Paper on external/internal memory.

Analyze one task of encoding, storing, and retrieving memory that involves using both external and internal memory.

For example, a task could be taking class notes, shopping lists, something you might do at work (restaurant orders, organizing meetings), remembering events, remembering to take medication, etc.

First describe the task.

• What is involved in doing the task?
• What parts of the information from the task can be or is typically stored in internal memory?

What aspects of STM and LTM memory are involved in storing it?

• What strategies/techniques can/must be used for storing it?
• How well does internal memory work for encoding, storage and retrieval?
• What are the consequences of memory failures?

What parts of the information can/should be stored in external memory?

• Describe what devices can be used.
• Describe how they are used
• What are the advantages of using an external memory device?

Finally, design a mockup of a better external memory device to help people for storing and retrieving the information needed for the task. For the mockup, you could design either a paper or electronic device. For example, it could be a new paper form or a description of a new piece of software for a PDA or a computer that helps record information. Describe how people would use it, what the device would do, and how it would help improve their external memories. You can include drawings of the device, textual descriptions of its functionality, and examples of how people would interact with it.

Your paper should not just answer the questions above in rote fashion, it should be a complete, coherent discourse on the task and aspects of internal and external memory

The paper should be between 4-8 pages long, depending on the complexity of task you choose.

Papers are due on: Thursday April 26^th by 5pm.