Learning & Memory Flashcards
What is the role of memories in individuality?
Memories are central to our individuality and differ among individuals.
What are the two types of memory discussed?
- Working-memory
- Long-term memory
What is working-memory used for?
It holds information in mind for a short time in an active conscious state.
What is the capacity of working memory often described as?
The magical number 7 plus or minus 2.
What is long-term memory?
A larger, more passive storehouse of information.
What are the components of the short-term working-memory system?
- Central executive system
- Phonological store
- Silent rehearsal loop
- Visuo-spatial sketchpad
How did working-memory likely evolve?
It may have co-evolved with speech to assist in language learning.
What are the two main structures important for episodic memory?
- Perirhinal cortex
- Hippocampus
What does episodic memory track?
Personal experiences and events that happen only once.
What is retrograde amnesia?
The inability to remember events that occurred before the onset of amnesia.
What is semantic memory?
A vast storehouse of factual knowledge about the world.
What is the role of the basal ganglia and cerebellum in memory?
They are important for skill learning.
What type of learning is associated with the amygdala?
Emotional learning.
What is the significance of place cells in the hippocampus?
They fire when an animal explores a familiar place, helping to map the environment.
Fill in the blank: The brain sorts encoded information into _______.
categories
True or False: Amnesic patients can retain language skills despite memory loss.
True
What is a simple experiment to test short-term memory?
Letter-span test.
What happens to the accuracy of memory recall as the number of letters increases?
Errors creep in after about 7 or 8 letters.
What is the function of the central executive system in working memory?
It controls the flow of information.
What is the cascade of processing in the brain for memory?
Information passes through sensory systems and down pathways for specialized processing.
What type of memory helps in learning skills and emotional responses?
Conditioning.
What is the main role of the hippocampus?
Encoding events and places.
What happens to episodic memory when the hippocampus is damaged?
Formation of episodic memories is impaired.
What is the relationship between working memory and speech?
Working memory is essential for planning and decision-making related to speech.
What is the impact of skilled teachers on memory organization?
They help build structures that facilitate memory retrieval.
What do degenerative conditions like semantic dementia affect?
They cause breakdowns in semantic memory.
What is the role of second-messenger chemicals in memory?
They transmit signals that activate genes for memory storage.
What is a key characteristic of episodic memory compared to semantic memory?
Episodic memory is tied to personal experiences that happen only once.
Fill in the blank: The critical property of memory is that facts are organized into _______.
categories
What is the role of NMDA receptors in memory formation?
NMDA receptors are involved in synaptic plasticity, which changes the strength of connections in a network of neurons and is a way of storing information.
What happens to learning about places when NMDA receptors are blocked?
Learning about places is impaired when a drug that blocks NMDA receptors is applied to the hippocampus.
How do rats and mice use their place cells and head-direction cells?
They use them to find their way to an escape platform hidden underwater.
What are gene knockout animals in the context of NMDA receptor research?
Gene knockout animals are engineered to have NMDA receptors deleted in the hippocampus, which results in poor learning and inaccurate place cells.
What brain area shows greater activation in experienced taxi drivers when navigating?
The right parahippocampal cortex shows greater activation.
What structural changes are observed in the hippocampus of London taxi drivers?
There are changes in the relative size of different parts of their hippocampus related to their memory of the city.
True or False: A better memory would come without any drawbacks.
False.
What is the ‘yin and yang’ of a good memory?
A good memory balances remembering important things and forgetting trivial ones.
What might alleviate serious forgetfulness according to research?
Drugs that enhance NMDA or AMPA receptors, or stimulate second-messenger signals.
What is cognitive engineering?
Cognitive engineering involves using principles of how information is encoded, stored, consolidated, and retrieved to aid memory.
What is the purpose of the paging system called ‘NeuroPage’?
It reminds elderly patients of what they should be doing next to help structure their day.
What are the components of working memory proposed by Alan Baddeley?
The phonological store, visuospatial sketch pad, and central executive.
Fill in the blank: The hippocampus is involved in _______ and memory traces.
[maps]
What is the significance of the ‘fixing’ process in memory?
It is crucial for consolidating memories and involves attention, spaced learning, and reminders.
What is one method that can help improve skill learning?
Frequent practice.
