Memory Flashcards
Define memory
is an active information processing system that receives, store, organises and retrieves information
What is the duration and capacity of echoic memory?
duration= 3-4 sec capacity= unlimited
Define echoic memory
the subsystem of sensory memory that receives and stores an unlimited amount of auditory information in the form of an echo
Define iconic memory
the subsystem of sensory memory that receives and stores an unlimited amount of visual information in the form of a visual image
Define sensory memory
the first stage of the multi-store model of memory; it receives and stores an unlimited amount of sensory information for a few seconds
Define short term memory
the second and most active system of the multi-store model of memory. stores a limited amount of information entering from sensory memory or retrieval from Ltm
Define encoding
the process that converts information into a useable form that can be stored ad represented in the memory system
Define storage
the retention of information in the memory system over time
Define retrieval
the process of locating information stored in memory and bringing it into consciousness when needed to complete a cognitive task
What is the duration and capacity of short term memory ?
duration= 12-30 sec capacity= 7 plus or minus 2
Define Long term memory
The third memory system in the multi-store model of memory.used for relatively permanent storage of information
What is the duration and capacity of long term memory?
duration= unlimited capacity= unlimited
Define chunking
a method of increasing the capacity of our short term memory by grouping seperate items of information together in chunks
Define implicit memory
a long term memory of learnt actions and skills that we store in the long term memory and retrieve unconsciously
Define procedural memory
is a type of implicit LTM for learnt actions and skills that can usually only be expressed as actions
Define explicit memory
A long term memory of events and factual information that can be retrieved intentionally and consciously. declarative,
Define declarative memory
a type of explicit LTM for specific factual information that can be expressed in words. two subsections semantic and episodic
Define episodic memory
a type of declarative memory for personally significant events associated with specific times and places
Define semantic memory
a type fo declarative memory for impersonal factual knowledge about the world
Define maintenance rehearsal
is a rehearsal technique involving the repetition of information a number of times to retain it longer in STM
Define rehearsal
the active manipulation of information in the short term memory in order to hold it for longer than the usually 12-30 sec
Define elaborative rehearsal
Is a rehearsal technique involving linking new information in some meaningful way with information already stored in the LTM
What is the role of the amygdala in LTM storage ?
- encodes implicit emotional memories (fear and anger)
- stores classically conditioned fear response that are involuntary
- contributes to the formation of flash bulb memories
- medial temporal lobe
What is the role of the cerebral cortex in LTM storage?
- processing STM declarative memories
- stores LT declarative memories
- makes links to our memories
What is the role of the hippocampus in LTM storage?
- limbic system medial temporal lobe
- encodes explicit declarative memories
- spacial information=navigation
- explicit=retrieves who, what where and how
What is the role of the cerebellum in LTM storage
- hindbrain
- balance and coordination
- implicit procedural memories
- classically conditioned reflex response
Define recall
a measure of retention that involves retrieving stored information using few or no cues
Define free recall
recalling information in any order with no cues for assistance
Define retrieval cues
any stimuli that assists in memory retrieval
What are the three forms of recall?
- free recall, cued recall and cued recall
Define serial recall
recalling information from memory in the order or sequence in which it was learnt with no cues for assistance
Define context dependant cues
cues which revive around the environment which you are in. A setting in which the information was learnt
Define state dependant cues
cues revolving around emotions. internal physiological and or psychological state at the time memory was formed
Define recognition
a measure of retention that involves identifying previously learnt information from a list or group of alternatives
Define reconstruction
is remembering past events and features of these events and putting them together during memory recall
Define relearning
a measure of retention that involves learning information that has previously been learnt and stored in LTM as a means of assessing whether any information was retained from original learning
What is the savings method? (relearning)
a formula that calculates the percentage of information retained from the original learning after relearning has occurred
What is brain trauma ?
brain trauma involves physical damage to the brain which may impact the ability to form , store or retrieve memories. It can be a result of internal or external factors
What are forms of brain trauma?
- brain surgery
- amnesia
- dementia
In reference to brain trauma what is the effect of brain surgery?
- risk of memory function being impaired
- usually temporary short term memory loss
- most people recover from this occasionally memory loss can be long lasting
In reference to brain trauma what is the effect of amnesia?
- it is the loss of memory, partial or complete
- two types retrograde and anterograde
Define anterograde amnesia
partial or complete loss of memories that occur after the injury- hippocampus is commonly damaged
- cannot transfer information from STM-LTM
- can retrieve
- can learn new procedural memories
Define dementia
is a general term that describes the symptoms of a variety of brain illnesses that progressively kill brain cells.
What is Alzheimer’s disease ?
- mostly occurs in old age
- is gradual severe memory loss, confusion, impaired attention, disordered thinking and depression
- involves both retrograde and anterograde amnesia
- hippocampus and prefrontal lobe damage
What are the two known causes of Alzheimers ?
- amyloid plaques
- neurofibrillary tangles
Define amyloid plaques
proteins that form clumps of insoluble plaques in and around the neurone inhibiting communication between neurons
Define neurofibrillary tangles
these tangles lookalike twisted fibres and inhibit transport of essential substances throughout the neutron. the failure of the transport system is believed to eventually kill neurons
