Cognitive Processes Flashcards
What is cognitive psychology
The scientific study of the mind as an information processor
Whats the use of cognitive study in sleep
They are used to explain why we sleep and dream
First cognitive theory in relation to sleep
Sleeping and dreaming improve our cognitive functions
Difference between cognitive and biological theories for sleep and dreams
Cognitive theories suggest that sleep is for the maintenance and growth of the mind and not the body
Whats the mind in this viewpoint
It views the mind as a processor of information and sleep exists to facilitate this processing
What is the common analogy used in this theory
That the brain is akin to a computer
What is suggested happens during sleep according to this theory
The brain is cleaning up files and ridding useless information from the day while strengthening bonds between memories
First evidence
Stickgold in 2009 and found that sleep benefits all types of memories such as episodic, semantic, declarative and procedural. And suggests that those with medium memory trace benefit the most from sleep
What is consolidating memories
The systematic reactivations if memories in the same order they were made to strengthen the synaptic connections between neurons which makes memories stable amd permanent
When does consolation occur
Right after new information is added yet it still happens weeks or months after
Why is it suggested that we do this during sleep
The process is resource draining and time consuming which sleep gives more of
Which memories does REM sleep benefit
Enhances emotional and non declarative memories which is thought to be because of the increased activation of the amygdala during this stage
Which memories does Non-REM sleep benefit
Consolidation of declarative memories
Evidence for consolidating memories
Mednick et al in 2003 found that for perceptions tasks the same benefit for memory was found after a 90 minute nap that contained all sleep stages as from a full night sleep which suggests that as long as we have all the stages of sleep our brain will still consolidate memories
What is the name for what memories are sorted into
Shchema
