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• The aim of this lesson is to learn about how our memories store and recall information, using this to make decisions (Equivalent to UK A Level Physical Education)

Without memory, information processing and skill learning is not possible. The memory is a complicated thing and the whole process of memorising a skill or event is not yet known.

The following tries to explain the process as it is understood so far:

1. A stimulus triggers the senses (sight; sound; touch; smell; taste)
2. The information received from the senses enters the Short-Term Sensory Store (STSS)
3. It is stored here for a maximum of 1 second and is filtered down to relevant information
4. Irrelevant information is discarded
5. The relevant information is passed to the Short-Term Memory (STM)
6. Information is stored here on a limited capacity for up to 1 minute
7. The information here is used to make decisions - these decisions are made more quickly if information from the long-term memory is used to compare with the current information
8. Important information is moved onto the next stage:
9. The Long-Term Memory (LTM) has a potentially endless capacity and can hold information for a long time, this is achieved by:

• Practicing skills or rehearsing information which strengthens the motor programme
• Association means the new information is linked to a previously stored memory
• Meaningfulness of the information helps you remember it
• Novelty - information which stands out from the crowd of other memories tends to be remembered!

There are thought to be three main areas of storage within the LTM:

1. Procedural: This is where motor programmes are stored as it contains the information allowing us to remember how to do things
2. Semantic: This area contains knowledge and facts
3. Episodic: This is where personal experiences and events are kept

Resources:

• Memory revision flash cards

Learn More About:

• Information processing
• Motor programmes
• Phases of learning