Learning and memory Flashcards
Declarative memory
Declarative memory consists of facts and events that can be consciously recalled or “declared.” Also known as explicit memory, it is based on the concept that this type of memory consists of information that can be explicitly stored and retrieved.
Non declarative memory
Is one of the two main types of long-term human memory. It is acquired and used unconsciously, and can affect thoughts and behaviours. One of its most common forms is procedural memory, which helps people performing certain tasks without conscious awareness of these previous experiences
Procedural memory
Procedural memory is a part of the long-term memory that is responsible for knowing how to do things, also known as motor skills. As the name implies, procedural memory stores information on how to perform certain procedures, such as walking, talking and riding a bike
Associative learning
Associative learning, in animal behaviour, any learning process in which a new response becomes associated with a particular stimulus. In its broadest sense, the term has been used to describe virtually all learning except simple habituation
Long term memory
The final stage of the multi-store memory model proposed by the Atkinson-Shiffrin, providing the lasting retention of information and skills. Theoretically, the capacity of long-term memory could be unlimited, the main constraint on recall being accessibility rather than availability.
Short term memory
Is the capacity for holding, but not manipulating, a small amount of information in mind in an active, readily available state for a short period of time.
Memory consolidation
Is defined as a time-dependent process by which recent learned experiences are transformed into long-term memory.
Working memory
Is a cognitive system with a limited capacity that is responsible for temporarily holding information available for processing. Working memory is important for reasoning and the guidance of decision-making and behaviour.
Long term potentiation
Is a persistent strengthening of synapses based on recent patterns of activity. These are patterns of synaptic activity that produce a long-lasting increase in signal transmission between two neurons.
Long term depression
Is an activity-dependent reduction in the efficacy of neuronal synapses lasting hours or longer following a long patterned stimulus
Synaptic plasticity
Synaptic plasticity is the biological process by which specific patterns of synaptic activity result in changes in synaptic strength and is thought to contribute to learning and memory. Both pre-synaptic and post-synaptic mechanisms can contribute to the expression of synaptic plasticity.
Types of memory
- Learning: acquisition of new information
- Memory: retention of learned information
- Declarative memory (explicit)
- Facts and events – hippocampus
- Nondeclarative memory (implicit)
- Procedural memory—motor skills, habits - striatum
Types of declarative memory
- Working memory
- Temporary storage, lasting seconds
- Short-term memories—vulnerable to disruption
- Facts and events stored in short-term memory
- Subset are converted to long-term memories.
- Long-term memories
- Recalled months or years later
Prefrontal cortex and working memory
- Primates have a large frontal lobe.
* Functions of prefrontal cortex: self-awareness, capacity for planning and problem solving
Amnesia
Amnesia: serious loss of memory and/or ability to learn
Causes: concussion, chronic alcoholism, encephalitis, brain tumor, stroke
