Exam 2 Flashcards
4 Models of Memory: Information Processing Approach
Memory processes like a computer storing files; encoding information, storing it, retrieving it (during retrieval info can be added to memory)
4 Models of Memory: Parallel Distributed Processing Model
Memory is distributed across regions of the brain; wide network of interconnected neurons
4 Models of Memory: Levels of Processing Approach
strength of memory depends on the degree and depth of processing that occurs (ex. active recall study method; deep processing)
4 Models of Memory: Stage Model
Sensory input-> sensory memory (+attention)-> STM (30 seconds if unrehersed or it goes away)
–encoding-> LTM
Working Memeory
memories/ information you can hold in your mind for brief time while working with it
What role does attention play in memory processing?
only senesory memeories we pay attention to go to STM; If held in STM long enough and with enough attention -> encoded in a way which we can retrieve it
2 Types of sensory memory
iconic and echoic memory
iconic memory
transduced/ encoded visual snap shot that lasts less than 1 second.
echoic memory
brain registers and temporarily stores a perfect version of the sounds around you until it’s processed; a few seconds
Short Term Memory
-requires attention
-limited capacity; about 7 plus or minus 2 things stored at a time for around 30 seconds
Primacy effect
remember first pieces of information in given information set
Chunking
a process by which small individual pieces of a set of information are bound together to create a meaningful whole; increases STM capacity
Recency effect
remember last pieces of information in given information set
Implicit memory
memory that does not require conscious recall (procedural memory)
Explicit Memory
memory that requires conscious recall
2 types of explicit memory
semantic and episodic memory
Semantic memory
facts and general knowlegde
Episodic memory
memories regarding personally experienced events
recall
intentionally bringing explicit memory/ info to awareness
*deeper/ stronger explicit memory
recognition
encoding an input and meaning to a stored representation; feeling of familiarity when something previously experienced is again encountered
encoding
transforming perception into memories
elaborative encoding
relating new information to information already in memory
visual imagery encoding
stringing info by means of creating a mental picture of it
organizational encoding
process of categorization of info according to relationships
ex. servers remember who ordered what at a table
semantic network
a representation of memory that describes the organization of declarative facts and knowledge in the mind; idea connections
-ex concept map
what role does sleep play in memory consolidation?
it plays an active role:
-increased hippocampal activity
-increased interaction between hippocampus and frontal lobe
Hippocampus role in memeory
critical as an index for LTM
HM Case study
-hippocampusremoved to prevent seizures
-has STM for 30 seconds (receives but does not encode) and procedural memories but no LTM
EP Case Study
-viral damage to hippocampus and tissues around
-LTM VERY intact (can remember how to navigate his childhood neighborhood), implicit memory and working memory BUT no STM (resets every few mins)
-Hippocampus role not where LTM stored
Clive Wearing Case Study
-musician who had viral damage to right and left temporal lobe and one side of his frontal lobe
-only sees and perceives the moment then resets
-like he is waking up for the first time all the time
-musical skills still intact
Anterograde Amnesia
inability to transfer info from STM to LTM ; can’t form new memories
-ex. Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Retrograde Amnesia
inability to retrieve info from before a certain time
Consolidation
process by which memories become more stable
Reconsolidation
memories can become vulnerable to disruption when they are recalled (can add to them or misremember) requiring them to be reconsolidated again
Alzheimer’s Disease
-decrease in explicit/ declarative memory
-LTM initially good but then starts to decline
-fail to recall facts, information and personal life experiences
-confusion; ex think their adult child is a baby again
-Acetylcholine neurotransmitter
How are neurons impacted by memeory/ role in memoery formation?
repeated synapse stimulation by memory activation causes dendrites to grow and form new neural connections (knowledge) memory strengthens synaptic connection between neurons
NMDA Receptor
receptor site on hippocampus that influences flow of info between neurons by controlling initiation of long term potential
Long Term Potential (LTP)
communication across synapse between neurons strengthens connection and makes communication easier (involves glutamate)
Encoding Specificity Principle
way in which info is encoded (strength of associations) impacts how easily retvial of that info is
State Dependent retrieval
info better recalled when in the same state as one was when it was encoded/ retrieved (ex substances used or emotional state)
Alcohol Myopia and memory
Alcohol causes
-cognitive nearsightedness (not everything in environment perceived)
-decrease in reasoning and concentration
-failure to process and store environmental cues
False memory
gain a new memory based on inputs from others and from environment
-RLS: eyewitness testimonies; Robert Cotton false SA charge + DNA test (unreliable)
repressed memory
traumatic events lead to failure to encode details/ encoding the memory so it is not easily retrieved
Transience
forgetting what occurs with the passage of time
Retroactive interference
situations in which information learned later impacts memory of old info
proactive interference
situations in which old info impacts memory processing of new information
Absentmindedness
lapse in attention that causes memory failure
False Recognition
feeling of familiarity about something you have never encountered (ex. false deja vu)
Blocking
failure to retrieve info from memory when trying to recall (“tip of the tongue”)
Memory Misattribution
assigning recollection or idea to wrong source (ex. Oklahoma city bombing eyewitness testimony)
3 types of Biases
-consistency bias: reconstruct past to ft present
-change bias: exaggerate difference of thoughts and feelings over time
-egocentric bias: exaggerate difference between then and now to make ourselves look good/ feel better
Persistence
intrusive recollection of events that we wish we could forget (often emotionally inducing events; trauma)
Flashbulb memory
detailed recollection of when and where we heard about or experienced an emotionally stimulating event (ex. 9/11)
What parts of brain invilved with emotinal memeory
amygdala works with hippocampus to facilitate stronger connections; without amygdala role in memory all events would be remember to the same degree
Impact of Adderall/ Norepinephrine levels on Soldiers and PTSD
Increased Norepinephrine levels lead to increased alertness so traumatic events consolidated and formed stronger-> higher levels of PTSD
PTSD
unwanted intrusive memories that appear to be happening “here and now”
Learning
-intellectual process of acquiring explicit information
-experiences shape/change or behavior
-retrieval response process
-can happen outside of conscious awareness
Pavlov Dog Experiment
UR: dog salivating at food
Natural Stimulus: food
CS: bell
CR: dog salivates at bell bc of association with food