the psychobiological process of memory Flashcards
unit 3 aos 2
processes for human memory
encoding: conversion of sensory information into a usable form so that it can be neurologically represented (placed) and stored in memory.
storage: retention of the encoded information
retrieval: recovery of stored information for use when needed
incoming sensory info—encoding—-storage—retrieval
atkinson-shiffrin multi store model
sensory info from external environment—-sensory memory (1) —-attention—–short term memory (2/3)—-encoding/retrieval——long term memory (4)
(1) not attended to in sensory=lost from sensory
(2) rehearsal=keeps info in STM
(3) not rehearsed in STM=lost from STM
(4) LTM=some information may be lost or become inaccessible over time
function, capacity and duration of sensory memory
function
-receives sensory info from our environment
-enables us to perceive our world with continuity
capacity
-potentially unlimited capacity (both iconic and echoic)
duration
-iconic memory: 0.2-0.4 of a second
-echoic memory: 3-4 seconds
function, capacity and duration of short term memory
function
-receives info from sensory memory and transfers info to and from LTM
-maintains info in conscious awareness for immediate use
capacity
- 5-9 items
duration
-18-20 seconds, possibly up to 30
function, capacity, and duration of long term memory
function
-stores info for re-access and use of at a later time (only info from LTM is retrieved)
capacity
-potentially unlimited
duration
-potentially permanent, indefinite (though some info may be lost or inaccessible over time)
sensory memory
the entry point of memory in which incoming sensory stimuli are retained in their original sensory form for a brief period of time
iconic memory
where visual information is stored in sensory memory
echoic memory
where auditory information is stored in sensory memory
short-term memory (STM)
a memory system with limited storage capacity in which information is stored for a relatively short time
long-term memory (LTM)
a memory store that holds a potentially unlimited amount of information for a very long time, possibly permanently
explicit memory
LTM that can be consciously retrieved and stated (declarative)
episodic memory
LTM of personally experienced events associated with a particular time and place (what, when, where)
semantic memory
LTM of facts and knowledge around the world
implicit memory
LTM that doesn’t require conscious or intentional retrieval (non-declarative)
procedural memory
LTM for the skills involve in particular tasks
classically conditioned memory
involves an involuntary response to a stimulus that has been repeatedly associated with an emotionally arousing stimulus
function of hippocampus
-encodes explicit memories
-encodes classically-conditioned memories
function of amygdala
-encodes the emotional components of memory
function of neocortex
-storage and retrieval of explicit memories
function of basal ganglia
-encodes procedural memories
-storage of classically-conditioned memories
function of cerebellum
-encodes procedural memories
-temporary storage of procedural memories
-storage of simple conditioned reflexes
possible imagined futures
hypothetical experiences and situations that an individual has the ability to create and conceptualise in their mind
how does semantic memory contribute to creating possible imagined futures?
able to envision possible scenarios that fit in with what we know about the world
how does episodic memory contribute to creating possible imagined futures?
able to construct possible imagined future that is subjective and includes more richly detailed elements
aphantasia
-the phenomenon in which individuals lack the capacity to generate mental imagery
-isn’t considered a disorder as it doesn’t need a diagnosis or treatment
-those with aphantasia have an impaired ability to imagine possible futures
-struggles with retrieving visual info from episodic memory, but still able to retrieve non-visual info from explicit memory
alzheimer’s disease
-a neurodegenerative disease, characterised by the progressive loss of neurons
-deterioration starts in the hippocampus before spreading to other areas
-research shows that Alzheimer’s is linked to the formation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles
symptoms of alzheimer’s disease
-decrease in cognitive function
-personality changes
-changes in mood and emotion
-frequently becoming confused or disoriented
-difficulty with language and communication
mnemonic
-any technique used to assist memory
-makes information more meaningful by linking it to pre-existing knowledge
acronym
a mnemonic device in which the first letters of items form a pronounceable word to aid memory (eg ANZAC, SAC, GAS)
acrostic
a mnemonic device in which th4e first letters of items create a phrase, rhyme, or poem to aid memory (eg never eat soggy weetbix)
method of loci/memory palace
a mnemonic device that converts items into mental images and associates them with a specific function to aid memory
songline
multimodal performances conducted as a family or community travels through country and spaces in landscape that record journeys, links important sites, and describe ways to live, care for, and nurture country
sung narratives
stories that share important cultural, ecological, and survival info through the use of singing, harmony, and rhythm
