Memory Demonstration Psychology Classes Day One or Two
Memory Demonstration
Psychology Classes
Day One or Two
I will share a list of words with you
Your job is to try to recall all of them as
best you can
Please have a blank sheet of paper and a writing implement handy for after the
demonstration
Please do not talk during this
demonstration
Here are the words:
BED
NIGHT
COMFORT
REST
AWAKE
SNORE
DREAM
TIRED
EAT
SOUND
SLUMBER
WAKE
•So those are the words. On that blank sheet of paper, write your name, your full address, phone number and your parents’ names•This is what is called a “distracter activity”
Now, write the words you can recall—in any order
I will be going around the room to see how you did.
Now, how many of you remember the word “Aardvark”?
How many of you remember the word “sleep”?
Why do you think this occurred? How do I keep
getting this same result?
Schema: A mental map or
mental representation of an idea—made up
of associations and connections
Let’s examine the idea of schema
with a screen on the white board
The brain:•Looks for patterns•Tries to make meaning wherever it can (e.g. clouds, ceiling tiles, etc.)