Memory

Question 1

Memory

Answer 1

The process that allow us to record (encode), store, and later retrieve experiences and information

Question 2

3 stages of memory

Answer 2

• Encoding
• Consolidation (long-term storage)
• Retrieval

Question 3

3 main components of memory

Answer 3

• Sensory memory
• Short-term or working memory
• Long-term memory

Question 4

Sensory memory

Answer 4

Briefly holds incoming sensory information
–> iconic storage: visual information (<1 sec)
–> ehoic storage: auditory information (several seconds)

Question 5

Short-term/working memory

Answer 5

Holds a limited amount of information temporarily

Critical for ongoing processing of events and thoughts

Lasts for 12-30 seconds, but can be prolonged by rehearsal

Capacity is limited

Question 6

Steps “active process” working memory

Answer 6

• Phonological loop
• Visuospatial sketchpad
• episodic buffer
• Central executive

Question 7

Phonological loop

Answer 7

Stores mental representations of sounds

It maintains information via rehearsal

A loopin seconds rather than items

Explains why longer words are harder to memorize than shorter words

Question 8

Visuospatial sketchpad

Answer 8

Stores visual and spatial information

Question 9

Episodic buffer

Answer 9

Integrates and manipulates information from the phonological and visuospatial sketchpad

Words are chuncked into meaninful phrases

Question 10

Central executive

Answer 10

Directs overall action, controls the focus of attention, and integrates information in the episodic buffer

Question 11

Long-term memory

Answer 11

Can persist for much longer periods, often for life

Must be consolidated to persist for this long

Question 12

3 forms of encoding

Answer 12

• Structural encoding: general features of a stimulus
• Phonological encoding: specific (linguistic) features of an object
• Semantic encoding: remembering what the stimulus means

Question 13

Definition rehearsal

Answer 13

The (internal) reiteration of information with the intention of consolidating it

Question 14

Maintenance rehearsal

Answer 14

Rote memorization of information

Uses structural or phonological encoding

Question 15

Long-term memory as an associative network

Answer 15

Each concept is represented by a node

Lines represent associations between concepts

Shorter lines indicate stronger associations

Activation of one node/network leads to spreading activation of related concepts

Question 16

Retrieval cue

Answer 16

A stimulus, whether internal or external, that activates information stored in long-term memory

Question 17

Amnesia

Answer 17

Refers to a loss of, or inability to form, long-term memories

Can be caused by: trauma, disease, surgery, dementia

Question 18

2 forms of amnesia

Answer 18

• Retrograde amnesia: previously consolidated memories can no longer be retrieved
• Anterograde amnesia: new memories cannot be formed or consolidated

Question 19

Post-traumatic stress disorder

Answer 19

Persistent, recurrent memory for traumatic events, leading to chronic stress and anxiety

Question 20

(PTSD) Memory is a cyclical process

Answer 20

• Initial encoding
• Subsequent retrieval
• Secondary encoding, retrieval, etc.

This process can amplify the emotional response, and as a result these memories are difficult to suppres –> can dominate a person’s daily cognition

Question 21

Important brain regions long-term memory

Answer 21

Hippocampus and surrouding areas are critical for consolidation of declarative long-term memory

Question 22

Important brain regions sensory and working memory

Answer 22

• Processed in the sensory areas of the cerebral cortex
• Activates a netwrok of cortical areas located across different lobes of the brain
• Prefrontal cortex plays a key role (in executive control)