Class 6 - Language and memory Flashcards
In linguistics, a “model” can refer to…
- theory –> prediction of how things should behave
2. computational theory –> algorithm
Working memory refers to..
the whole theoretical framework of structures and processes used for the temporary storage and manipulation of information, of which short term memory is a part of.
Long term memory (LTM) was first proposed in…by…
In 1949 by Hebb, who proposed in his book “Organization of Behaviour” that the distinction between STM and LTM would be the following:
STM: temporary electrical activity
LTM: durable changes in the nervous system
The first LTM model was proposed by…
Atkinson and Shiffrin, who proposed that information came in from the environment into a temporary short-term storage system which served as an antechamber to the more durable LTM. This short-term storage system would also play the role of working memory in this model, presumably hosting more complex cognitive tasks
One proof IN FAVOUR of the LTM model proposed by Atkinson and Shiffrin was…
It was shown that damage to the medial temporal lobes could lead to grossly impaired capacity for new learning, while leaving performance on STM tasks unaffected (Baddeley & Warrington, 1970; Milner, 1966). This fitted the two-component model very well, since it clearly reflected damage to the LTM system, together with preserved STM.
One proof AGAINST the LTM model proposed by Atkinson and Shiffrin was given by…
the evidence that some patients with conduction aphasia would have conditions wouldn’t have problems in performing every day tasks, such as working as secretaries or taxi-drivers.
If the STM system functioned as a working memory indeed, then such patients ought to have problems not only in LTM, but also in a wide range of other complex cognitive tasks. They did not do so: this led to the Working memory model by Baddely (first in 1974, then 2003)
Working memory model by Baddely part 1
Visual Spatial Sketchpad, Central Executive, Phonological Loop: has a “in between” component that is attached to both STM and LTM and that creates a working space for cognitive tasks to occur.
Visual Spatial Sketchpad
Rehearse of visual information
Phonological Loop
Rehearsal and storage of verbal and acoustic information.
Central executive performs..
Coordination
Working memory model by Baddely part 2
Working memory involves the temporary storage and manipulation of information that is assumed to be necessary for a wide range of complex cognitive activities.
Do we, as humans, have the same memory storage capacity?
Yes
Do we, as humans, have the same working memory span?
No
Language processing can be impaired by damages to the…
Phonological loop
2 components of the phonological loop:
Component 1:
subvocal rehearsal system → dependent on previous language knowledge
Component 2:
memory trace, fast decay, not dependent on language.
