memory Flashcards
What are the types of memory?
Sensory, Short Term, Long Term
How long does information last in each type of memory?
Sensory: 1-2 seconds
Short Term: 15-30 seconds
Long Term: Anything over 30 seconds
What are the two types of long term memory?
Explicit memory and implicit memory
What is retrieval?
Accessing information in memory
How does stress impact memory?
Cortisol (the stress hormone) slows neuro-firing in the hippocampus, and can eventually kill hippocampus neurons.
What is encoding?
Getting information into long term memory
How do you get information into sensory, short term, and long term memory?
Encoding techniques
Rehersal, chunking, levels of processing, distributive practice
How are retrieval cues important?
Retrieval cues are most effective if present when the memory is encoded
Why do you want a retrieval cue to have more information?
What are recall and recognition?
Recall: When you are given a small retrieval cue, and produce the memory yourself.
Recognition: When you are given the memory, and are aware that it is said memory
Capital of Iowa demo:
One half of the class was given a picture of Iowa, and told to name the capital, while the other half was given the picture, as well as three options. The first half had to recall the name of the capital, while the second half simply had to recognize it
How does context impact retrieval cues?
Our physical and mental context highly impacts our ability to retrieve memories. The more similar the environment and headspace is to when you encoded the memory, the easier it is to recall
How does physical context shape memory retrieval?
Our surroundings are part of the sensory information that gets encoded, and therefore can be a part of the retrieval cue
How does state dependent memory shape memory retrieval?
Our mental state effects how we encode information, and so it is helpful to be in the state state of mind to improve recall
How should you use the information when you study?
Be interactive and test your mind, don’t just read over your notes. Prioritize understanding over memorization
What elements of the studies we talked about showed understanding over memorization
What is happening at the neuron level when memories form?
The neurons are firing more efficiently
Where are memories stored?
The hippocampus, then they move to the outer cortex
What is the water rat maze? How does it help us better understand memory?
What are the types of amnesia?
Retrograde amnesia: A lack of memory for past events
Antegrade amnesia: The inability to form new memories
What are the two theories of forgetting? How are they different?
- Memories weaken over time
- Other memories get in the way
One is saying that the memories eventually fade away, while the other is saying that they never fade, they simply get blocked and can’t be recalled
What are proactive and retroactive interference? How are they different?
Proactive: Interference produced by material encountered BEFORE the target memory was encoded
Retroactive: Interference produced by material encountered AFTER the target memory was encoded
Why may people with PTSD have memory problems?
PTSD can cause the hippocampus neurons to leak, which can cause cause memory distortion
What is memory distortion?
A false memory of related information
What leads to memory distortion?
Every time you recall a memory, it gets distorted
What are flashbulb memories?
A snapshot memory of an emotional or surprising event
