lecture 11: memory systems and processes Flashcards
memory processes
- encoding
- storage
- retrieval
perception–> encoding –> engram –> consolidation –> LTP –> storage
encoding (memory)
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
storage (memory)
retention of information. long term and short term. sensory, working
retrieval (memory)
- recall: generating a mental representaion of information now absent
- recognition: noticing that info/stimuli are like ones experience before
- reconstruction: piece together memory based on info/stimuli that can be recalled
sensory memory
very brief story of a sensory experience. slightly longer than a second
working memory
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
long term memory
potentially life time storage. contains
- past experiences and events
- thought sand feelings
- skills and abilities
- identity and sense of self
explicit vs implicit
explicit memory (what)
- semantic: knowledge of facts about the world
- episodic: recollection of events and experiences in our lives
may require cues. we recall it intentionally
implicit memory (how)
- 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
factors impacting long term memory retrieval
- stress/arousal - affects ability to encode
- serial position of information - position of information when given lots of info at one (primacy, recency, clincal context [important info first])
- context - internal or external to person. being in a similar state as encoding will improve recall
- failure to encode - froms tress, lacking attention, lack of rehearsal, etc.
causes of forgetting
quickest right after event. spacing and repition will affect recall
- transience/decay
- interference
- motivated forgetting
decay theory for forgetting
- natural fading over time
- memory trace declines over time
- frequency of recall
interference theory for forgetting
- 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
motivated forgetting
forget what you don’t want to think about. repression, possibly due to trauma
engram
physical memory trace in the brain
LTP (long term potentiation)
gradual strengthening of the connections among neurons from repetitive stimulation
structures of the brain involved in memory
- hippocampus: memory consolidation and semantic memory
- amygdala: memories of emotions
- cerebellum: procedural memory
- main cerebral cortex: sensory memories
- striatum: habit formation
flashbulb memories
strong vivid (typically visual) and detailed memories of dramatic events. The emotional arousal tiggers adrenalin release > enhanced memory
