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.)