Topic 6: memory Flashcards
Define memory
Human memory is an info processing system that works constructively to encode + store = retrieve info
3 Key memory processes
1) Encoding
2) Storage
3) Retrieval
Define forgetting
- Result of failure at any 3 stages rather than a process itself
Explain memory using the computer paradigm
1) Encoding: typing into system
2) Storage: data typed now stored into hard disc/drive = stored for later
3) Retrieval: bring back from storage for usage on monitor
3 Stages of memory
1) Sensory memory
2) STM
3) LTM
What are the characteristics of memory?
1) Capacity: how much info can be stored
2) Duration: how long it can be stored
3) Function: what is done with the info stored
Explain sensory input
- Everything we see/hear/taste/smell
- Encoded = changed to format brain can interpret
- Info > sensory memory > processed quickly + stays there briefly unless given attention
Describe sensory memory
- Function: holds info long enough to be processed
- Capacity: large = many items at once
- Duration: brief = 250 ms for visual + 3 s for auditory
- Forms automatically without attention + interpretation BUT attention needed to transfer to working memory
2 TYPES:
1) Iconic memory = visual
2) Echoic memory = auditory
What are the separate registers of the 5 senses?
- Iconic = Eye
- Echoic = Ear
- Tactile = Touch
- Olfactory = Smell
- Gustatory = Taste
Describe STM
- AKA working memory
- Function: conscious processing
- Capacity: limited = 7 +/- 2
- Duration: brief = 20 s
- Code: sounds/visual
- To keep info in STM = repeat/practice = maintenance rehearsal
- If not rehearsal = memory decays quickly
- Rehearsed = enter LTM
How to improve STM?
- Chunking
- Grouping bits of info together into larger units of info
- E.g. 4 5 6 7 8 9 > 456 789
Define primacy-recency effect
- AKA serial position effect
- When presented with a serial order of info we remember more from beginning + end of list than intermediate info
Describe LTM
- Function: organizes + stores info
- Capacity: unlimited
- Duration: thought to be permanent but there is doubt
Define encoding
- Meaning is encoded rather than exact representation e.g remember getting a letter but not what exactly was written in it
Describe consolidation
- Structural change = pattern of neural pathways changed
- This causes long term potential = strengthening synapsing = cellular basis for memory formation
- Metabolic activity required for consolidation = after stimulus passed brain continues to work + integrate info into LTM
Describe research into inducing LTP
- Studies to enhance LTP for treating dementia
- NMDA receptor antagonist disrupt memory formation = used in research in rats shows memory deficits + mice bred with enhanced NMDA function show greater LTP = shows importance of role
Explain interference in memory recall
- Info remains in working memory with repeated rehearsal = prone to interference
2 TYPES
1) Retroactive interference: new info interferes with old info
2) Proactive interference: old info interferes with new info
Explain retrieval
- Cue required
- More info available = easier to retrieval
- Good filing system aids retrieval = mnemonics + stuff personal to you more likely to be remembered
- Retrieval affected by interference
What are the factors affecting retrieval?
1) Levels of processing: the more something is elaborated at time of encoding the easier to retrieve
2) Organization: of concepts in memory + association between them
3) Context: being in the same place + emotional state at time of encoding/recall = state dependant memory
5 Types of LTM
- Episodic
- Semantic
- Declarative
- Procedural
- Prospective
Define episodic memory
- Stores events you have been involved in = autobiographical
- More likely to remember this information + in cases of brain damage this memory is least lost
Define semantic memory
- Facts about the world e.g. what things are + names of places/people
Define declarative memory
- Facts or events that can be consciously recalled = articulate verbally = explicit memory
Define procedural memory
- Skills and habits e.g. driving + tying laces
