Chapter 7: Memory Flashcards
What is memory?
The ability of the nervous system to retain and retrieve skills and knowledge
Memory makes it possible to record and store information form experiences for later use
What are the 3 phases in information processing for memory?
Encoding
Storage
Retrieval
When does coding take place?
Learning
Into what does the brain convert information into?
Neural code
What is storage for memory?
The preservation of the undecided representation
What is consolidation?
Neural connections that support memory become stronger and new synapses are formed, which is known as consolidation
What is retrieval?
Reaching into the memory store to find and recall a previously encoded and stored memory when needed
What is reconsolidation?
As soon as the memories are activated, they are reconsolidated to be stored in the memory again
When does reconsolidation happen?
Happens every time a memory is activated and placed back in the memory
Therefore, memories of events can change over time
What does Hebb propose about memory?
Proposed that memory is the result of changes in the synaptic connections
When one neuron excites another, changes take place that strengthen the connection between the two neurons
‘Cells that fire tighter wire together’
What is long term potentiation (LTP)?
A process central to the neural basis of memory consolidation
LTP is the strengthening of a synaptic connection, making postsynaptic neurons easier to activate
A requirement for LTP is the NMDA receptor on the postsynaptic neuron. What is the NMDA?
NMDA is a glutamate receptor that only responds when there is a large amount of glutamate available in the synapse
Epigenetic mechanisms, such as HDAC, are important for memory. What are HDAC?
HDAC is a group of enzymes that inhibit gene expression
Blocking HDAC can lead to increased memory
HDAC functions as an interruption to the memory
This interruption temporarily disappears when something important happens in the environment
What is the term engram?
Refers to the physical place of storage in memory
However we now know there is no storage palce
What did Lashley find?
Found that memory is distributed throughout the brain, an idea known as equipotential
What did we learn about the brain and memory from HM?
We now know that regions within the temporal lobes, such as the hippocampus, are important for the ability to store new memories
What is the sensory memory?
Is a temporary memory system related to the sensory systems
How long does sensory memory last?
Only lasts a fraction of a second before that information is converted into neural impulses
What is another name for visual sensory memory?
Ionic memory
What is another name for auditory sensory memory?
Echo memory
How is information transferred from sensory memory to short term memory?
When attention is focused on something
What is short term memory?
An active processing unit that deals with different types of information
What is another name for short term memory?
Working memory
How long does information remain in working memory?
20 to 30 seconds
How can information stay longer in the working memory?
By repeating it continuously
How much information can the working memory usually remember?
7 units
What is a way to remember more in the working memory?
By chunking
Where is information permanently stored?
Long term memory
What are the two separate effects of the serial position effect?
The primacy effect
The recency effect
What is the primacy effect?
Releases to the improved recall of objects at the beginning of a list
These objects are rehearsed the most and therefore end up in long term memory
What is the recency effect?
Relates to the improved recall of objects at the end of the list
What are the various ways that memory can get into the long term memory?
Through repetition
Relevant information about the environment will be transferred to long term memory
Into what are perceptual experiences converted into?
Mental representations in the brain
According to the levels of the processing model, what happens when an item is deeply encoded?
The deeper an item is coded, the more meaning it has and the better it is remembered
What are the different types of repetition that lead to different forms of encoding?
Maintenance rehearsal
Extended rehearsal
Maintenance rehearsal
The repetition of the object
Extended rehearsal
The meaningful encoding of information
This can be done by linking it to knowledge form long term memory
What are schemas?
Long term memory structures that help to perceive, organise, process and use information
Schemas direct attention to relevant features
Schemas can be influenced by culture and may therefore be biased
What is a retrieval cue?
Anything that helps a person to call a memory can be seen as a retrieval cue
What does the principle of encoding specificity say about retrieval cues?
Any stimulus encoded together with an experience can later evoke a memory of this experience
What does context dependent memory describe?
Describes a memory that is recalled when the recall situation is similar to the endowing situation
This type of memory can be based on a certain location, smell and music
When does state dependent memory occur?
When the memory is reinforced by the eternal state of a person
What is a prospective memory?
A memory of doing something in the future
This type of memory is easily forgotten, so retrieval cues can be useful
What are the 2 categories of memory?
Implicit memory
Explicit memory
Implicit memory
The unconscious memory
Explicit memory
Includes processes that people use to consciously remember information
Cognitive information retrieved from explicit memory is called declarative memory, what is it?
Mean that people can consciously think about the memory
Explicit memory can also be divided into episodic memory and semantic memory. What is episodic memory?
Includes personal experiences
What do semantic memory include?
Knowledge of facts independent of personal experiences
