Tma 01 Task 1
TMA 01 Task 1
Part B
One of the areas studied by cognitive psychologists is that of the mental processes involved in memory. In this essay, I am going to explain and give examples of how mental images, concepts and schemas help us to improve our memory. I shall look at each of these in turn and illustrate how each one can help us improve our memory.
On the whole, we are inclined to do most of our thinking as semantic thought which is thinking in words, as well as iconic thought which is thinking in pictures. However, a lot of research in this area has shown that we can further enhance our memory of verbal or written information if we also form a mental image of the information. Mental image involves creating an image of something …show more content…
It could be compared to a filing system where all relevant information on a topic is suitably stored, containing all details relating to the topic. It provides cues to help prompt our memory into recalling the series of information held within that file (schema) As we encounter situations, we can apply our knowledge of past experiences or situations to help us to interpret events and act appropriately. For example, your restaurant schema would include all information that you would relate or connect with gong to a restaurant. It would include various different types of restaurants, pre booking a table, travelling, time, menu. A lot of people’s schemas will be similar to others, for example when going shopping to the supermarket, although their own personal experiences can cause the schema to differ, such as whether or not they enjoy shopping. If they enjoy shopping the schemas may contain detailed information about different supermarkets, how to get there, selecting trolley/basket, choosing from a wide range of foods, interesting meal choices, paying and packing If they don’t enjoy shopping the schema may include that it is a necessity, time consuming, crowds. Bransford and Johnson (1972) undertook a number of experiments which showed the role of schemas in helping us to make sense of information and situations as well as helping us to recall information. They carried out an experiment where participants were given a passage to read then asked to recall the passage as accurately as possible. Half of the participants were given a title to the passage, which was “washing clothes” the other half only the passage with no title. Those without the title found it difficult to understand the passage and recall the details. Those with the title could easily recall the details as the title provided them with
Part B
One of the areas studied by cognitive psychologists is that of the mental processes involved in memory. In this essay, I am going to explain and give examples of how mental images, concepts and schemas help us to improve our memory. I shall look at each of these in turn and illustrate how each one can help us improve our memory.
On the whole, we are inclined to do most of our thinking as semantic thought which is thinking in words, as well as iconic thought which is thinking in pictures. However, a lot of research in this area has shown that we can further enhance our memory of verbal or written information if we also form a mental image of the information. Mental image involves creating an image of something …show more content…
It could be compared to a filing system where all relevant information on a topic is suitably stored, containing all details relating to the topic. It provides cues to help prompt our memory into recalling the series of information held within that file (schema) As we encounter situations, we can apply our knowledge of past experiences or situations to help us to interpret events and act appropriately. For example, your restaurant schema would include all information that you would relate or connect with gong to a restaurant. It would include various different types of restaurants, pre booking a table, travelling, time, menu. A lot of people’s schemas will be similar to others, for example when going shopping to the supermarket, although their own personal experiences can cause the schema to differ, such as whether or not they enjoy shopping. If they enjoy shopping the schemas may contain detailed information about different supermarkets, how to get there, selecting trolley/basket, choosing from a wide range of foods, interesting meal choices, paying and packing If they don’t enjoy shopping the schema may include that it is a necessity, time consuming, crowds. Bransford and Johnson (1972) undertook a number of experiments which showed the role of schemas in helping us to make sense of information and situations as well as helping us to recall information. They carried out an experiment where participants were given a passage to read then asked to recall the passage as accurately as possible. Half of the participants were given a title to the passage, which was “washing clothes” the other half only the passage with no title. Those without the title found it difficult to understand the passage and recall the details. Those with the title could easily recall the details as the title provided them with