Memory Flashcards
define memory
an information processing system (like a computer)
Identify and describe the three major processes of memory
encoding - putting something into the memory
storage - where you put something in memory, STM and LTM
retrieval - how do you get it back from storage
define encoding
putting information into our memory
Define & understand the role that attention plays in our memory
When we pay attention to something we remember it more.
ex: the pennies we saw in class - we don’t really pay attention to them so we don’t remember exactly what they look like
Define selective attention
when attending to our environment, we focus on things that we deem to be important and tune out unimportant details
ex: girl w umbrella & cocktail phenomenon
Describe how levels of processing impact our retention
information that is encoded on a deeper level, through meaningful association, is easier to remember
Describe the three levels of processing
structural encoding- focuses on what words look like
phonemic encoding- the process by which verbal language (words) are translated into spelled words that follow phonetic rules and guidelines
semantic encoding- the conversion of a non-verbal mental representation (the reference) into a semantic structure suitable for expression
Explain elaboration
linking a stimulus to other information when you are encoding into your memory
role of visual imagery
creation of visuals to represent words to be remembered
self-referent encoding
encoding based on the relevance to you personally
Define Schema
a mental framework created by mind to organize and help us understand our environment
Explain how schemas impact our memory and sometimes distort our memories
In some instances we remember things that did not occur
Falsely remembering things if we believe it will fit our schema
Ex: falsely remember having cake and ice cream at a birthday party because it fits birthday schema
How cues help us retrieve information
used to trigger the retrieval of long-term memory
Tip of the Tongue Phenomenon
the temporary inability to remember something you know, accompanied by a feeling that it is just out of reach
context cues
Context can help you retrieve memories. You can retrace your steps and remember something you were not able to before.
ex: might not remember a lot from your childhood until you return to the house you grew up in because the environment provides your brain with context which allows you to remember more
Memory Reconstruction Process
memories that add details not part of the actual event or omit details that were
Misinformation effect
when post-event information distorts or alters our memory. Causes us to create a memory of something that did not occur
Describe Loftus’ experiment on the misinformation effect
Talking about the various videos of car accidents and how some people saw something that wasn’t actually there (broken glass at the scene)
Imagination Inflation
when imagining a certain event occurs leads to a false memory of such event
ex: When people are told to falsely remembering doing something (attacked by an animal, lost in the mall) they are more likely to falsely remember
Source Monitoring error
When a person is mistaken as to where/who they received information from
ex: A person falsely remembers that Samantha told them something, when they really received info from a newspaper article
Reality Monitoring
an individual mistakenly believes a memory as externally generated when it was really internally generated
ex :A person mistakenly believes that they called their mother, when in reality they just imagined that they called her
Destination Memory
the ability to remember who you told something to
Retrograde Amnesia
can’t remember anything from their past life
anterograde amnesia
can’t make any new memories
arguments supporting Recovered Memories
Recovered memories are usually if not always genuine
Can help recover repressed traumatic memories
arguments against Recovered Memories
People might not report things even if they do remember them (it’s easier to lie bc no one can prove it)
Interviewers can probe people to “remember” things that didn’t happen
Describe how biochemistry effects memory
memory, like learning, derives in large part from altered synaptic connections between neurons that result from prior neuronal activities
Describe role of synaptic connections in memory
the idea that memories are stored as changes in the number and strength of synapses between neurons
kendel’s experiment
as the snail learned, chemical signals changed the structure of the synapses, where the signals are sent and received
Role of hormones in memory
If your body does not produce sufficient levels of hormones your memory span and ability to concentrate will be negatively affected
Define Long term potentiation (LTP) and how it how it relates to memory
a process involving persistent strengthening of synapses that leads to a long-lasting increase in signal transmission between neurons
The role of hippocampus and memory
hippocampus is the part of the brain responsible for making new memories
Describe process of consolidation that takes place in hippocampus
the process by which short term memories are converted into long term memories
The role of the amygdala in our memory
responsible for processing emotional memories (especially fear).
Fear memories are more quickly processed
Declarative memory
facts or memories of past events that can be ‘declared’ rather than performed
Non Declarative memory or Procedural memory
physical memories linked to muscle memory, reflexes and motor control
Semantic memory
conscious long-term memory for meaning, understanding, and conceptual facts about the world
ex: knowing that grass is green
Episodic memory
ability to recall and mentally re-experience specific episodes from one’s personal past
ex: first day of school, what you had for breakfast
Retrospective memory
the memory of people, words, and events encountered or experienced in the past
ex: memorizing a list of words and recalling them 5 mins later
Prospective memory
memory for intentions
ex: remembering to take medication, mail a birthday card
