Topic 6: Memory Flashcards
Define memory
process of how we take something observed and convert it into a form we can store, retrieve, use
Process of memory
encoding - storage - retrieval
What is a memory?
MENTAL REPRESENTATION for something to be remembered = mental model of information
Sensory representation
5 senses eg visual image of a dog
Verbal representation
words, info, spelling, concepts, language eg info stored in words - concept of freedom
Motoric representation
memories of motor actions eg riding a bike
Information processing model of memory (standard)
stimulus - sensory register - short-term memory (STM) (rehearsal/retrievel) - long term memory (LTM) (retrieval)
Sensory registers/memory
Hold info about a perceived stimulus for a fraction of a second AFTER stimulus disappears
Sensory registers/memory - iconic storage
momentary storage VISUAL info
Sensory registers/memory - echoic storage
momentary storage AUDITORY info
Short-term memory (STM)
info from sensory reigsters that is ATTENDED to moves into STM (not all info attended to)
What is the capacity/duration of STM?
Capacity - small amount of info, ~7 items
Duration - short time, ~20-30 seconds
What happens if STM is rehearsed?
Info maintained in STM for longer
maintenance rehearsal + elaborative rehearsal - deep vs superficial learning
Long-term memory (LTM)
representations of facts, images, actions and skills - persists over a lifetime
works closely with working memory
contains info about our memory for experiences/info accumulated
What is the capacity/duration of LTM?
duration - potentially limitless
capacity - theoretically limitless
LTM MODEL
TYPE of knowledge - procedural memory + declarative memory (generic/semantic - general knowledge) & (episodic - specific events)
WAY knowledge is EXPRESSED - implicit memory + explicit memory (recall) & (recognition)
Types of explicit memory
Recall - conscious recollection of info from LTM
Recognition - identification of something previously seen/learned
Types of implicit memory
Priming - previous experience changes response without conscious awareness
Classical conditioning - associating response ith a stimulus
LTM Model (picture)
Evolution of memory model
Memory no longer thought of as serial processing modelling
Comprise number of modules
Interdependent (parallel processing) - not always conscious or retroactive
Working memory (WM)
Temporary storage & processing of info
- solve problems, repsond to environment, achieve goals
What is Badderley and Hitch’s 3 memory systems?
- visual memory store
- verbal memory store
- central executive
What comprises the visual memory store? (memory systems)
VISUOSPATIAL SKETCHPAD - temp image (20-30 sec), stores info about location/nature of objects
what and where
What comprises the verbal memory store? (memory systems)
PHONOLOGICAL LOOP - storage verbal items (STM), limited capacity
What comprises the central executive? (memory systems)
controls flow and processing of info, limited capacity
Multi-component model of WM
Everyday memory
As it occurs in everyday life
functional memory
remembering info that is meaningful
Function of memory and intent as learnt infor (WM)
emotional significance of memory
prospective aspect of memory (future)
retrospective aspects of memroy (past)
What is prospective memory? (WM)
memory for future tasks, remembering to remember, what/when to remember
Encoding in LTM
Encoded = info cast into representational form (converted to be easily accessed)
Type/level of encoding influences accessibility of info
Levels of processing info in LTM
shallow processing - physical characteristics of stimulus
deep processing - meaning of stimulus
Eg. word understanding
structural - word (letters/length)
phonetic - what does it sound like/rhyme with
semantic processing - meaning, use in sentence
What is the encoding specificity principle?
ease of retrieval depends on match between way info was encoded and how it’s later retrieved
poor recall = shallow learning using deep processing technique
Why is context important with retrieval of info/memory?
context of encode/retrieval of info can affect case of retrieval
same context+emotional state gives retrieval cues = recollection
What is context dependent memory?
Info easier to recall when encoded/retrieved in same CONTEXT
What is mood (state) congruent memory?
info easier to recall when encoded/retrieved in same EMOTIONAL state
What is the spacing effect?
superiority of memory for info rehearsed over longer intervals
cramming doesn’t work long-term (1+ days)
What is representaional modes (LTM)?
^ number of different modes = ^ remembering (visual, auditory, motoric)
> meaning > depth
How to remember better/more
Mnemonic devices
encode long series of facts by associating them with familiar/previously encoded info
new info to existing info
follow worn neural trail
‘network of association’
How to remember more/better
Networks of association
memory built through association/pathway which is can be recalled
How to remember more/better
How to LTM organised in ‘network of association’?
organised in clusters of info related in meaning
each piece of info along a network = node
interconnected / some stronger than others
mnemonic devices allow addition of concepts to existing networks
What do nodes contain? (networks of association)
thoughts, images, smells, emotions, other info
spreading activation - activate one node, activate another, need not be spoken
Eg; link between tide/surf and laundry detergent
How to remember more/better
What are schemas?
patterns of thought, organised knowledge structures, predict evironment
mental shortcut
match new info against existing schemas in memory
How do schemas affect the way we remember?
- influence way info is encoded (same/different from expectation)
- shape way info is restructured/changed
Memory fails
7 sins of memory
- transcience - memories fade with time
- absent-mindedness - need to pay attention to remember
- misattribution - misremembering source of a memory
- suggestibility - thinking we remember
- bias - distortions in recall
- persistence - recurring memories
- forgetting - inability to remember
Memory fails
what is forgetting?
inability to recall previously learned info
Memory fails
Accuracy of LTM and flashback memory
flashback memory = vivid memory of existing/significant events
memory subject to error/bias
can be primed with cues
altered by emotional factors
recall can be manipulated by leading questions
Theories of forgetting
Decay theory
result of fading neural trace and weakened with disuse
Theories of forgetting
Interference Theory
intrusion of similar memories on each other - conflict between new/old
proactive interference = old memories interfere with retrieval of new info
retroactive interference = new info interefered with retrieval of old info
Theories of forgetting
Motivated forgetting
forgetting for a reason
implies forgetting can avoid/block painful memories (Freudian/psychodynamic unconscious)
Theories of forgetting
Disordered memory: amnesia
Retrograde amnesia = inability to remember OLD memories, associated with stroke, tumour, TBI
Anterograde amnesia = inability to retain NEW memories, can retrieve old ones/not form new ones, associated with Alzheimers
