Memory Flashcards

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1
Q

What is memory?

A

Cornerstone of cognition, required for most higher-order functions (e.g. problem solving, reading, language, and social connections)

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2
Q

What are the caveats (warning) of memory?

A

Limitations
Vulnerability
Tremendous system, powerful, despite idiosyncrasies

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3
Q

What are the 3 processes of memory?

A

Encoding - get it in
Storage - keep it in
Retrieval - get it out

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4
Q

What is encoding?

A

Acquiring information, detecting the information (the code) prepare it to be placed in memory,
code can sound pattern, letter sequences, image, tactile cue, smell, and etc.
translated into a neural code

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5
Q

What is storage?

A

Encoded information has to be retained
Has to be a memory trace

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6
Q

What is retrieval?

A

Accessing memories, try to remember what was stored, recall, & recognition

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7
Q

What is Sensory Register/memory?

A

It holds raw sensory input and is volatile (interruptions)

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8
Q

How does memory hold raw sensory input?

A

Iconic store - visual information; lasts fractions of a second (1/4)
Echoic stores - auditory information; lasts about 2 secs, partial trace can last longer

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9
Q

What is the purpose and function of STS/STM now Working Memory?

A

Conscious awareness
integrate information
temporary working area
hold current plants - strategies

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10
Q

How is information represented in working memory?

A

Mental representations/memory codes
- these codes can takes various forms

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11
Q

What are the various forms of memory codes in working memory?

A

Images (visual), sound (phonological), meaning (semantic), and physical action (motor)

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12
Q

Does the form of memory code in working memory correspond to the form of the original stimulus?

A

No

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13
Q

What is the capacity of STS/STM?

A

The magical number: 7+/- 2. this means that individuals can typically hold 5-9 meaningful items in the STS/STM

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14
Q

How is the capacity of STS/STM assessed in adults?

A

By using tasks like the digit span task, which requires individuals to repeat back a sequence of digits, and the typical capacity is within the range of 7 items, in line with the magical number.

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15
Q

What is the duration of information in STS/STM?

A

Must be actively “worked” on or it will be lost

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16
Q

What is the default strategy for maintaining information in STS or STM?

A

Rehearsal: mentally repeating or practicing the info to keep it in memory
e.g. phone numbers

17
Q

What are other strategies for maintaining strategy in STS/STM?

A

Using mnemonic devices, creating associations, & employing visualization techniques

18
Q

What is chunking, and how does it help hold on to info in STS/STM?

A

Grouping information into meaningful units. This helps by reducing the cognitive load and making it easier to remember smaller, meaningful chunks.

19
Q

What is the ‘Shelf Life’ of information in STS or Working Memory?

A

Approximately 20 seconds. If not actively engaged with the info during this time, it is rapidly lost.

20
Q

What is the serial position effect exercise in the context of STS/Working Memory?

A

Working to remember a list of words

21
Q

What factors contribute to information loss form Short-Term/Working Memory?

A

Exceeding capacity, the Serial Position Effect, and the tendency to forget items in the middle of a sequence

22
Q

What is the primary effect in the context of Short Term/Working Memory?

A

Refers to the tendency to better remember items presented at the beginning of a list. they have a higher likelihood of being transferred to long-term memory

23
Q

What is the recency effect in context of Short-Term/Working Memory?

A

The tendency to better remember items presented at the end of a list. They are still active in STS/Working Memory and are more easily recalled.

24
Q

What are the common reasons for information being lost from STM?

A

Due to processes like forgetting, decay, and displacement

25
Q

What is forgetting in the context of information loss from STM?

A

The failure to retrieve or recall information. Occurs for various reasons, such as inadequate encoding or interference

26
Q

What is decay as a mechanism of information loss from STM?

A

Involves the degeneration of the memory trace over time. If information isn’t actively rehearsed or used, it may decay & difficult to recall

27
Q

How does displacement contribute to info loss from STM?

A

New info takes the place of old info in STM. New info can push out or replace older info.

28
Q

What role does inadequate encoding play in forgetting from STM?

A

Can lead to forgetting from STM. If info isn’t properly encoded or processed during initial entry into STM, it may not be effectively stored and can be lost.

29
Q

What is Short Term Memory?

A

Codes information for long term memory

30
Q

How is Long Term Memory Described?

A

Vast and relatively permanent (brain injury, drugs, medication)

31
Q

What type of information is stored in Long-Term Memory?

A

Knowledge of all our experiences, information and strategies. It encompasses a wide range of info accumulated over time

32
Q

How does LTM differ from STM in terms of capacity?

A

Both children and adults always have enough space in LTM. Unlike limited capacity of STM, LTM has a seemingly limitless capacity for storing info

33
Q

What is the role of executive functions in cognitive processes?

A

Controlling the flow of information and coordinating various cognitive systems within the brain

34
Q

What do executive functions encompass in terms of cognitive processes?

A

Higher-order functions (development & implementation of strategies), metamemory (awareness & understanding o one’s memory processes), and etc.

35
Q

How do Executive Functions contribute to cognitive control?

A

Managing and overseeing the flow of information, allowing for the effective coordination of different cognitive systems

36
Q

What is a common problem encountered in systems where long-term storage has ample space and capacity?

A

Bottleneck issues arise when there’s a surplus of space and capacity in long-term storage, but processes must still content with it

37
Q

How can a system effectively handle the bottleneck issue caused by an abundance of space and capacity in LTM?

A

Ensuring that the memory system isn’t compromised, processors are optimized to manage data efficiently, attention is given to organization and rich encoding of information, and LTM utilization is streamlined

38
Q

How does attention play a crucial role in information processing?

A

Enables individuals to focus on specific information while filtering out irrelevant stimuli. this selective process ensures that only attended-to info is captured, while other available and potentially important data are ignored. inattentional blindness exemplifies this phenomenon, where individuals fail to notice obvious change