D. Learning, Memory, and Amnesia - Part 1 Flashcards
Describe learning
Our ability to use our previous experiences to influence our future responses to similar encounters
Describe memory
persistent change that is experienced over time
Describe the changes that occur in each level of neurobiology wrt memory
a) molecular
b) cellular
c) systematic
d) behavioral
a) changes in gene expression + protein synthesis needed to from new memories
b) changes in neuron structure that influences cell communication
c) interaction b/w the different structures of the brain which shares different types of memory processing and storage fxns
d) the influences of behavior that indicate learning something (remembering something) based on previous experience
Describe the following terms; include time periods for each
a) short-term memory
b) long-term memory
c) remote memory
a) temporary storage of info for brief periods of time = secs to mins
b) semi-permanent storage of info that remains after a long delay = h to days
c) extreme form of long term = wks, months, yrs, lifetime
Why does remote memory vary so much wrt its time period compared to long or short term memory?
ones remote memory varies on the species. Some species such as humans have a better remote memory that can last years while other can only last for wks
Describe the following terms
a) anterograde amnesia
b) retrograde amnesia
a) type of amnesia where you are unable to recall new info/meeting new ppl
b) type of amnesia where are are unable to recall events from remote memory (years ago)
H.M had a lobotomy where they lesioned his bilateral medial temporal lobes (MTL) which caused him to experience extreme amnesia. Curious about the MTLs exact association w/ memory a series of tests were performed on H.M as a means of figuring out what the MTLs exact fxn is wrt memory. Describe the following tests; what were they testing exactly and what were the results found?
a) the digit span test
b) the block-tapping memory-span test
c) the mirror drawing test
d) the incomplete picture test
e) the classical (pavlovian) conditioning test
a) This is a verbal/auditory short-term memory test in which the researcher reads out load a series of digits that the participant must repeat. After each trial the number of digits read INC until the participant cannot repeat it due to forgetting. For H.M they found that he was able to remember up to 8 digits which is in the lower end of the normal range. Therefore, based on this he has short-term memory buts its below average.
b) This is a motor spatial based short-term memory test where the researcher taps an array of identical blocks on a table that the participant must repeat. After each trial the number of blocks tapped INC until participant cannot remember. For H.M they found that he was able to remember up to 5 blocks being tapped which is on the lower end of the normal range. Therefore, based on this the below average short-term memory is global
c) this sensory motor long-term test involves the participant tracing out a shape only by using a mirror. They are required to practice 10 times a day for 3 days. For H.M they found that as each day passed he made significantly less errors despite having no recollection of practicing the day before. Therefore, is sensory motor long-term memory is still intact
d) this non-sensory motor long-term test involves figuring out a drawing that is incomplete. The researcher shows the lowest degree of completeness first and INC the completeness of that same incomplete drawing until the participant is able to figure out what it is. Then this is repeated an hour later. For H.M they found that Despite not recalling ever being shown these drawings before he was able to figure them out sooner than before. This shows that he is able to acquire and form long-term memories globally
e) this associative learning test using blinking to measure the associations that participants form when a puff of air is blown in ones face while a tone is played. For H.M they found that despite not recalling ever done this experiment he reacted in a way that indicated that he had associated the tone w/ a puff of air. Therefore showing evidence that he can form long-term memories and associations
Draw the flow chart for memory include the following terms (some may be used multple itmes); memory, declarative, nondeclarative, semantic, eposodic, striatum, skills + habits, priming, neocortex, motor cortex, MTL, diecephalon, Cerebelum, Basic associative learning, Skeletal musculature, Nonassociative learning, emotional response, amygdala, reflex pathway
Which type of memory is the MTL associated w/?
a) nondeclarative
b) declarative
c) short-term
d) long-term
b
Which type of memory is more affected by damage to the hippocampus?
a) episodic memory
b) declarative memory
c) semantic memory
d) non-declarative memory
a
What is the difference b/w episodic memory and somatic memory?
a) somatic = memories related to facts
b) episodic = memories related to events
What is the difference b/w declarative and nondeclarative memory? Which one did H.M have impaired?
a) declarative = memory that you can consciously recall
b) non = memory that you don’t need to consciously recall
Match the following terms
a) declarative
b) non-declarative
1. implicit
2. explicit
a) 2
b) 1
T or F - the MTL is the brain region that is responsible for memory
F - it is associated with a part of the fxn of memory (implicit memory) but not the only region responsible for it
