Attention and Memory-AYQDF Flashcards
The nervous system’s capacity to acquire and retain skills and knowledge.
Encoding, Storage, Retrieval
The processing of information so that it can be stored. Occurs at the time of learning as information is acquired by being encoded, ie. translated into a neural code the brain can use
The retention of encoded representations over time. Information may be stored for seconds or for a lifetime. At least 3 storage systems exist
The act of recalling or remembering stored information when it is needed.
Karl Lashley’s term for the physical state of memory storage–where the memory “lives”
The idea by Karl Lashley that memory is distributed throughout the rain rather than confined to any one location.
Hippocampus, Amygdala, Motor Cortex, Prefrontal Cortex
Spacial and declarative memory
Emotional learning, particularly fear leaning
motor actions
working memory
A process by which immediate memories become lasting (or long-term) memories. In this process, neural connections that support memory become stronger, and new synapses are constructed.
Memories are formed in the medial temporal lobes. (In class, it was said that prefrontal cortex was involved in coding memory). The hippocampus consolidates memory, and memories are eventually stored in the original region that encoded them (visual info stored in cortical areas involved in visual perception, sound stored in areas involved in auditory perception, etc.)
Important for forming new memories, but also form links, or pointers, between the different storage sites, and direct the gradual strengthening of the connections between these links
Neural processes involved when memories are recalled and then stored again for later retrieval. New theory proposes that recalling memories causes them to be changed slightly based on the new context of remembering before they are reconsolidated
Processing multiple types of information at the same time. Allows us to attend selectively to one feature of our environment while we block out others.
Theory by Donald Broadbent that people have a limited capacity for sensory information, so they screen incoming information to let in only the most important material.
A failure to notice large changes in one’s environment, due to the fact that we cannot attend to everything in the vast array of visual information available. People with greater ability to maintain attention in the face of distracting information are less likely to experience change blindness.
Three-part model consists of sensory memory, short-term memory and long-term memory. Terms refer to the length of time information is retained in memory, and the parts differ in their capacity for storage. Sensory has the shortest, long-term has the longest.
A memory system that very briefly stores sensory information in close to its original sensory form. Occurs when a light, sound, odor, taste, or tactile impression leaves a vanishing trace on the nervous system for a fraction of a second.
A memory storage system that briefly holds a limited amount of information in awareness. Less contemporary model than working memory
An active processing system that keeps different types of information available for use. Must be kept in consciousness, ie. you must repeat a phone number to yourself. Otherwise, disappears after 20-30 seconds.
auditory memory, a form of sensory memory
Visual memory, a form of sensory memory
The number of information that can be kept in working memory at a time. Generally seven items.
Organizing information into meaningful units to make it easier to remember