Memory (CP) Flashcards
What is memory?
Memory is the set of processes used to encode, store and retrieve information over a period of time.
Define: Encoding
Encoding is converting the sensory input (or information received) into sensory memory. Also known as the “initial learning of information.”
List the types of encoding
1)Semantic encoding (words and meanings)
2) Visual encoding (images)
3) Auditory encoding (words and sounds)
Why is information processed through semantic encoding more easily recalled?
Involves deeper processing
Two ways memories can be processed
Effortful processing and automatic processing
Whose tested theory is the multi-store model of memory.
Atkinson and Shifrin, 1968, 1971; Waugh and Norman,1965
Explain the multi-store model of memory.
Multi-store model of memory states that when we receive sensory input, this information firstly goes to our sensory memory (but some are lost) then if paid attention this is temporarily stored in our short-term memory (other info not transferred is lost) and with enough rehearsal, the information is transferred to our Long term memory. The information here can be recalled to access it again and the more we rehearse it the longer the information stays in our long-term memory.
List the evidence that supports the multi-store model of memory.
Duration, capacity, and serial position effect support the theory.
Limitations of the multi-store model of memory.
Working memory (Baddley and Hitch, 1974)states that as opposed to the multi-store model we are equipped with three short-term memory systems; Visuospatial sketchpad,
Phonological loop and episodic buffer. The central executive is responsible for monitoring and controlling the flow of information in the components. And is also responsible for transferring information into the LTM.
STM can be seen as a component of working memory.
Multi-store model is also very oversimplified.
Good encoding techniques
Relating new information to old information, forming mental images, and forming connections and associations.
What are the stores in the working memory?
Phonological loop: Mental representations of sounds
The episodic buffer: temporary storage space for information
Visuospatial sketchpad: mental representations of visual and spatial information.
Experiment related to the sensory stores
Sperling (1960)
Letter flashed for 1/20th of a second
Number of letter flashed = 12
Average recall recorded were 3-5
Thus, we can say that sensory memory has a high capacity to store information but for a short period of time.
Experiment related to STM.
Miller, 1956
The experiment asked the participants to remember several strings of random numbers and then recall.
Capacity of STM : 7 +/- 2
Duration : 15-20 seconds (SHORT)
Peterson and Peterson (1959) trigram experiment- as opposed to Miller this experiment tested the recall of 3 letter sequences
Conclusion: STM decayed in 18 seconds
Two things that affect STM
Memory trace decay and proactive interference
Primacy effect
The first words are recalled more easily because they are rehearsed the most and thus stored in LTM.
If the conductor of the experiment had said the words at a slower pace the participants would’ve had more time to rehearse other words and would’ve performed better.
What is LTM composed of?
Explicit (declarative) and Implicit (non-declarative) memories.
Explicit memories
a) Episodic (autobiographical) - Event and Experiences
b) Semantic- Concepts and Facts
Implicit memories
a) Procedural - How to do things (driving, solving a puzzle)
b) Priming - Current response is affected by prior exposure to a different stimulus.
c) Emotional Conditioning - classically conditioned emotional responses; triggered by sensory input (e.g. associating an event with a certain smell).
Henry Molaison (HM) - a case of anterograde amnesia
HM used to suffer from intractable epilepsy. He underwent an “experimental” operation - ‘bilateral medial temporal lobe resection’ which involved removing most of his
a)amygdaloid complex
b) hippocampal complex (except 2cm at the back)
c) parahippocampal gyrus - entorhinal
d) perirhinal and parahippocampal cortices - (except 2 cm at the back)
HM suffered from anterograde amnesia which means he could no longer form new LTM memories post-operation.
However, his past memories he could clearly recall past memories.
But no new episodic and semantic memories.
His non-declarative memory was also intact (procedural).
Serial position effect
Ebbinghaus, 1885;Glanzer and Cunitz, 1966; Hellyer,1962
Recency effect
In the short-term memory;
Recency effect reduced by backwards counting
What is double dissociation?
A theory by salmon and Butters, 1995;
If procedural memory is affected in a patient then it doesn’t necessarily affect priming and vice versa.
What parts of the brain are involved in memory?
Amygdala
Hippocampus
Cerebellum
Pre - frontal cortex
Amygdala : Location + role in memory
Amygdala is located adjacent to the hippocampus. Its main function is to regulate emotions like fear and aggression.
Also involved in transferring new learning into LTM (consolidation).
Memories that are emotionally arousing are encoded at a deeper level by amygdala.