i f they would allow their kids to join the club. I then hosted a first meeting in my parent’s garage and was able to form anRead MoreThe Art Institutes Of Indianapolis Campus Essay1283 Words   |  6 Pagesbudget shortage. I am available within a week of being notification that I am selected as the final candidate for the position. 3. Do you have any upcoming vacation plans this year? I usually do not plan to take any substantive vacation time during my first year of employment. I believe it is important to spend the first year learning the roles and responsibilities for the position and the culture of the organization. 4. Have you interviewed w/ The Art Institutes or EDMC in the past? What positionRead MoreMy Passion Towards Working With Students Essay1067 Words   |  5 PagesMy passion towards working with students every day has led me to the decision of pursuing a doctoral degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education at Miami University. I have chosen this program to prepare myself for a future role as a professor or a senior level college administrator. This program will allow me to become more proficient within the students’ educational experience and therefore better engage students in active learning. As a graduate student at the University of Missouri-St. LouisRead MoreRelationship With Intern Abroad And The Academic And Future Professional Goals1651 Words   |  7 Pagesyour experience abroad?   2. Describe your study or intern abroad program. What factors led you to select this program and length of study?   3. Why have you chosen your country of study? What factors led you to select this country?   4. How will this study or intern abroad program and the coursework you take abroad impact your academic and future professional goals?   5. Are there any distinctive components to this program, beyond coursework, that will impact your overall learning experience abroadRead MoreWhy I Am Interested Of Taking The Chromatin, Epigenetics, And Gene Expression Course995 Words   |  4 Pagesgo beyond his experience†, this statement by John Locke captures the essence of why I am interested in taking the Chromatin, Epigenetics, and Gene Expression course. I have always had a lifelong thirst for knowledge. As a child I was always asking questions about why or how things worked. I would always tinker with things, taking them apart and reassembling them. I questioned pretty much everything and longed to be able to do experiments and find solutions to unanswered questions on my own. In highRead MoreMy Interest Of Medicine As A Field Of Study And Career Essay932 Words   |  4 PagesMy interest in medicine as a field of study and career first sparked in my high school years. During my freshman year, I took advantage of the many new opportunities that the new scene of high school offered. I was eager to join numerous clubs in search of the things that I was that interested me the most. In the years leading up to high school, I did quite well in the sciences and enjoyed the subject more than I though I would. With this developed interest in science, I joined the Health CareersRead MoreEssay On Real Life1359 Words   |  6 PagesI started my first official job. Teaching 10-year-olds at a summer camp seemed like a typical young adult summer job. This specific summer program was held at a Presbyterian church, requiring bible studies every day. I’m not religious so it was difficult to teach a subject I didn’t know about or believed in. This was a new, stressful experience which required me to be entirely responsible for 13 little lives and partially responsible for tens of other children. I had been in the program for 2 short