Module 5 - Memory Flashcards
What is memory?
The mind is like a computer which stores, transforms and retrieves information processing
Why is memory important? (4)
Fundamental to daily function
Creates meaningful life narratives
Allows us to learn from mistakes
Allows us to learn from successes
Memory and learning
Same phenomena, closely related concepts
Difference between learning & memory?
Learning
acquisition of skills and knowledge.
Enduring change in behaviour/ response due to experience
Memory
How the ‘learnings’ are stored
The cognitive process that encodes, stores, and retrieves prior learnings as well as past experiences
Neural Networks
(Biological Basis of Memory)
interconnected neurons of the brain and nervous system
Connections / Synapses
(Biological Basis of Memory)
Neurons transmit information (electrochemical signals, i.e neuro transmitters) via Synapses (connections)
New connections and unused connections
(Biological Basis of Memory)
New connections can be formed
Unused connections can be lost
Computer Analogy
(Cognitive Psychology)
Explains how neural activity processes information
Computational models: recreates___
(Cognitive Psychology)
Recreate steps in mental activity
Brain damage offers insight into
(Cognitive Psychology)
How function is regionalised
What are the basic memory processes? (3)
Encoding (Acquisition)
How information is converted for storage
Storage (Maintenance)
How information is retained in the memory
Retrieval (Recovery)
How information is recovered from memory
Basis of Memory: (2)
(Encoding)
Perception and sensation
Most of what we perceive is not remembered
Key factor/influence of encoding:
Attention
Increase attention via Reactive/Passive approaches:
Loud noise
Use Own name
Increase attention via Selective approaches:
Focused
effortful
Depth of processing (4)
(Encoding Strategies)
-> Improved memory encoding
* Elaboration
* Visual Imagery
* Self-relevance
* Motivation to remember
Elaboration:
(Encoding Strategies)
Linking to other ideas or events
Visual Imagery:
(Encoding Strategies)
Visualising a relevant image in the mind
Self-Relevance:
(Encoding Strategies)
Framing information as relevant to oneself
Motivation to remember:
(Encoding Strategies)
Explicitly thinking about future contexts where info is useful
Memory is stored
In multiple modalities
Retrieval of memory relies on
Retrieval cues
Retrieval cues are more effective when matched with (2)
context or emotions
Eg. Remember school days when visiting a school
Eg. Hard to recall happy memories when sad
Sensory Memory (2):
Sensory memory holds information about a perceived stimulus for about 1 sec.
Echoic (Audio) and Iconic (Visual)memory
How long is sensory memory stored for?
1 sec
Working (short-term) Memory: (3)
Temporary storage and processing of information
Used to solve problems, respond to demands, achieve goals
Conscious / Active : information remains in the WM as long as someone is consciously processing it
How long is Working memory stored without rehearsal?
10-20 secs
Central Executive
Computes motivations
Directs effort/attention
Phonological Loop
(Baddeley’s working memory model)
Verbal store in working memory
Silent speech system used to repeat words to oneself
Purpose: Rehearse information
Maintenance rehearsal
Visuospatial sketchpad
System where we Imagine and manipulate abstract images
Visual store in WM
Episodic Buffer
Multimodal store that lasts 10-20secs
How many new units of information can be retained in ideal lab conditions?
(Working Memory)
7 (+/-2)new units of information
How many new units of information can be retained in real world?
(Working Memory)
4-5 new units of information
Hippocampus
Structures in the limbic system that encodes information from WM’s episodic buffer -> LTM
Working memory assessments : (2)
Digit Span (Forwards and backwards)
Sentence Recall
Digit Span: (2)
Measures verbal short term memory span (storage capacity)
Repeat numbers forwards and backwards
Sentence Recall
Immediate repetition of auditory sentences
If shorter sentences are repeated correctly, but longer ones are not -> suggests memory difficulties
Where the repetition breaks down tells you where difficulties lie
Serial position effect:
People tend to remember information towards the beginning and end of the list rather than the middle
Disorders associated with WM dysfunction:
Learning disabilities inc. Dyslexia
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
Dyslexia:
Difficulty with mentally manipulating words
Important for segmentation and blending
Difficulty computing long instructions
ADHD:
impaired attention, concentration and focus
Long-term memory:
Memory potentially stored forever
What happens to missing details when we retrieve memory?
Reconstructed
Therefore memories change & evolve
The longer information stays in working memory, the more likely it will be__?
Stored in LTM
Declarative memory
(Long-term memory)
Explicit memory
Information that you can tell others
Facts, events, beliefs
2 types of Declarative (explicit) memory:
Episodic
Semantic
Episodic Memory
(Long-term memory -> Declarative Memory Type)
Memories of specific events in our lives
Eg. What you did on NYE
Feelings of an event
Semantic Memory
(Long-term memory -> Declarative Memory Type)
Memories of know facts, general knowledge
Procedural memory
(Long-term memory)
Implicit
Memories that you can show by doing
3 types of Procedural (Implicit) Memory
Skill Learning
Priming
Conditioning
Skill learning:
(Type of Procedural Memory <- Long Term Memory)
Knowing how to ride a bicycle
Priming:
(Type of Procedural Memory <- Long Term Memory
Changes in responses due to exposure from subtle influences
Being more likely to use a word you heard recently
Conditioning:
Reflexes
Salivating when you see a favourite food
Retrieval
Recovering information from LTM (long term memory) and bringing it back to STM (short term memory) /consciousness
Recognition
Memory for when something that is currently perceived has been previously encountered or learned
Recall
Explicit retrieval of information from LTM
Causes for failure in encoding long term memory / everyday memory (2)?
Distraction / Attention (other sensory stimuli)
Cognitive Load -> divides our attention between competing sources
Simple Decay:
Memories that are lost because they are seldom used or reactivated
Intrusion Errors:
Mixing of related, recent memory information into existing episodic memory
Replacement Errors:
Memory links are lost via re-categorizing
Misinformation Effects -> False Memories
(False Memories)
New information might contaminate memory
Eg. Assumption of guilt
Schematic Fitting -> False Memories
(False Memories)
ideas or schemas from our world view that lead to false memories
Eg. stereotyping
Anterograde Amnesia -> False Memories
Cannot encode new information due to damage to hippocampus
Retrograde Amnesia (4) -> False Memories
Can form new memories
Lose long-term memory, explicit memory (episodic, semantic)
Rare (besides dementia)
Caused by emotional dissociation
Memory reconstruction:
Only a small amount of information is encoded in long term memory
When long-term memory is reactivated, they are brought into WM where additional elements are added
Encoding & Retrieval Principles (4)
Elaboration
Visual Imagery
Self-Relevance
Motivation to remember
Mnemonic Devices:
Acronyms
Initialisms
Method of Loci:
(Mnemonic Device)
Strategy for memorizing new information
Involves imagining yourself placing pieces of information around a room and then visualising yourself walking back through the pick the information up[
Networks of association:
(Encoding Strategies)
Mind/ word/ semantic/ visual maps
Chunking:
(Encoding Strategies)
Grouping information together using knowledge stored in LTM
Works with delivering instruction
