Final big assignment introduction to psychology

Strategies for Enhancing Memory Retention...8 3.2.. By leveraging insights from psychological theories about learning and memory, we can design training programs and tools that increase

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

VIET NAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, HA NOI

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FINAL BIG ASSIGNMENT

INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY

Student Full Name: Nguyen Hoai An

Ha Noi, December 7, 2024

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents

I Introduction 5

II Main Body 5

1 Understandding Learning and Memory 5

1.1 Definition of Learning 5

1.2 Definition of Memory 5

1.3 Interdependence of Learning and Memory 3

1.4 Key Theories of Learning 3

1.5 Key Theories of Memory 4

2 Workplace Traning Program 6

2.1 Components of the Training Program 6

2.2 Addressing Challenges 7

3 Improving Knowledge Retension 8

3.1 Strategies for Enhancing Memory Retention 8

3.2 Additional Techniques to Support Memory Retention 8

4 Learning Technologies and Tools 9

4.1 E-Learning Platforms 9

4.2 Gamification 9

III Conclusion 9

IV References 10

I Introduction

In order to learn, work, and develop skills, understanding how individuals access and process information is crucial in today's professional context Perception and perception are fundamental processes that influence how we understand the world; it allows us to acquire new knowledge and react to complex environments These processes play an important role in organisational and academic contexts, especially for professionals in accounting, business, or information technology By leveraging insights from psychological theories about learning and memory, we can design training programs and tools that increase information retention and improve work performance

II Main Body

1 Understandding Learning and Memory

1.1 Definition of Learning

Learning is an adaptive process through which our nervous system adapts to environmental stimuli, altering our behavioural reactions and enabling us to operate in our surroundings Our neurological system initiates the process in reaction to external cues Our behavioural reactions can be altered by strengthening, pruning, activating, or rerouting neural circuits

Reflexes and instincts are innate behaviours; they don't require learning and happen spontaneously Learning, on the other hand, is a shift in knowledge or behaviour brought about by experience Instead than attempting to comprehend internal states like emotions and attitudes, behavioural psychology primarily focusses on quantifiable behaviours that are learnt (Learning and Memory, 2007)

1.2 Definition of Memory

Giving a definition of memory is difficult Squire (2004) asserts that memory is not a single mental faculty but rather is made up of numerous systems with different neuroanatomies and working principles According to research, new neurones are created and connected to produce memory The arrangement, distribution, and form of neurones in various brain clusters produce a particular memory (Shail M , 2019)

1.4 Interdependence of Learning and Memory

There are some fascinating similarities between memory and learning First and foremost, the brain is the location and source of both functions Learning and memory would not be possible without the brain Memory relates to events that have already happened, whereas learning can deal with events that can happen in the past, present, or future To put it another way, everybody can learn something new almost at any time However, learning is the only way for information to be processed mentally and retained in memory

Learning is dependent on one's memory Just as memory needs functional learning mechanisms to gather and retain new information, learning requires brain stimulation from memory

Everybody learns differently, and in order to improve one's capacity to absorb and retain knowledge, additional support from a teacher or counsellor may

be required You can, however, take some independent steps to enhance these vital cognitive processes (Learning and Memory, 2007)

1.5 Key Theories of Learning

Classical Conditioning

Through the process of classical conditioning, we learn to anticipate events

by associating stimuli, or events, that regularly occur together In a well-known study with dogs, Ivan Pavlov trained the animals to identify the ring of a bell with the presence of a piece of meat When the dog starts salivating in anticipation of the meat just by hearing the bell, the training is complete

Operant Conditioning

Operant conditioning is a learning process that strengthens or suppresses a response by rewarding or punishing certain behaviours The "law of effect," as defined by Edward Thorndike, states that actions that result in positive outcomes for the organism are more likely to be repeated, whereas actions that result in negative outcomes are less likely to be repeated Rats were used in what B F Skinner dubbed a "Skinner box" for his studies in order to study operant training The rats eventually discovered that pressing the lever directly resulted in the flow

of food, proving that rewards and penalties may affect behaviour He examined the idea of extinction and made a distinction between positive and negative reinforcement

Observational Learning

Seeing other people's actions and copying them, especially in the absence of immediate reinforcement, is known as observational learning Albert Bandura used his well-known Bobo-doll experiment to test his theory that children frequently learn by copying adults Bandura discovered through this experiment that when kids saw adults striking the Bobo doll, they would start attacking it (Shail M , 2019)

1.6 Key Theories of Memory

Working Memory Model

Alan Baddeley and Graham Hitch proposed the working memory hypothesis in 1974 Human memory serves as the foundation for this operational model This paradigm is not like other memory theories

While STM (short-term memory) can just store information, working memory, which is built on a multi-component system, can also process and retain information

Level of Processing Model

Craik and Lockhart proposed the level of processing theory in 1972 The emphasis on the depth of memory processing aids in the presentation of this memory model In addition, the level of processing model is more significant than other memory theories Compared to other memory theories, this model is crucial Information is processed at multiple levels and based on stimulus properties using the level of processing model, which is a non-structured processing technique

Model of Working Memory

Alan Baddeley and Graham Hitch proposed the working memory hypothesis in 1974 Human memory serves as the foundation for this operational model This paradigm is not like other memory theories

While STM (short-term memory) can just store information, working memory, which is built on a multi-component system, can also process and retain information

