Question

PURPOSE

The purpose of the assignment is to expose learners with the basic knowledge and concepts related to cognitive psychology. Learners will also learn how to relate the theories and models in cognitive psychology to real life situation.

QUESTION 1 (20%) 1. Choose a topic from your module (Choose - Memory) ;

2. Explain the chosen topic briefly, in not more than 400 words;

3. Relate the topic to any of your own life experience. Elaborate that experience.

Answer 1

1. The topic I choose is Memory

2 . Memory can be defined as the ability to process information and then store it and later recall it for various purposes . In the field of cognitive psychology the process of memory is divided into three steps .

• Encoding - In this process information is received form the outside world and is processed and combined
• Storage - Then this processed information is stored permanently
• Retrieval- This process involves recalling of information at specific moments when required

There are different types of memory

• Sensory memory - This is a type of memory which helps the individual to recall impressions from the information when the stimulus is removed .
• Short term memory - It is keeping the information for short intervals such as only for 20 seconds .
• Long term memory - In this the information is processed and stored for longer periods .

3. This topic can be related to any life experiences .For example when we see a moving light source at night . It leaves a light trail .This happens because of our sensory memory . Similarly when someone tells us a phone number and we store it in our short term memory .However it can be converted into a long term memory by constantly repeating it .