ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on human memory and traditional laboratory-based research. Learning and memory involve several stages. These stages are: encoding; storage; and retrieval. Forgetting depends on encoding-retrieval overlap (encoding specificity principle) but cue overload is also important. However, decreased forgetting over time is hard to explain on the encoding specificity principle. The distinction between short-term and long-term memory stores is central to multi-store models. A few brain-damaged patients have severely impaired short-term memory but intact long-term memory. Baddeley's original working memory model consists of three components: an attention-like central executive, a phonological loop holding speech-based information and a visuo-spatial sketchpad specialised for visual and spatial processing. There is much overlap between the notions of working memory capacity and the executive functions of the central executive. Craik and Lockhart focused on learning processes in their levels-of-processing theory. The visuo-spatial sketchpad is used for the temporary storage and manipulation of visual patterns and spatial movement.