Tulving Model of Memory

In 1972, Tulving model of memory was proposed by Endel Tulving Tulving was the first person who distinguish between semantic memory and episodic memory Semantic memory is the ability to store general knowledge in memory This most important model among all theories of memory Because this model explained declarative memory (Theories of Memory)

2 Workplace Traning Program

2.1 Components of the Training Program

Orientation and Introduction (Week 1)

The goal of the first week is to familiarise new employees with the company's culture, policies, and expectations Give employees the most comprehensive view of the entire company From a psychological perspective, there are several possible methods to achieve this goal Reinforcement: Positive reinforcement through recognition of participation in training sessions Observational learning: Arrange videos or face-to-face exchanges from experienced employees to get acquainted and share experiences

Core Skills Training (Weeks 2-3)

In the 2 and 3 weeks of training The company plans to equip employeesnd rd

with skills and techniques that may be relevant to their role(e.g accounting software, data analysis tools, system development) To achieve this goal, the measures that can be taken are:

Interactive learning module: an e-learning platform with interactive content that combines multifacted elements

Feedback: Implementing quizzes and test with instant feedback helps employees consolidate their knowledge and correct errors in a timely manner Implement weekly testing to provide constructivefeedback and maintain an effective learning orientation

Assessment and Reflection (Week 4)

Its aims are to evaluate the effectiveness of the training program and set up continuing education To that end, the program applies methods like

self-reflection, feedback loops and lock-end assessment The last will be the end-of-course evaluation, in which all of the material is examined and any gaps in knowledge are corrected with a review session New hires should reflect on where they have been academically, be able to identify areas of weakness that need strengthening and make connections with how they plan to grow in the future For the next classes to be better and to ensure surgically that their learning process is continually fine-tuned as well, a feedback loop is requisitioned again where students are asked about how efficient the training procedure was.

2.2 Addressing Challenges

Cognitive Overload

Cognitive overload happens when too much information is presented at once, reducing retention To address this:

Chunk Information: Break content into smaller, manageable sections Blended Learning: Use varied formats like videos, assessments, and practice

to suit different preferences

Spaced Learning: Spread learning over time to improve retention, following the forgetting curve principles (Emenike, 2019)

Forgetting Curves

The forgetting curve shows memory declines over time To combat this: Regular Reviews: Schedule periodic sessions to revisit key concepts Active Recall: Use quizzes to reinforce memory retrieval

Practical Application: Encourage applying skills daily to enhance retention

3 Improving Knowledge Retension

3.1 Strategies for Enhancing Memory Retention

Distributed Practice

Distributed practice, also known as spaced repetition, involves spreading out learning sessions over time rather than massing them together This technique

is effective in decreasing cognitive overload and enhancing long-term retention

Application Example:

Financial Regulations: Accounting professionals can utilize an online learning platform that schedules brief review sessions on specific financial regulations over several weeks For instance, a regulation related to tax laws could

be revisited multiple times at increasing intervals (e.g., one week later, then two weeks later), allowing for gradual reinforcement of the material

Implementation:

Create a calendar with designated review times and utilize reminder tools to encourage consistent engagement with the material over time

3.2 Additional Techniques to Support Memory Retention

Active Learning

Engaging in active learning strategies, such as group discussions, simulations, and practical exercises, can further enhance memory retention Application Example:

Complex Financial Scenarios: Organize role-playing sessions where accounting staff must navigate a simulated financial audit, helping them apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations in a controlled setting

Schedule regular team meetings that focus on solving case studies or real-world problems, thereby encouraging collaboration and application of learned material

4 Learning Technologies and Tools

4.1 E-Learning Platforms

E-learning platforms are a convenient means of learning that allow you to master the vast syllabus and concepts in an untroubled way whenever and wherever desired Interactive content, quizzes and discussion forums are few of those features that contribute to a much better learning experience

Distributed practice and self-directed learning are the two principles with which E-learning ensues Essentially, this spaced repetition system allows learners

to review content as needed (more frequently in the beginning, of course) over weeks and months -whatever their preferences dictate

4.2 Gamification

In a general definition, gamification uses gameful design in non-game contexts such as education to assist in motivating and engaging learners Points, badges and leaderboards foster engagement as it does with learners

Psychological alignment: It uses carefully designed reinforcement principles

to reward learners for achieving certain behaviors (eg action, effort, etc) and hence promotes engagement and motivation It also promotes retrieval practice with games and quizzes

III Conclusion

Solving the learning and memory issues requires the proper implementation

of psychological principles as per the different needs faced by professionals Organizations can retain more information, develop better skills by reinforcing with practice and social distancing and improving the positive recall on how to do something Digital tools and differing learning experiences meld together which results in adaptive, engaging training through a changeable work environment closes the loop for success on both an individual and team front, over the long haul

IV References

Shail, M S (2019, 8 2) Using Micro-learning on Mobile Applications to Increase

Knowledge Retention and Work Performance: A Review of Literature

Retrieved 12 2024, from Cureus:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6716752/

Emenike, E (2019) Spaced Learning: Strategies for spacing senior secondary 11

computer studies with e-learning contents as distractors Retrieved from

Library: https://open.library.okstate.edu/adect/chapter/spaced-learning- strategies-for-spacing-senior-secondary-11-computer-studies-with-e-learning-contents-as-distractors/

Learning and Memory (2007) Retrieved from Introduction to Psychology:

https://oercommons.org/courseware/lesson/69346/student/?section=5

Theories of Memory (n.d.) Retrieved from Psychology:

https://psychologyeducational.com/theories-of-memory/blogs/