3.2 Memory Flashcards
What memory involves
The storage, retention and retrieval of information
What memories can include
Past experiences, knowlege and thoughts
Definition of encoding
The conversion of nerve impulses into a form that can be recieved and interperated by memory
Where does information enter the sensory memory from
From the sense organs
How long information is stored in the sensory memory for
Stored briefly (0.5-2 secs)
How much sensory information is able to be retained in the sensory memory
All visual and auditory imputs from the surroundings
Memory span of the short term memory
Holds a limited amount of information for a short period of time (seven items for about 30 seconds)
How the short term memory can be improved
Chunking and rehersal
Definition of chunking
Putting related information into groups
Rehersal
Repeating information to yourself many times
How information can be lost from the STM
If a memory is not rehearsed, it will decay and be forgotten
Explain the serial position effect
- where the first and last few items of a list are remembered the best
- the first few are remembered best because the brain has had time to rehearse them and are now in the LTM
- the last few because they are still in the STM
What is working memory
An extension of the STM
What working memory allows to be carried out
Enables simple cognative tasks to be carried out
What makes the information transfer from the STM to the LTM
Successful coding within the STM
Two ways information is encoded
- shallow encoding
* elaborative encoding
Explain shallow encoding
Repitition, eg. Reading something over five times
Explain elaborative encoding
Linking information to previous memories, eg. Process of using the memories, thinking through the information
Different types of encoding
- Acoustic (sound)
- Visual (images)
- Olfactory (smell)
Transfer of information from the STM to the LTM is promoted by
- Rehersal- repetition of information, extending the time in the STM aiding transfer to the LTM
- Organisation- information is put into catagories
- Elaboration - additional, meaningful information is given about each item
How information stored in the LTM be retrieved
With use if contextual cues
Examples of contextual cues
- sight
- sound
- smell
- touch
- emotion
Explain “location of memory in the brain”
Different areas of the brain are responsible for the storage of different types of memories
What is remembered in an episodic memory
Evants and experiences
What is remembered in a Semantic memory
Facts, concepts and general knowledge
Where episodic memories are stored
The region of the cerebral cortex where the sensory information was first recieved and encoded
Where semantic memories are stored
The region of the cerebral cortex where the sensory information was first recieved and encoded
What is remembered in a procedural memory
Motor and metal skills eg. How to swim
Where procedural memories are stored
The motor cortex (a region of the cerebral cortex)
What is remembered is an emotional memory
Positive and negative experiences
What is remembered in a spatial memory
Information relating to a person’s surroundings, the spatial orientation of the objects within these surroundings
Where emotional memories are stored
Cerebral cortex and Limbic system
Where are spatial memories stored
The limbic system
