the psychobiological process of memory

Question 1

processes for human memory

Answer 1

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

Question 2

atkinson-shiffrin multi store model

Answer 2

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

Question 3

function, capacity and duration of sensory memory

Answer 3

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

Question 4

function, capacity and duration of short term memory

Answer 4

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

Question 5

function, capacity, and duration of long term memory

Answer 5

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)

Question 6

sensory memory

Answer 6

the entry point of memory in which incoming sensory stimuli are retained in their original sensory form for a brief period of time

Question 7

iconic memory

Answer 7

where visual information is stored in sensory memory

Question 8

echoic memory

Answer 8

where auditory information is stored in sensory memory

Question 9

short-term memory (STM)

Answer 9

a memory system with limited storage capacity in which information is stored for a relatively short time

Question 10

long-term memory (LTM)

Answer 10

a memory store that holds a potentially unlimited amount of information for a very long time, possibly permanently

Question 11

explicit memory

Answer 11

LTM that can be consciously retrieved and stated (declarative)

Question 12

episodic memory

Answer 12

LTM of personally experienced events associated with a particular time and place (what, when, where)

Question 13

semantic memory

Answer 13

LTM of facts and knowledge around the world

Question 14

implicit memory

Answer 14

LTM that doesn’t require conscious or intentional retrieval (non-declarative)

Question 15

procedural memory

Answer 15

LTM for the skills involve in particular tasks

Question 16

classically conditioned memory

Answer 16

involves an involuntary response to a stimulus that has been repeatedly associated with an emotionally arousing stimulus

Question 17

function of hippocampus

Answer 17

-encodes explicit memories
-encodes classically-conditioned memories

Question 18

function of amygdala

Answer 18

-encodes the emotional components of memory

Question 19

function of neocortex

Answer 19

-storage and retrieval of explicit memories

Question 20

function of basal ganglia

Answer 20

-encodes procedural memories
-storage of classically-conditioned memories

Question 21

function of cerebellum

Answer 21

-encodes procedural memories
-temporary storage of procedural memories
-storage of simple conditioned reflexes

Question 22

possible imagined futures

Answer 22

hypothetical experiences and situations that an individual has the ability to create and conceptualise in their mind

Question 23

how does semantic memory contribute to creating possible imagined futures?

Answer 23

able to envision possible scenarios that fit in with what we know about the world

Question 24

how does episodic memory contribute to creating possible imagined futures?

Answer 24

able to construct possible imagined future that is subjective and includes more richly detailed elements

Question 25

aphantasia

Answer 25

-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

Question 26

alzheimer’s disease

Answer 26

-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

Question 27

symptoms of alzheimer’s disease

Answer 27

-decrease in cognitive function
-personality changes
-changes in mood and emotion
-frequently becoming confused or disoriented
-difficulty with language and communication

Question 28

mnemonic

Answer 28

-any technique used to assist memory
-makes information more meaningful by linking it to pre-existing knowledge

Question 29

acronym

Answer 29

a mnemonic device in which the first letters of items form a pronounceable word to aid memory (eg ANZAC, SAC, GAS)

Question 30

acrostic

Answer 30

a mnemonic device in which th4e first letters of items create a phrase, rhyme, or poem to aid memory (eg never eat soggy weetbix)

Question 31

method of loci/memory palace

Answer 31

a mnemonic device that converts items into mental images and associates them with a specific function to aid memory

Question 32

songline

Answer 32

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

Question 33

sung narratives

Answer 33

stories that share important cultural, ecological, and survival info through the use of singing, harmony, and rhythm