CHP6-7: Process of memory 6A-B, 7A (AOS2)

Question 1

Memory

Answer 1

The process of encoding, storing, and retrieving learned information.

Question 2

Atkinson-Shiffrin multi-store model of memory

Answer 2

A model of memory which outlines the flow of information in memory formation and retrieval through separate stores of memory; sensory, short-term, and long-term each of which has a different function, capacity, and duration.

Question 3

Encoding

Answer 3

The process of converting raw information from stimuli into a useable form that can be stored in the brain.

Question 4

Storage

Answer 4

Retaining converted information so it can be accessed and used in the future.

Question 5

Retrieval

Answer 5

Accessing information that has previously been stored in the brain for use.

Question 6

Sensory memory

Answer 6

Store of memory which very briefly stores raw information detected by the senses.

Question 7

Echoic memory

Answer 7

A type of sensory memory that temporarily stores auditory information.

Question 8

Iconic memory

Answer 8

A type of sensory memory that temporarily stores visual information.

Question 9

Function of sensory memory

Answer 9

To retain information that has been detected by the senses in its raw sensory form. If the information has been attended to it is then encoded and transferred to short-term memory for processing, otherwise, the memory is lost completely.

Question 10

Capacity of sensory memory

Answer 10

Sensory memory has a large capacity that is described as being unlimited. This is because all the stimuli in the environment have the potential to be detected by sensory memory.

Question 11

Duration of sensory memory

Answer 11

Sensory memory is extremely brief, with a duration of just 0.2 to 0.4 seconds.

Although iconic memory last 0.2 to 0.4 seconds, echoic memory is stored for about 3 to 4 seconds.

Question 12

Why is sensory memory so brief?

Answer 12

The duration of sensory memory allows for information to be stored for just enough time so that information that is meaningful can be identified and processed to short-term memory.

Question 13

Short-term memory (STM)

Answer 13

Store of memory that holds information that is consciously being attended to and actively manipulated.

Question 14

Function of short-term memory (STM)

Answer 14

Functions to pay conscious attention to information so that it can be encoded and moved to long-term memory, or lost if not transferred to long-term memory.

Question 15

Capacity of short-term memory (STM)

Answer 15

Short-term memory (STM) has a smaller capacity compared to sensory memory, only holding a limited amount of information specifically 5 – 9 items.

Question 16

Duration of short-term memory (STM)

Answer 16

Information is only stored in short-term memory (STM) for a temporary period of 18 to 30 seconds. After 30 seconds information that has not been encoded and processed into long-term memory is likely to be lost.

Question 17

Long-term memory (LTM)

Answer 17

A store of memory which contains all the information you retain from past events as well as your knowledge of facts.

Question 18

Function of long-term memory (LTM)

Answer 18

Functions to store information that can be retrieved for future use.

Question 19

Capacity of long-term memory (LTM)

Answer 19

As the exact capacity of long-term memory has not been discovered by researchers, the capacity of long-term memory is potentially unlimited.

Question 20

Duration of long-term memory (LTM)

Answer 20

The duration of long-term memory is understood as being relatively permanent due to the belief that long-term memories can be stored almost forever with some exceptions.

Question 21

Implicit memories

Answer 21

A type of long-term memory that is retrieved unconsciously.

Question 22

Categories of implicit memories

Answer 22

Procedural, and classically conditioned memories;

Question 23

Procedural memories

Answer 23

A type of implicit memory that involves knowing how to carry out tasks facilitated by motor skills.

Question 24

Classically conditioned memories

Answer 24

A type of implicit memory that involves an involuntary response, such as fear, to a stimulus that has repeatedly been associated with an emotionally arousing stimulus.

Question 25

Categories of explicit memories

Answer 25

Semantic, and eposodic memories;

Question 26

Explicit memories

Answer 26

A type of long-term memory that can be consciously retrieved;

Question 27

Semantic memories

Answer 27

A type of explicit memory that consists of general knowledge or facts.

Question 28

Episodic memories

Answer 28

A type of explicit memory that consists of personal experiences or events.

Question 29

The role of the cerebral cortex in storing long-term memories

Answer 29

It is involved in storing long-term memories, particularly explicit memories, and processing short-term memories.

Question 30

The role of the hippocampus in storing long-term memories

Answer 30

Located in the middle of the brain and is primarily involved in encoding explicit memories, and the consolidation of explicit memories with the amygdala signalling to the hippocampus to strengthen the consolidation of memory when it is significant.

Question 31

The role of the amygdala in storing long-term memories

Answer 31

Located in the middle of the brain, is involved in encoding and consolidating emotionally arousing memories, and retrieving explicit memories.

Question 32

The role of the cerebellum in storing long-term memories

Answer 32

Located at the base of the brain is involved in encoding implicit memories, particularly procedural memories. It is also the storage site for implicit procedural memories.

Question 33

Amnesia

Answer 33

The loss of memory that is inconsistent with ordinary forgetting that may be partial, complete, temporary, or permanent.

Question 34

Anterograde amnesia

Answer 34

The loss of ability to form or store new long-term memories.

Question 35

Brain trauma

Answer 35

Any form of damage or injury to the brain that impairs the normal functioning of the brain. The damage the brain sustains may result in some form of memory impairment that causes an inability to form, store or retrieve memories.

Question 36

Forgetting

Answer 36

The inability to access or retrieve information previously stored in memory.

Question 37

Neurodegenerative diseases

Answer 37

A disorder characterized by the progressive decline in the structure, activity and function of brain tissue.

Question 38

Alzheimer’s disease

Answer 38

A neurodegenerative disease that involves the progressive loss of neurons in the brain and is characterized by memory decline.

Question 39

Amyloid plaques

Answer 39

Fragments of protein beta-amyloid that accumulate among the axon terminals that form insoluble plaques that inhibit communication between neurons.

Question 40

Neurofibrillary tangles

Answer 40

An accumulation of abnormal protein that forms insoluble tangles within neurons, which then inhibit the transport of essential substances throughout the neuron, eventually killing the neuron entirely.