Active learning ideas
Memory and learning are the twin pillars of cognitive psychology. This topic examines how we acquire, store, and retrieve information, using models like the multi-store model of memory. Students also explore the mechanics of learning through classical and operant conditioning. These theories explain everything from why we develop phobias to how we train pets or learn classroom routines.
Activity 01
Students act as different 'stores' in the multi-store model (Sensory, Short-Term, Long-Term). They must pass 'information' (words or images) through the system, demonstrating how attention and rehearsal are necessary for storage.
How is information stored and retrieved in the human brain?
Activity 02
Groups are given a scenario (e.g., a child afraid of the dentist or a student getting a gold star). They must role-play the scenario and then identify the Unconditioned Stimulus, Neutral Stimulus, and Reinforcers involved.
What factors influence the reliability of memory?
Activity 03
Students research different memory techniques, including the 'Method of Loci' used in many cultures, including Indigenous Australian 'songlines'. They then teach their technique to the rest of the class.
How do we learn new behaviours through conditioning?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Memory works like a video camera, recording everything perfectly.
Students often believe memories are exact replicas of events. Teachers should use 'false memory' demonstrations to show that memory is actually a reconstructive process prone to errors and suggestions.
Negative reinforcement is the same as punishment.
This is the most common error in Year 11 Psychology. Using a 'sorting' activity where students categorise scenarios helps them see that reinforcement (even negative) always increases a behaviour, while punishment decreases it.
Methods used in this brief
Sensation and Perception
An analysis of how sensory information is received and processed, with a focus on the visual and gustatory systems and perceptual distortions.
8 methodologies
Cognitive and Social Development
An overview of psychological development across the lifespan, focusing on Piaget's theory of cognitive development and Erikson's psychosocial stages.
8 methodologies