L7: Everyday Memory

Question 1

2 Different Types of Learning

Answer 1

Intentional Learning
Incidental Learning

Question 2

3 Types of Everyday Memory

Answer 2

Autobiographical Memory
Eyewitness Testimony
Prospective Memory

Question 3

What is autobiographical memory?

Answer 3

A form of declarative memory involving memory for personal events across one’s lifespan. Related to, but not identical to episodic memory.

Question 4

What is childhood amnesia

Answer 4

Almost total lack of memories from first 3 years of life

Question 5

What is reminiscence bump

Answer 5

Many memories between 10 and 30, especially between 15 and 25

Question 6

What causes childhood amnesia?

Answer 6

Very young brains unable to retain information. Autobiographical memories only possible when a sense of self is developed.

Question 7

What causes reminiscence bump?

Answer 7

Life script theory proposes that there are cultural expectations about major life events. This script guides and organises retrieval of autobiographical memories. Memories are mostly positive between ages 20-35.

Question 8

What does the self-memory system model consist of?

Answer 8

Consists of an autobiographical knowledge base and the current goals of the working self. Knowledge base is organised hierarchically, ranging from lifetime period (time in NUS) to general events (concert visits) to event-specific knowledge. Your current goal then influences the retrieval and storage of memories in the system.

Question 9

Describe the Post-Event Misinformation Effect

Answer 9

When people who witness an event after alter exposed to new and misleading information, their recollections become distorted.

Question 10

What is source misattribution?

Answer 10

When people mistakenly attribute the source or origin of a retrieved memory -> Evidence for the reconstructive nature of human memory

Question 11

What is the confirmation bias?

Answer 11

Our memory being distorted by our prior expectations

Question 12

What factors affect eyewitness identification?

Answer 12

1. We tend to focus on certain details and ignore others (ie. weapon)
2. Anxiety / Stress compromises memory
3. Age

Question 13

2 Types of prospective memory and which performs better?

Answer 13

1. Time-based
2. Event-based

Event-based prospective memory tends to do better than time-based, as it has cues. However, when tasks are self-assigned, time based intentions are better than event based intentions.

Question 14

Why is there a link between OCD and prospective memory

Answer 14

Repeated checking may be due to poor prospective memory. Patients might also have less confidence in their prospective memory.

Question 15

How to improve prospective memory?

Answer 15

Can be improved via games that tap time-based or event-based memory

Question 16

Spaced Vs Expanded Retrieval

Answer 16

Evidence that spaced and expanded retrieval are better than mass practice, little evidence that expended is superior to spaced retrieval