Memory and Learning

In this instance memory can therefore be manipulated. Elizabeth Loftus explains that she studies how false memory comes to existence. There are various ways in which the memory can be manipulated, reinforced and altered the following are some of the methods as explained by Elizabeth Loftus, (Loftus 23). According to research done by Elizabeth Loftus it was found out that during a lab test the subjects would change information regarding with the use of various words used in questioning for example the use of “hit” and “smashed” in an accident scenario made the subject add more information when the word smashed was used implying that the accident was more brutal and that glasses that splutter all over the scene unlike when the word hit was used.

When people are subjected to stressful events during questioning can lead to alteration of information they give. It is also difficult to remember what happened in a particular day of a semester due to continuous events that interfere with remembering, (Mook 71). There are two types of interference which are, a) Retroactive interference where new acquired information interferes with old information b) Proactive interference where old information makes it hard to acquire new information. Motivated forgetting This is brought about by the omitting of information that is rather less useful to us. For example, a person might miss details about something they have had for years for example a key holder, a person might not know what is written or drawn on the keyholder because the use of the holder is to hold keys only.

• Explain the capacity and accuracy of memories and what limitations (if any) our memory has. Our senses are feed with large amount of information and the sensory memory filters unnecessary information and concentrate on the important information Short term memory The information that usually catches our attention from sensory memory is usually transmitted to working memory also known as short term memory, ("Elizabeth Loftus: "Life in Memory"" 11). Here, there is selection of information, processing and the determination on whether the memory could be transferred to long term memory. There are various factors that affects the workings of the short-term memory these include, the effort an individual use through their cognitive processing at a given time, repetition makes a task automatic hence the memory is regarded important and lastly how an individual select to handle a process and giving priorities to certain tasks.

Long term memory This includes different types of information these are declarative, procedural and imagery this memory has unlimited space and highly depend on how well the information is arranged or organized and stored. Learning If it were possible for us all to learn the same way, it would seem there would then be no differences in people with regard to intelligence. It is in this settings that the child grows into self-realization and in the process possess various characteristics. The child learns the difference in sex, how to be male and female and if the child is supported by the parents and molded properly he or she is likely to grow up as an intelligent individual, (Senge and Senge 37). On the other hand, if the parents are unsupportive, harsh and generally lacks interest in their children, they might affect negatively the growth of the child and their intelligence.

• What impact does language have on thought? What factors contribute to how someone learns/processes information? Language is a means or rather a medium for communication in which a message is transferred from one channel to another. Language therefore do not have an impact on how we think. Involving the hands for example drawing during learning also increases information processing. • What is imagery and how does it work? Imagery is a sensorial way of thinking. It involves the senses which include, smell, touch, hearing, tasting and seeing. The images of thoughts may include fantasies, daydreams and even visions. Imagery has a very strong effect upon our memory (for example imagine walking scorching sun without takeaway water) There are various forms in which imagery can be imposed these include, Guided imagery – this is where an individual is asked to focus on selected images to be able to achieve a certain goal Interactive guided imagery – this is using imagery with particular aims of body and mind medicine helping to improve an individual’s health in the process.

It challenges the idea of single IQ proposing that there is more than one type of human intelligence which includes the following; Verbal linguistic intelligence – where by an individual is able to analyze oral and written language Logical – mathematical intelligence – where an individual has the ability to develop equations and solve calculations involving abstract problems Visual – spatial intelligence – where an individual is able to analyze maps and other graphical information Musical intelligence – where an individual is able to produce and understand the meaning of different types of music Naturalistic intelligence – where by an individual has the ability to understand different types of plans, animals the weather and basically all forms of natural environment. Bodily – kinesthetic intelligence – it entails the ability of a person to use his or her own body to create products used to solve problems Interpersonal intelligence – this is the ability of a person to understand other peoples’ emotions which include moods, desires and even intentions The last intelligence is intrapersonal intelligence – which is the ability of a person to understand such emotions in his or herself.

• How are some people naturally exceptional? What are social and emotional intelligence and how do they help/hinder you in society? Everyone is unique and exceptional in their special kind of way. This is mainly contributed by genetics where we inherit traits from our parents which differ in regard to genotypes. The existence of people with a higher IQ, great musicians, great athletes and even great scholars shows these exceptions in human beings. Self – management – a person is able to adapt in various environments and also manage impulsive emotions Social awareness – where a person can determine other peoples’ emotions making them comfortable amidst them. Relationship management – one is able to be a good team player, establish a good relationship with other and in the same time influence others positively.