Chapter 6 Flashcards
Memory
ability to store and retrieve info overtime
3 key functions
Encoding, Storage, Retrieval
Encoding
- process of transforming what we perceive, think, or feel into an enduring memory
- memories are made by combining info. we already have
- memories are constructed not recorded
- 3 types; Sematic, Visual, Organizational
Sematic Encoding
- process of relating new info in a meaningful way to knowledge already stored in memory; lower left parts of the frontal and temporal lobes
- Sematic judgements: meaning of word
- Ryme judgements: sound of word
- Case judgements: appearance of word
- long-term retention is enhanced
Visual Imagery Encoding
- process of storing new info by converting it into mental pics
- activates processing regions in occipital lobe
- relates incoming knowledge to present knowledge
- helps to have 2 mental placeholders (visual and verbal); more ways to remember
Organizational Encoding
- categorizing info according to the relationships among terms
- can improve recall by organizing everything into multiple-lvl categories
- activates the upper surface of the left frontal lobe
Surviving Encoding
- including sematic, visual imagery, organizational encoding
- encouraging extensive planning to benefit memory
Storage
maintaining info in memory overtime
-Sensory, Short-term, Long-term
Sensory Memory
- hold sensory info for a few secs. or less
- Iconic: fast-decaying store of visual info; 1 sec or less
- Echoic: fast-decaying store of auditory info; 5 secs
Short-term
-holds non-sensory info for more than a few secs but less than a min ; ex. phone #
Long-term
- type of storage that holds info for awhile
- no capacity limits
- hippocampal patient H.M.
Rehearsal
process of keeping info in short-term by repeating it
Serial Position Effect
first and last items are more likely to be remembered
Chunking
combining small pieces of info into large clusters or chunks to make it easier to store
Working Memory
- active maintenance of info in short-term storage
- consists of; central executive–>controls flow of info, Visuo-spatial sketchpad/ phonological loop, Episodic buffer–> ingrates info
Anterograde Amnesia
inability to transfer new info from short-term to long-term
Retrograde Amnesia
inability to retrieve info before a particular date
Consolidation
memories become stable in brain
Reconsolidation
memories are vulnerable to disruption when they are recalled
Long-term potential
communication across the synapse btwn neurons strengthens the connection making future communication easier
LTP properties
- occurs along several pathways within hippocampus
- can be induced rapidly
- can last for a long time
2 classes of memories
- Explicit: consciously or intentionally retrieve past experiences
- Implicit: past experiences influence later behaviour and performance; w/o effort to remember or awareness of the recollection
Types of Explicit Memory
- Semantic Memory: network of associated facts and concept that make up general knowledge
- Episodic Memory: collection of past personal experiences that occur at a particular time/ place
Types of implicit memory
- Procedural memory: gradual acquisition of skills as a result of practice
- Priming: enhanced ability to think of a stimulus as a result of recent exposure to the stimulus