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Psychology > Topic 6: memory > Flashcards

Topic 6: memory Flashcards

1
Q

Define memory

A

Human memory is an info processing system that works constructively to encode + store = retrieve info

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2
Q

3 Key memory processes

A

1) Encoding
2) Storage
3) Retrieval

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3
Q

Define forgetting

A
  • Result of failure at any 3 stages rather than a process itself
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4
Q

Explain memory using the computer paradigm

A

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

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5
Q

3 Stages of memory

A

1) Sensory memory
2) STM
3) LTM

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6
Q

What are the characteristics of memory?

A

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

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7
Q

Explain sensory input

A
  • Everything we see/hear/taste/smell
  • Encoded = changed to format brain can interpret
  • Info > sensory memory > processed quickly + stays there briefly unless given attention
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8
Q

Describe sensory memory

A
  • 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
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9
Q

What are the separate registers of the 5 senses?

A
  • Iconic = Eye
  • Echoic = Ear
  • Tactile = Touch
  • Olfactory = Smell
  • Gustatory = Taste
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10
Q

Describe STM

A
  • 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
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11
Q

How to improve STM?

A
  • Chunking
  • Grouping bits of info together into larger units of info
  • E.g. 4 5 6 7 8 9 > 456 789
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12
Q

Define primacy-recency effect

A
  • AKA serial position effect
  • When presented with a serial order of info we remember more from beginning + end of list than intermediate info
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12
Q

Describe LTM

A
  • Function: organizes + stores info
  • Capacity: unlimited
  • Duration: thought to be permanent but there is doubt
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13
Q

Define encoding

A
  • Meaning is encoded rather than exact representation e.g remember getting a letter but not what exactly was written in it
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14
Q

Describe consolidation

A
  • 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
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15
Q

Describe research into inducing LTP

A
  • 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
16
Q

Explain interference in memory recall

A
  • 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
17
Q

Explain retrieval

A
  • 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
18
Q

What are the factors affecting retrieval?

A

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

19
Q

5 Types of LTM

A
  • Episodic
  • Semantic
  • Declarative
  • Procedural
  • Prospective
20
Q

Define episodic memory

A
  • Stores events you have been involved in = autobiographical
  • More likely to remember this information + in cases of brain damage this memory is least lost
21
Q

Define semantic memory

A
  • Facts about the world e.g. what things are + names of places/people
22
Q

Define declarative memory

A
  • Facts or events that can be consciously recalled = articulate verbally = explicit memory
23
Q

Define procedural memory

A
  • Skills and habits e.g. driving + tying laces
24
Q

Define prospective memory

A
  • Things to be done in future e.g. I will buy bread after class

Psychology (19 decks)

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