Memory Flashcards
What is memory?
Cornerstone of cognition, required for most higher-order functions (e.g. problem solving, reading, language, and social connections)
What are the caveats (warning) of memory?
Limitations
Vulnerability
Tremendous system, powerful, despite idiosyncrasies
What are the 3 processes of memory?
Encoding - get it in
Storage - keep it in
Retrieval - get it out
What is encoding?
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
What is storage?
Encoded information has to be retained
Has to be a memory trace
What is retrieval?
Accessing memories, try to remember what was stored, recall, & recognition
What is Sensory Register/memory?
It holds raw sensory input and is volatile (interruptions)
How does memory hold raw sensory input?
Iconic store - visual information; lasts fractions of a second (1/4)
Echoic stores - auditory information; lasts about 2 secs, partial trace can last longer
What is the purpose and function of STS/STM now Working Memory?
Conscious awareness
integrate information
temporary working area
hold current plants - strategies
How is information represented in working memory?
Mental representations/memory codes
- these codes can takes various forms
What are the various forms of memory codes in working memory?
Images (visual), sound (phonological), meaning (semantic), and physical action (motor)
Does the form of memory code in working memory correspond to the form of the original stimulus?
No
What is the capacity of STS/STM?
The magical number: 7+/- 2. this means that individuals can typically hold 5-9 meaningful items in the STS/STM
How is the capacity of STS/STM assessed in adults?
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.
What is the duration of information in STS/STM?
Must be actively “worked” on or it will be lost
What is the default strategy for maintaining information in STS or STM?
Rehearsal: mentally repeating or practicing the info to keep it in memory
e.g. phone numbers
What are other strategies for maintaining strategy in STS/STM?
Using mnemonic devices, creating associations, & employing visualization techniques
What is chunking, and how does it help hold on to info in STS/STM?
Grouping information into meaningful units. This helps by reducing the cognitive load and making it easier to remember smaller, meaningful chunks.
What is the ‘Shelf Life’ of information in STS or Working Memory?
Approximately 20 seconds. If not actively engaged with the info during this time, it is rapidly lost.
What is the serial position effect exercise in the context of STS/Working Memory?
Working to remember a list of words
What factors contribute to information loss form Short-Term/Working Memory?
Exceeding capacity, the Serial Position Effect, and the tendency to forget items in the middle of a sequence
What is the primary effect in the context of Short Term/Working Memory?
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
What is the recency effect in context of Short-Term/Working Memory?
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.
What are the common reasons for information being lost from STM?
Due to processes like forgetting, decay, and displacement
What is forgetting in the context of information loss from STM?
The failure to retrieve or recall information. Occurs for various reasons, such as inadequate encoding or interference
What is decay as a mechanism of information loss from STM?
Involves the degeneration of the memory trace over time. If information isn’t actively rehearsed or used, it may decay & difficult to recall
How does displacement contribute to info loss from STM?
New info takes the place of old info in STM. New info can push out or replace older info.
What role does inadequate encoding play in forgetting from STM?
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.
What is Short Term Memory?
Codes information for long term memory
How is Long Term Memory Described?
Vast and relatively permanent (brain injury, drugs, medication)
What type of information is stored in Long-Term Memory?
Knowledge of all our experiences, information and strategies. It encompasses a wide range of info accumulated over time
How does LTM differ from STM in terms of capacity?
Both children and adults always have enough space in LTM. Unlike limited capacity of STM, LTM has a seemingly limitless capacity for storing info
What is the role of executive functions in cognitive processes?
Controlling the flow of information and coordinating various cognitive systems within the brain
What do executive functions encompass in terms of cognitive processes?
Higher-order functions (development & implementation of strategies), metamemory (awareness & understanding o one’s memory processes), and etc.
How do Executive Functions contribute to cognitive control?
Managing and overseeing the flow of information, allowing for the effective coordination of different cognitive systems
What is a common problem encountered in systems where long-term storage has ample space and capacity?
Bottleneck issues arise when there’s a surplus of space and capacity in long-term storage, but processes must still content with it
How can a system effectively handle the bottleneck issue caused by an abundance of space and capacity in LTM?
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
How does attention play a crucial role in information processing?
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
