Knowledge Flashcards
What is episodic memory?
Episodic memory refers to personal experiences, is organized temporally, involves conscious recall, is context-dependent, and is susceptible to forgetting.
What is semantic memory?
Semantic memory refers to knowledge, is not organized temporally, involves “knowing” rather than recall, is context-independent, and is relatively permanent.
What is a challenge to the distinction between episodic and semantic memory?
The systems are interdependent, and it is unclear if memories of important autobiographical events remain episodic or become semantic over time.
How does semantic dementia (SD) provide evidence for the episodic-semantic distinction?
Semantic dementia involves degeneration in the polar and inferolateral temporal cortex, leading to progressive semantic memory deterioration while episodic memory remains relatively preserved.
How does knowledge inform language processing?
Knowledge helps us make inferences during language comprehension, which is essential for understanding meaning and humor.
What are feature comparison models in semantic memory?
These models propose that concepts are stored as lists of defining or characteristic features, with reaction times for sentence verification reflecting the typicality of an item.
What is the “typicality effect”?
The typicality effect occurs when more characteristic examples of a category (e.g., a carrot as a vegetable) are recognized faster than less characteristic examples (e.g., an artichoke).
What are prototype models in semantic memory?
Prototype models suggest that categories are centered on the “average” or most typical member, rather than clear boundaries. Categories have a graded structure.
What is the “prototypicality effect”?
This effect shows that category members closest to the prototype (e.g., “apple” as a fruit) are processed faster and share more features with other members.
What are the benefits and limitations of prototype models?
Benefits: Explain empirical findings and allow for flexible concept formation.
Limitations: Prototypes can change with context, lose information, and differ for experts.
What are exemplar models of semantic memory?
Exemplar models propose that specific examples drive typicality effects, preserving variability without requiring abstraction.
How do exemplar models differ from prototype models?
Exemplar models rely on specific memories of category members, while prototype models rely on an averaged “standard” representation.
What are network models in semantic memory?
Network models represent concepts as nodes connected by links, with activation spreading between related concepts. Examples include hierarchical nets, semantic nets, and PDP models.
What is the Parallel Distributed Processing (PDP) model?
PDP models represent concepts as patterns of activity distributed across nodes, with information processing happening in parallel. They allow for generalization and graceful degradation.
What are schemas and scripts in semantic memory?
Schemas are generic knowledge structures about situations, while scripts are structured, ordered sequences of events that act as prototypes.
