Memory part 2 Flashcards
Decay Theory
Memories are lost when not used
Interference theory
Before consolidation into long term memory, memories are weak and prone to disruption and interfering information effects
Proactive interference (‘forward in time’)
Prior information interferes with encoding a new memory
Retroactive interference (‘backward in time’)
Newly learned information interferes with a prior encoded memory
Similarity effects
The more alike something is to what is already learned, the more it will mingle and interfere with memory
The encoding specificity hypothesis
- Memory retrieval is better when there is overlap in some source with encoding
Context : Easier to remember something when we are in the same context when we retrieve it as when we encoded it
Context can refer to:
- Internal state (e.g., mood)
- External environment
- Processing
Internal context: State-dependent learning
- 2 groups were tested in a matched state (sober, then tested sober) or mismatched test
Results : - Both matched groups retrieved more information
External context
People are better at retrieving when there is match in context (place)
(e.g. learned underwater then recalled underwater)
Processing context: Transfer-appropriate processing
The overlap between processes during encoding and retrieval determines memory strength
E.g. deep encoding and evaluated at deep level
Episodic memory
- recollecting unique events : what, where, when
- Mentally reexperiencing an event
Semantic dementia
Affects temporal poles
Early in disease:
* Relatively spared at episodic memory tasks
* Impaired at word naming and picture matching tasks (semantic memory)
Semantic memory
culturally-shared knowledge and knowledge about the self that isn’t
attached to a time and place
Children with hippocampal damage cannot…
Copy images after a delay
- Due to episodic memory impairment (not semantic)
3 types of consciousness of long-term Memory
- Anoetic
- Noetic
- Autonoetic
Anoetic Consciousness
- Implicit Memory
- No awareness or personal engagement
Noetic consciousness
- Semantic Memory
- Awareness but no personal engagement
Autonoetic Consciousness
- Episodic Memory Awareness AND personal engagement
- Mental time travel
Memory retrieval: The reappearance hypothesis
An episodic memory trace is recalled the same way at each retrieval
* It is reproduced, not reconstructed
Involuntary memories
Memories that come to mind with no retrieval attempt, often emotional and repetitive
Flashbulb memories form form events that are:
- Emotionally arousing
- Surprising or shocking
- Important to the self (have consequence)
Flashbulb and everyday memories both change over time, but flashbulb memories are linked to more ______ over time
Confidence (belief, vividness)
Change in memory over time show that memories are..
Reconstructed as they are retrieved
How the hippocampus can distort memories
The hippocampus binds details. Across details, it can bind different details, changing memories.