Cognitive Approach Flashcards
Information of Consolidation Theory
Key Points
Sleep theory
Walker et al 2005
When people sleep, info taken in during the day is processed
Gives the brain a chance to prepare for next day ahead
Info stored after processed into long term memory
Information of Consolidation Theory
Strengths
Huber et al (2004) showed that slow waves increased as much as 25% after some form of learning
Walker et al (2005) showed after sleep, a finger tapping task improved with speed and accuracy
Information of Consolidation Theory
Weaknesses
Vertes (2004) suggested sleeping is not key to memory consolidation, rest time is
Reorganisational Theory
Key Points
M
Dreaming theory
Crick and Mitchison 1983
We dream to forget
Reverse learning
During R.E.M. unnecessary memories are disposed
The cortex cannot cope with all of the days information so it throws out unwanted material (decluttering progress)
Reorganisational Theory
Strengths
Spiny anteater and dolphins have no REM sleep but do have a huge enlarged frontal cortex
C and M claim the enlarged part is for storing unnecessary memories
Reorganisational Theory
Weaknesses
Reverse learning can’t explain why dreams are meaningful, this is why only bizarre dreams occur
Capacity for storage may be underestimated
No human research
Problem Solving Theory
Key Points
Dreaming theory
Cartwright 1984
Help us adjust to change, threats and problems of life
Provide solutions and coping strategies for problems
Problem Solving Theory
Strengths
Barrett 1993 studied students who had to solve a problem, 50% dreamt a solution
Stickgold 2000 found Tetris players dreamt solutions related to the game
Cartwright 1983 found couples separating dreamt coping strategies
