MCAT Encoding, Storage, and Retrieval Flashcards
Encoding
Moving information to long-term memory.
Levels of processing
Information that’s processed on a deeper level are better able to be retrieved than information at a shallower level.
Self- reference effect
Information that’s connected to something more personal is better able to be recalled because it’s understood on a deeper level.
What’s the basis behind memory?
- Encoding
- Storage
- Retrieval
What are the 3 types of memory?
- Sensory memory- quickly stores information from the environment ( echoic = auditory, iconic = visual).
- Short- term memory- Stores information for about 20 seconds and holds about 7 items.
- Long-term memory- hold information indefinitely.
How do we get to the point of holding information for an indefinite amount of time?
Through maintenance rehearsal.
The process of chunking
A way to improve storage by organizing information into blocks of information.
What are the two types of long-term memory?
Implicit ( nondeclarative) memory- memory that’s unconsciously recalled. Includes procedural memory ( how to complete a task), emotions/reflexes between stimuli.
Explicit ( declarative) memory- memory that’s consciously recalled. Includes semantic memory ( facts) and episodic memories ( times in your life).
To help remeber think being explicit makes a very “ declarative” statement
How are semantic memory connected to each other?
They’re connected via nodes which are individual chunks of semantic memory.
Spreading activation model ( priming)
When activation of one node is activates other connected nodes.
What are the 3 forms of retrieval?
Retrieval is the recall of encoded information from memory.
- Recall- retrieve information from memory.
- Recognition- we recognize encoded information when we see it.
- Relearning - when we re-learn information it’s encoded stronger the next time.
Context- dependent effects
Retrieval of information is easier when we do it in the same place where we learned it.
State- dependent effects
Memory is recalled easier when were in the same emotional state we were as we learned it.
Serial- position effect
We tend to remember the first few items in the list ( primacy effect) and few last items ( recency effect).
Items in the middle of the list are harder to recall.
” Tip- of- the - tongue” phenomenon
When we can recall only part of the word and having the feeling it’s on the tip of out tongue.
The forgetting curve
Represents that information initially is forgotten the fastest and then levels off unless maintenance rehearsal is done.
Interference. What are the two types?
Interference is when information effects encoding or recalling of other information.
- Proactive interference- when old information makes it harder to learn new information.
- Retroactive interference - When new information makes it harder to recall previously encoded information.
Memory construction
When someone changes their memories when trying to recall information.
Misinformation effect
When someone feeds us false information it can lead to alterations of our recalled memories.
Source monitoring effect
When we attribute learned information to the wrong source.
Aging results in the decline in what types of memory?
Decline in episodic and source memory ( where the information came from) but not procedural memory. As well as semantic memory.
Also a decline in flashbulb memory.
Flashbulb memory
Declines with age.
Very vivid memories of memorable events ( think 9/11 or baby being born).
Amnesia. What are the two types?
Memory loss.
Retrograde amnesia- lost old memories.
Anterograde amnesia- unable to form new memories.
Neural plasticity
Ability of neurons to change.
- potentiation- strengthening of neural connections.
Depression- weakening of neural connections.
Plasticity involves what types of changes?
Synaptic changes - changes in receptors.
Structural changes -Sprouting ( new connections) and pruning ( reduction of connections). Also includes rerouting of neural connections.
Long- term potentiation
Repeated stimulation causes strengthening of synapses.
Long term depression
Less stimulation of neuron leads to synaptic pruning.
Internalization of receptors.
What effect does long term potentiation and long term depression has on receptor density?
Long term potentiation will lead to increases receptor density.
Long term depression will lead to decreased receptor density.
