Assignment task:
How Reliable Is Your Memory?
Memory is a dynamic, reconstructive process influenced by how information is encoded, stored, and retrieved. McDermott and Roediger (2022) explain how memory is not perfect but shaped by factors like attention, meaning, and organization. For this Discussion, you will complete a short-term memory test-such as remembering sequences, numbers, words, or images-and then reflect on your results using key memory concepts. This activity helps connect cognitive psychology concepts to your own experiences and deepens your understanding of how memory shapes everyday thinking and behavior.
Resources:
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Klein, C. (2023). Chapter 5: Long-term memory. In Essentials of cognitive psychology. University of North Alabama Digital Press at Collier Library.
Short term memory tests:
- Sequence Memory
- Number Memory
- Verbal Memory
- Visual Memory
If you encounter any barriers while completing your selected test, please contact your Instructor for support.
Note: The Time Estimate to complete each experiment is about 6-10 minutes; you only need to complete one.
Then, post a 200- to 250-word response in which you:
Identify and describe the memory test you completed.
Explain your results in terms of at least two concepts from McDermott and Roediger (2025) (e.g., encoding, retrieval, recency effect, levels of processing, recognition memory). Need Assignment Help?
Describe a real-world example of a time when you used this memory concept (e.g., studying, remembering names, everyday tasks).
Explain how an understanding of this memory concept might support success in your academic, personal, and/or professional life.
To demonstrate what you learned this week, be sure to support your work by referring to specific information from the learning resources. Cite and reference the sources you used.
Be sure to review the Week 3 Discussion Rubric to understand the specific grading criteria your Instructor will use to evaluate your work.
Respond to the initial post of at least one colleague who selected a different experiment from the one you selected, in one of the following ways:
Describe a memory concept that stood out in your colleagues' posts and how it contrasts with what you observed in your selected experiment.
Choose one memory concept your classmate discussed (e.g., encoding, retrieval, recency effect, levels of processing, recognition memory) and explain how it showed up in the experiment you completed.
References:
Cherry, K. C., MSEd. (2024, January 16). The recency effect in psychology. Verywell Mind.
McDermott, K.B. & Roediger, H.L. (2025). Memory (encoding, storage, retrieval). In R. Biswas-Diener & E. Diener (Eds), Noba textbook series: Psychology.
Champaign, IL: DEF publishers.