Chapter 7 Flashcards
The Atkinson-Shiffrin Model: a theory of memory that explains how information is processed and stored in three stages:
Sensory Memory: This is the initial stage where sensory input (like sights and sounds) is briefly held for a very short time (usually less than a second).
Short-Term Memory (STM): Information from sensory memory moves here if we pay attention to it. Short-term memory holds a limited amount of information (about 7 items) for a short duration (about 20-30 seconds).
Long-Term Memory (LTM): Through processes like rehearsal, information from short-term memory can be transferred to long-term memory, where it can be stored for extended periods—potentially a lifetime—and has a much larger capacity.
What is Encoding and Retrieval in the STM
Encoding: the process of storing information in the LTM system. if not encoded properly,
memory/information will be lost.
Retrieval: brings info from LTM back into STM
Iconic Memory:
Echoic Memory:
Iconic Memory: A type of sensory memory that holds visual information for a brief moment, usually less than a second. It’s like a snapshot of what you just saw.
Echoic Memory: A type of sensory memory that holds auditory information, lasting a little longer, around 3-4 seconds. It helps you remember sounds you just heard.
Sensory Memory
Sensory Memory: Briefly stores information from the senses (like sights or sounds) for a few seconds before it’s processed or forgotten. It helps capture the world around us instantly.
Short-Term Memory and the Magical Number 7
Short-Term Memory (STM) can hold about 7 units of information (plus or minus 2) at a time. Without rehearsal, the information fades quickly, usually within 20-30 seconds.
Mnemonics: Hierarchies:
Mnemonics: Memory aids or techniques used to help remember information more easily, often by associating it with patterns, acronyms, or imagery. For example, using “ROYGBIV” to remember the colors of the rainbow.
Hierarchies: Organizing information into structured categories or levels, from general to specific. This helps improve understanding and memory by grouping related items together. For example, organizing animals into categories like mammals, birds, and reptiles.
science distinguishes short-term memory (STM) from long-term memory (LTM)
just read
Explaining the Difference:
STM and LTM are processed in different parts of the brain. The hippocampus is mainly involved in LTM, while sensory areas handle STM.
Critical Evaluation:
We can study people with memory disorders to observe clear differences between STM and LTM, helping to better understand how these systems work separately.
Relevance:
Understanding the distinction between STM and LTM is crucial for predicting brain damage and its potential impact on memory. This can help in medical diagnoses and treatments.
What is working memory
Working memory is like a mental workspace that helps you hold and manipulate information for a short time. It’s important for tasks like solving problems, understanding language, and following directions.
Key Points:
Short-Term: It stores information temporarily—usually for seconds to minutes.
Components: It has different parts that handle different types of information, like sounds, visual images, and meanings.
Limited Capacity: It can only hold a small amount of information at once, typically around 7 items.
helps you keep track of information you need rn, remembering a phone number long enough to dial it!
Working memory and its 4 parts:
1. Central Executive:
- Phonological Loop:
- Visuospatial Sketchpad
4.Episodic Buffer:
- Central Executive: Manages attention, switching between tasks like watching traffic and remembering a number.
2.Phonological Loop: Repeating verbal info (e.g., “1-800-555-HITS”).
3.Visuospatial Sketchpad: Processes visual info (e.g., understanding traffic).
4.Episodic Buffer: Combines images and sounds from different parts (e.g., pass the car and call the number).
The Central Executive
the control center of working memory. It manages attention and directs how information is shared between three storage systems:
the phonological loop (sound-based info), visuospatial sketchpad (visual/spatial info), and episodic buffer (integrates info from long-term memory).
Long-Term Memory systems
- Declarative (explicit): Memories you are aware of and can be verbalized
- Semantic(facts):
- Episodic (personal experiences) - Non-declarative(implicit): Actions and behaviours you can perform without awareness
- procedural(motor memory), classical conditioning
Declarative (explicit) Memory
Semantic and Episodic
Declarative (explicit) memory is the type of memory you are aware of and can easily describe or “declare.”
- Involves information you can consciously recall, such as facts and personal experiences.
It has two main types:
Semantic memory (facts): This is your memory for general knowledge, like facts, concepts, and information. For example, knowing that Paris is the capital of France or that 2 + 2 equals 4.
Episodic memory (personal experiences): This is your memory for personal events and experiences. It’s like remembering specific episodes from your life, such as your last birthday or a vacation you took.
Non-declarative(implicit):
Non-declarative(implicit): Actions and behaviours you can perform without
awareness
- Procedural(motor memory), classical conditioning
Consolidation
the process of converting short-term memories into long-term memories in the brain
Cellular consolidation: when LTP continues long and often enough, the neurons adapt and make changes more permanent
Long-term potentiation (LTP)
Long-term potentiation (LTP) is when the connection between neurons strengthens after repeated activation, making signal transmission easier. It’s crucial for learning and memory, especially in the hippocampus, which forms new memories. In classical conditioning (like blinking to a sound), LTP strengthens the neural connections involved in the response.
