L1 - Introduction Flashcards
What is episodic memory?
Long term memory for events. Subtype of declarative memory.
What type of memory is episodic memory a sub-type of, and why?
Declarative, because cognitive resources have to be allocated for recall.
Why is there no agreement on the exact number of memory types?
There are too many differences in the way that a memory system can be defined. E.g. is long term memory longer than 15 minutes or 15 hours.
What is procedural memory?
Memory for sequences or routines (e.g. riding a bike)
What does transfer-appropriate processing imply?
When revising for a quiz, the most effective preparation is to test yourself on a quiz. Recreating the format and conditions of the assessment will maximise recall.
Which region is the hippocampus part of?
The archicortex
What shape is the hippocampus?
Sea horse shaped.
Which system is the hippocampus part of?
Limbic system
What is the hippocampus’ role?
To consolidate information in short term memory so that it transfers to long term memory.
Also aids navigation, as part of spatial memory.
Describe the 3 stages of the information processing model.
- A information is registered.
- Attended sensory information is passed to short term (working) memory.
- Info transfers to long term memory following sufficient rehearsal.
According to decay theory, what defines forgetting?
A fading memory trace.
‘You can’t teach an old dog new tricks’
- what type of interference is this?
Old information interfers with new information, causing a decreased ability to learn ‘new tricks’.
Therefore, old –> new, time is travelling forwards, so it is proactive interference.
‘I keep calling my ex-girlfriend by the name of my new girlfriend’
What type of interference is this?
New information is interfering with old, causing interference with the old name.
New-old, time is travelling backwards. So it is retroactive interference.
What is a defining characteristic of anterograde amnesia?
The inability to store or retrieve (new) information in long term memory.
What is a defining characteristic of retrograde amnesia?
Loss of memory for events that occurred, or information learned before an injury/amnesia onset.
What neurotransmitter plays a role in memory formation in Alzheimer’s disease?
Acetylcholine
Recall is an ____ process, while retention is _____.
Recall is active
Retention is passive
What feature of memory retention is the reason for the facilitation of consolidation by sleep?
The passivity of retention
Encoding involves what?
Interpreting sensory information.