Memory 4 - Extinction and Reconsolidation Flashcards
What is memory extinction?
The reduction in Pavlovian or instrumental memory expression when the conditioned stimulus or action is no longer associated with the outcome.
It is the learning of a new association, between the conditioned stimulus and the lack of an unconditioned stimulus, rather than the ‘unlearning’ of the original association.
Is extinction permanent?
No, the original memory can recover quite readily.
What does extinction tell us about the features of memories?
Memories are adaptive and behavioural expression can change according to recent experiences.
Where are fear memories ‘kept’?
Amygdala
Where are inhibitory memories (extinction memories) kept and why?
Prefrontal cortex, because it the original fear memory in the amygdala has to be restricted. The actual inhibitory memory IS the inhibition of the amygdala.
Infra-limbic medial prefrontal cortex, to be specific.
What is memory reconsolidation?
The re-stabilisation of a reactivated memory trace.
What can happen to a memory at the retrieval stage?
It can be modified, strengthened or lost completely.
What does retrieval of a memory do?
Reactivates it.
What will happen if a memory is de-stabilised after it is retrieved?
It will return back to its short term state.
What did Loftus (2005) find about reconsolidation?
The memories of participants for bugs bunny was retrieved and modified so that they understood him to be a Disney character rather than a Warner Brothers character. This caused PPS to recall false memories, such as seeing bugs bunny on their trip to Disneyland, which is a factually impossible event!
How many causes of recovery are there and what are they?
3:
- Spontaneous recovery
- Reinstatement
- Renewal
What is spontaneous recovery?
The random and natural recovery of a memory from extinction
What is reinstatement?
The reminding of a memory which causes it’s recovery from extinction
What is renewal?
The changing of the context which causes a memory’s recovery from extinction.
What is the one universal finding in research on recovery of memories from extinction?
If the final testing takes place in a different context to extinction training, recovery will be observed.
