lecture 11: memory systems and processes

Question 1

memory processes

Answer 1

• encoding
• storage
• retrieval
  perception–> encoding –> engram –> consolidation –> LTP –> storage

Question 2

encoding (memory)

Answer 2

the process of preserving external information in a way that we can later retrieve and recall it. transforming external events and internal thoughts into temporary or long lasting memories
- requires attention

Question 3

storage (memory)

Answer 3

retention of information. long term and short term. sensory, working

Question 4

retrieval (memory)

Answer 4

1. recall: generating a mental representaion of information now absent
2. recognition: noticing that info/stimuli are like ones experience before
3. reconstruction: piece together memory based on info/stimuli that can be recalled

Question 5

sensory memory

Answer 5

very brief story of a sensory experience. slightly longer than a second

Question 6

working memory

Answer 6

similar to short term memory. a short term story of 15-20 seconds. have to be paying attention
- auditory (maintenance) rehearsal: repeating a phrase
- visual spatial sketch pad: holding an image in the mind
- central executive: direct focus

Question 7

long term memory

Answer 7

potentially life time storage. contains
- past experiences and events
- thought sand feelings
- skills and abilities
- identity and sense of self
explicit vs implicit

Question 8

explicit memory (what)

Answer 8

• semantic: knowledge of facts about the world
• episodic: recollection of events and experiences in our lives

may require cues. we recall it intentionally

Question 9

implicit memory (how)

Answer 9

• procedural: motor skills, habits, how to do things
• priming: identifying stimuli easier after prior exposure (how prior exposure influences later perception)
• conditioning and habituation: forms of unconscious learning
  experimental or funtuonal, not deliberately remembers. non consciously recalled or relfected upon

Question 10

factors impacting long term memory retrieval

Answer 10

1. stress/arousal - affects ability to encode
2. serial position of information - position of information when given lots of info at one (primacy, recency, clincal context [important info first])
3. context - internal or external to person. being in a similar state as encoding will improve recall
4. failure to encode - froms tress, lacking attention, lack of rehearsal, etc.

Question 11

causes of forgetting

Answer 11

quickest right after event. spacing and repition will affect recall
- transience/decay
- interference
- motivated forgetting

Question 12

decay theory for forgetting

Answer 12

• natural fading over time
• memory trace declines over time
• frequency of recall

Question 13

interference theory for forgetting

Answer 13

• competition between streams of information (usually similar things)
• proactive: old information prevents new information being recalled
• retroactive: new information prevents old info from being recalled

Question 14

motivated forgetting

Answer 14

forget what you don’t want to think about. repression, possibly due to trauma

Question 15

engram

Answer 15

physical memory trace in the brain

Question 16

LTP (long term potentiation)

Answer 16

gradual strengthening of the connections among neurons from repetitive stimulation

Question 17

structures of the brain involved in memory

Answer 17

• hippocampus: memory consolidation and semantic memory
• amygdala: memories of emotions
• cerebellum: procedural memory
• main cerebral cortex: sensory memories
• striatum: habit formation

Question 18

flashbulb memories

Answer 18

strong vivid (typically visual) and detailed memories of dramatic events. The emotional arousal tiggers adrenalin release > enhanced memory