Basic Principles Of Memory

Question 1

Memory definition?

Answer 1

Encoding storage and retrieval of information

Question 2

Sensory memory capacity and duration?

Answer 2

Capacity- large

Duration- milliseconds to seconds

Question 3

Sensory memory consists of?

Answer 3

Echoic- auditory

Iconic- visual field

Question 4

Short term memory capacity and duration?

Answer 4

Capacity- short

Duration- seconds to minutes

Question 5

Span of STM?

Answer 5

7 plus or minus 2 items

Question 6

How to retain more information in STM?

Answer 6

Chunking

Question 7

What are critiques to STM?

Answer 7

Implies a serial structure to memory

Patients with impaired STM could still form LTM

Modality effects- If STM store is full with numbers, you shouldn’t be able to do another task (e.g. reading)… but you can!

There are other routes to encoding information that bypass these stages (e.g. flashbulb memories, PTSD).

Question 8

Phonological loop holds how much verbal information?

Answer 8

7 plus or mins 2 words

Question 9

How is content refreshed in phonological loop?

Answer 9

Articulatory processes, sub vocal speech

Question 10

Visuospatial sketchpad has 2 areas?

Answer 10

Visual cache- form and colour

Inner scribe- spatial movement and manipulation

Rehearsal happens through inner scribe

Question 11

How to test spatial span?

Answer 11

Corsi block tapping test

Question 12

Central executive is important for?

Answer 12

Concept of executive functioning- mental problems

I.e digit span

Question 13

Visuospatial tasks happen typically where?

Answer 13

Right hemisphere

Question 14

Phonological tasks happen where?

Answer 14

Left hemisphere

Question 15

What is encoding?

Answer 15

Initial acquisition and consolidation of information into memory

Question 16

What is retrieval?

Answer 16

Accessing information stored in memory

Question 17

Context-dependent memory?

Answer 17

Memory can be enhanced when the retrieval context resembles the encoding context.

Question 18

Transfer appropriate processing?

Answer 18

Memory may be enhanced when the cognitive processes during retrieval and encoding are the same (e.g. both shallow)

Question 19

Method of loci

Answer 19

When memorising several items, link each to a familiar place or route

Question 20

Encoding failures e.g?

Answer 20

Alzheimer’s - hippocampal dysfunction

Question 21

Retrieval failures?

Answer 21

Difficulty freely recalling, but can do cued and recognition

Related to deficits in executive function