Long term memory Flashcards
what is long term memory?
The processes by which information is encoded, stored, and retrieved
What is the timescale of LTM?
Massive- can be minutes hours days years
what is the capacity of LTM?
Words, faces, events, skills, facts
What is the common underlying representation of LTM?
Number and strength of synaptic connections between neurons
What is the processes of LTM?
Encoding, storage, retrieval
What are the types of LTM? (3)
Semantic, episodic, procedural
What are the systems involved in LTM? (3)
Hippocampus, cortex, amygdala
What are the tasks of LTM? (4)
free recall, stem completion, motor sequencing, learning
LTM processes:
encoding, what are its characteristics?
Initial creation of memory traces in brain from incoming information
consolidation
continued organization and stabilization of memory traces over time
LTM processes:
Storage, what are its characteristics?
retention of memory traces over time
LTM processes:
Retrieval, what are its characteristics?
Accessing/using stored information from memory traces
reconsolidating
possible reorganization and restabilization of memory traces after retrieval
What paradigm is used to study episodic memory?
Recognition memory paradigm
What are the 2 main theories of recognition memory paradigm?
1) two distinct processes:
- recollection (remember) conscious memory for seeing the item during study phase
familiarity (know) intuitive feeling of having recently encountered the item
2) one phase
memory strength
can range from non, to weak, to strong
What is the function of the hippocamupus and posterior MTC(parahippocampal cortex)?
encoding and retrieving source information and associations between distinct items
What is the function of the Anterior MTC (perirhinal cortex)?
Encoding and retrieving item information
