Class 11 Psychology - HARYANA
Human Memory
The chapter 'Human Memory' in Psychology for Class 11 Haryana (BSEH) explores how our minds encode, store, and retrieve information. It delves into Atkinson and Shiffrin's stage model of memory, comprising sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory. Students will also learn about the nature of forgetting, the causes of decay and interference, and practical strategies to improve memory. Understanding this chapter is crucial for board exams as it forms the foundational basis of cognitive psychology and features regularly in both objective and subjective question formats.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Encoding
The first stage of memory where incoming information is received and translated into a usable neural format that the brain can process.
Sensory Memory
The initial memory stage that holds vast amounts of sensory information for a very brief duration, typically lasting less than a second.
Short-Term Memory (STM)
A memory system that holds a limited amount of information for a brief period, usually around 30 seconds, unless rehearsed.
Long-Term Memory (LTM)
The permanent or semi-permanent storage system of the brain with an unlimited capacity to hold information over long periods.
Levels of Processing
A theory by Craik and Lockhart stating that information can be processed at different levels (structural, phonemic, and semantic), with deeper processing leading to better retention.
Interference Theory
A major explanation for forgetting where one memory disrupts the retrieval of another memory, divided into proactive and retroactive interference.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Haryana Board (BSEH) Class 11 Psychology examinations, this chapter typically carries around 6 to 8 marks. Questions frequently include short answer questions on memory stages, essay-type questions explaining causes of forgetting, and objective MCQs on STM capacity and mnemonic devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between short-term memory and long-term memory?
Short-term memory has a very limited capacity (7+-2 items) and duration (about 30 seconds), whereas long-term memory has an unlimited capacity and can store information for a lifetime.
Why do we forget things according to psychology?
Forgetting occurs primarily due to trace decay over time, interference from other memories, lack of proper retrieval cues, or ineffective initial encoding.
What are mnemonic devices and how do they help?
Mnemonic devices are memory techniques, such as acronyms or visual imagery, that organize information into more memorable formats to improve retrieval.
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