Memory Flashcards
When and why was the MSM developed?
- 1968, the 1st attempt to explain how memory works
What are 3 ways to describe the characteristics of MSM?
(linear model, theoretical, unitary etc)
Theoretical model = theory to show how something abstract works
Linear model = everything happens in a sequence (SR - STM - LTM)
Each store is unitary = standalone (dont work together)
What the first step of remembering information?
paying ATTENTION
What is the sensory register?
(capacity + duration)
Where information is held at each of the senses and corresponding parts of the brain
Capacity = not in the store for long enough to MEASURE
Duration = just over a second
What is the STM?
(capacity + duration)
- information stored for IMMEDIATE tasks
Capacity = limited (5-9 items)
Duration = up to 30 seconds (WITHOUT REHEARSAL)
- to turn into LTM - need to silently repeat over + over to be remembered (processing)
What is maintenance rehearsal?
- a direct relationship between rehearsal in STM and accuracy in LTM
more rehearsed = better remembered
What is the LTM?
(capacity + duration)
Capacity = potentially unlimited
Duration = forever (NEED TO CONSOLIDATE)
What does the research of HM (Harry Molaison) show?
(Hippocampus, evaluation,)
- had epilepsy BUT had a lobotomy to fix it
CAN
can learn motor skills but doesn’t remember how he learned it
has memory until the surgery
is aware of his condition
BUT
CANT
he can’t hold onto any new info for longer than 2 SECONDS
can’t recall facts or event
HM (had a little left of the hippocampus) = some defects which allowed him to have some abilities
- goes against MSM; memory stores arent UNITARY as he couldn’t FORM new LTMs but could remember things from before surgery
What does the research of CW (Clive Wearing) show?
(Hippocampus, evaluation)
- well-established pianist
-struck by a brain infection
CAN
make entries in diary
records everything he does
can remember how to play piano (PROCEDURAL MEMORY)
remembers his wife
is aware of condition
BUT
CANT
remember anything after 10 seconds
have any thoughts + dreams
make any LTM
- supports MSM by being able to play piano as it shows difference between STM + LTM
- can recognise wife after
- can’t recall wedding or children’s name
ALSO SHOWS potentially multiple types of LTM = argues MSM model is LIMITED + UNITARY
- CW doesn’t have episodic (him getting married) + but does have procedural (playing the piano) memory
CW’s WHOLE hippocampus is DESTROYED
What’s wrong with CW + HM’s case studies
- they are rare/one-of-a-kind cases CAN’T BE GENERALISED
What is the relevance of cognitive neuroscience, hippocampus, and pre-frontal cortex?
- Cognitive neuroscience = ability to use scanning equipment to see movements/defects of brain when doing a task
SUPPORTS idea of DIFFERENT MEMORY STORES
- Hippocampus = plays a CRUCIAL role in consolidation (STM into LTM)
- Prefrontal cortex = main area where STM is located
What parts of the brain contain and which type of LTM memory?
Frontal Lobe = stores SEMANTIC + EPISODIC
Prefrontal cortex = storage of STM
Temporal Lobe = forms and stores LTM + EPISODIC
Amygdala = forms all new EMOTIONAL memories
Hippocampus = forms new LTM + EPISODIC
memories
Cerebellum = important role in storage of PROCEDURAL memories
Motor cortex = stores PROCEDURAL memory
What are the three types of LTM and what does Tulving believe about the MSM?
- Episodic
- Semantic
- Procedural
Tuvling believes the MSM is too simplistic and inflexible
What is episodic memory and its aspect?
a memory of a SIGNIFICANT EVENT in life (ability to recall events)
1, Time-stamped = remember when exactly the event occurred
- remember several details e.g what, who, why
- have to make a conscious effect to recall memory
- explicit memory = can tell someone about it (WITHOUT CONTEXT)
- could be able to recall EMOTIONS + FEELINGS of the moment
What is semantic memory and its aspect?
general knowledge of the world, people or places, etc
- Not time-stamped = don’t remember how or what we learnt it ) , we just DO
- have to deliberately recall memory
- explicit memory = can tell someone about it (WITHOUT CONTEXT)
What is procedural memory and its aspect?
motor memory, skills, actions (memory of previously learned skills)
- can recall without conscious awareness
- implicit memory = impossible to describe without context
What is the WMM (Working Memory Model)?
Strengths and Weaknesses
- currently used model (LOOSELY)
- replacement for MSM = to explain STM
in 2000, added Episodic Buffer
- have DIFFERENT COMPONENTS in DIFFERENT AREAS OF BRAIN that deals with DIFFERENT INFO
Strengths
- extends on the work of MSM and explains STM with the tasks it can perform
Weaknesses
- too simplistic + vague
What is Central Executive? (CE)
(capacity, role, location)
everything in the ENVIRONMENT goes through this, diverting information to the correct sub-systems
- all incoming stimuli (sounds + objects) go through to CE
LIMITED CAPACITY - cant hold a lot of information; brain can’t handle it
- focus on DIVERTING + SWITCHING ATTENTION
- allocates tasks to other components
IN PREFRONTAL CORTEX
