June 27, Part 2

Question 1

What does information processing model suggest

Answer 1

• that our brains are similar to computers
• > we get input from the environment, process it and output decisions

the process is:

1) Input
2) Process
3) Output

Question 2

Does the information-processing model assume serial processing or parallel processing

Answer 2

• it suggests serial processing

- >but brain has capacity for parallel processing

Question 3

What are the two types of sensory memory

Answer 3

• iconic memory(visual memory) and echoic memory(auditory memory)
• > note this memory lasts a few seconds

Question 4

Describe the partial report technique

Answer 4

-report one part of a whole field in cued recall

• participants are given a cue which is associated with a certain set of characters
• > hear the cue and then you have to report that specific set
• 9/12 letters were recalled this way
• > suggesting 75% of the entire visual display was accessible to the memory

Question 5

Describe the whole report technique

Answer 5

• required participants to recall as many elements from the original display in their proper spatial locations as possible
• > limit to four or five items

Question 6

Describe working memory

Answer 6

• it is the sensory information that you actually process
• > it is memory that is stored while it is held in attention
• > can hold up to 7+/- 2 pieces of info at a time

Question 7

Describe the working memory model

Answer 7

• processing occurs at the:
• > visuo-spatial sketchpad
• > phonological loop(verbal info)
• > episodic buffer(connected for information to be stored in the long-term memory)
• note that all this processing is controlled by the central executive
• > it also coordinates the activity between the visuo-spatial sketchpad and the phonological loop

Question 8

What does the dual coding hypothesis state

Answer 8

-that it is easier to remember words associated with images than remember those words by itself

• the method of loci is helpful for this
• > you visualize the topic to be remembered

Question 9

What are the two categories of long term memory

Answer 9

-it is implicit memory and explicit memory

Question 10

Do implicit memories occur unconsciously

Answer 10

-yes they occur unconsciously

Question 11

What is the relationship between implicit memories and priming

Answer 11

• implicit memories arise from priming

- note also all memories formed by conditioning are implicit memories

Question 12

Contrast negative priming and positive priming

Answer 12

Negative priming

• > an implicit memory effect
• > in which prior exposure to the stimulus unfavourably influences the response to the same stimulus
• > caused by experiencing the stimuli and then ignoring it
• note that it lowers the speed to slower than un-primed levels

Positive priming

• > caused by spreading activation
• > it speeds up processing

Question 13

What is autobiographical memory

Answer 13

• it is memory consisting of episodes recollected from an individual’s life
• > it is based on combination of episodic and semantic memory

Question 14

What is the definition of encoding

Answer 14

• it is transferring information from the temporary store in the working memory to the permanent store in the long-term memory
• note encoding is more successful when more cognitive effort is used

Question 15

What are different strategies to encoding

Answer 15

1) Rote rehearsal
- >say the stuff over and over to remember
- >least effective technique

2) Chunking
- >group info into meaningful categories

3)Mnemonic devices
->link what you are trying to learn to previously existing memory
->eg; imagery, pegword system, method of loci, Pegword+ Method of Loci
and Acronym.

4) Self referencing
- >how does it relate to you personally

5)Spacing of studying

Question 16

What is successful retrieval of memory

Answer 16

• it depends on being able to use the cues around you

- >and recognize the association between cues present at encoding and cue present at retrieval

Question 17

What is the definition of retrieval

Answer 17

• anything you pull out of long-term memory

- >and bring into conscious memory(working memory)

Question 18

What is the most difficult type of recall to the easiest type. Differentiate between free recall, cued recall and recognition

Answer 18

1) Free recall
- >no cues
- >best at recalling first items on the list(primary effect) and the most recent items on the list(recency effect)

2) Cued recall
- >having clues to remember words
- >added cues help you retrieve the information from long term memorry

3) Recognition
- >present two words and say which one you heard
- >retrieval of correct word is highly likely

Question 19

What is schema

Answer 19

-mental blueprint containing the common aspects of the world

Question 20

What incorrect results can schemas result in

Answer 20

-false information and misleading information

• misleading
• > eg; observers see a car crash
• > then asked how fast the cars hit each other
• > those who heard smash said the cars were going faster

Question 21

What is meant by an error in source monitoring

Answer 21

• when people recall information

- >they often forget the information’s source

Question 22

How can source monitoring be improved

Answer 22

-it can be improved by using more retrieval cues

Question 23

What is source amnesia

Answer 23

• it is the inability to remember where, when, or how previously learned information has been acquired
• note that FACTUAL knowledge has been retained

Question 24

Can inattention impact memory formation

Answer 24

-yes it has a negative effect and can result in errors of memory

Question 25

What is meant by the term long term potentiation

Answer 25

• note that brain doesn’t grow new cells to store memories
• > it just strengthens connections between neurons

-note long term potentiation is an example of synaptic plasticity

Question 26

Describe long term potentiation on the level of neurons

Answer 26

• in LTP

- >the same presynaptic neuron will elicit a stronger and stronger response in the postsynaptic neuron

Question 27

Contrast retroactive interference from proactive interference

Answer 27

Retroactive
->new learning impairs the old info

Proactive
->something you learned in the past impairs the future information

Question 28

Does implicit memory and recognition memory remain stable

Answer 28

-yes

Question 29

Does semantic memory improve over time

Answer 29

• yes

- >just like crystallized intelligence and emotional reasoning

Question 30

What happens to recall, episodic memory, processing speed and divided attention over time

Answer 30

-all of these things decline over time

Question 31

What is the relationship between amyloid plaques and Alzheimer’s

Answer 31

-as Alzhemer’s progresses, more amyloid plaques build up