Unit 3 Aos 2 Memory Flashcards
define memory
the process of storing, encoding and retrieving information that has been previously encountered
Define the Atkinson - Shriffin multi-store model of memory
model of memory outlining three separate memory stores (sensory, short-term, long-term), each of which interact through processes of encoding, storage and retrieval
Define sensory memory
entry point for memory that stores an exact replica of the real world
How long does sensory memory last for?
0.2-4 seconds
List the types of sensory memory
Iconic, echoic and eidetic memory
Define iconic memory
a type of sensory memory that stores visual sensory info
Define echoic memory
a type of sensory memory that stores auditory sensory info
Define eidetic memory
a rare type of sensory memory, also known as photographic memory that stores visual sensory memory with extended duration
define short term memory
memory store that temporarily stores a limited amount of info that is consciously being attended to and actively manipulated
how long does short term memory last for
18-30 seconds
List 3 methods to improve short term memory
Chunking, maintenance rehearsal & elaborative rehearsal
Define chunking
involves grouping smaller chunks of info into larger chunks in order to hold more information
define maintenance rehearsal
involves repeating new info over and over to keep it in short term memory as long as possible
define elaborative rehearsal
involves meaningfully linking new info to info already stores in long term memory to improve ability to remember info
define long term memory
a memory store that stores potentially unlimited amount of information for a relatively permanent amount of time
list the 2 types of long term memory and their subtypes
Explicit/declarative (semantic & episodic) and Implicit (procedural & classically conditioned)
Define explicit memory
a type of long term memory that is consciously retrieved
define implicit memory
a type of long term memory that is unconsciously retrieved
define semantic memory
a type of explicit memory that consists of general knowledge or facts
define episodic memory
a type of explicit memory that consists of personal experiences or events
define procedural memory
a type of implicit memory that involves knowing how to carry out tasks facilitated by motor movement
list the 3 memory processes
encoding, storage, retrieval
define classically conditioned memory
a type of implicit memory that involves an involuntary response to a stimulus that has repeatedly been paired with an emotionally-arousing stimulus
define encoding
the process of converting info into a useable form that can be manipulated and store in the brain
define storage
the retention of info over time
define retrieval
the process of accessing info that has been stored in LTM and bringing it into conscious awareness, the STM
what is the explanatory power of the Atkinson Shriffin multi-store model of memory?
It successfully explains the 3 distinct stores involved in memory & how they interact with each other through encoding, storage and retrieval
(include strenght and limitation)
list 3 strengths of the Atkinson Shriffin multi-store model of memory
- it distinguishes between the diff stores involved in memory
- it outlines that each memory store has a different capacity and duration
- it provides a good understanding of the structure and process of memory
list 3 limitations of the Atkinson Shriffin multi-store model of memory
- it may be considered oversimplified
- the STM is more complex than the model suggests as it may not be a singular store but may consist of different components
- it doesn’t account for individual differences in memory proccesses, storage, duration and capacity
- it ignores factors such as motivation and strategy that can facilitate learning and assist with encoding info from STM to LTM
List the brain structures involved in implicit memory
basal ganglia & cerebellum
define the basal ganglia’s role in implicit memory
Brain structure involved in encoding and storing procedural memories and classically conditioned memories that are associated with unconscious habits, behaviours and procedures
define the cerebellum’s 2 roles
- brain structure that encodes and stores implicit procedural memories
- controls balance, co-ordination, movement and motor skills
list the brain structures involved in explicit memory
hippocampus, amygdala and neocortex
Define the hippocampus in relation to explicit memory
brain structure that is primarily involved in encoding explicit memories
list 4 functions of the amygdala in relation to explicit memory
- brain structure primarily involved in encoding emotion components of memories
- signals hippocampus once it detects an emotionally arousing experience that is meaningful
- retrieves explicit memories that are emotionally driven
- involved in strengthening encoding of emotional components of memory and contributing to encoding them in greater detail
define the neocortex
brain structure that stores explicit memories once they are encoded and transferred from the hippocampus
explain the structure of the neocortex
- consists of four lobes (parietal, temporal, occipital and frontal)
explain the role of episodic and semantic memory in remembering scenarios
semantic: retrieves general knowledge and facts from LTM, e.g. name of restaurant
episodic: retrieves personal experience/event from LTM, e.g. feeling of going to the restaurant
explain the role of episodic and semantic memory in imagining scenarios
semantic: envisions scenarios that are consistent and fit in with what individuals already know about the world, e.g. knowing what clothes to wear in winter
episodic: envision subjective imagined future with more richly detailed elements, e.g. emotional reactions of people
define Alzheimer’s disease
a neurodegenerative disease involving the progressive loss of neurons in the brain and characterised by memory decline
list the 2 main brain lesions/causes of Alzheimer’s
amyloid plaques & neurofribrillary tangles
define amyloid plaques
fragments of protein beta-amyloid that accumulate into insoluble plaques inhibiting communication between neurons
define neurofibrillary tangles
an accumulation of the protein tau that forms insoluble tangles within neurons, inhibiting transportation of essential substances and eventually killing the neuron entirely
list the 2 ways Alzheimer’s can be diagnosed
- brain images can identify brain lesions caused by amyloid plaques
- only determined by post-mortem examination
list 3 symptoms of Alzheimer’s
- memory loss, esp of explicit memories
- personality change
- frequent confusion and disorientation
list treatment for Alzheimer’s
- no treatment
- symptoms worsen over time
- medication can slow its progressions
define aphantasia
phenomenon in which individuals lack capacity to generate mental imagery
define mnemonics
devices or techniques used to aid encoding, storage and retrieval of info
list the 3 types of mnemonics in written tradition
acrostics, acronyms, method of loci
list the 2 traditions mnemonics is involved in
written & oral traditions
define written traditions in relation to mnemonics
practices in which knowledge, stories and customs are preserved and shared through writing and reading
define oral traditions in relation to mnemonics
practices in which knowledge, stories and customs are preserved and shared through spoken word and movement
Define & give example of an acronym
mnemonic device in which the first letters of words form a pronounceable word to aid memory, e.g. BODMAS for math order of functions
define & give example of a n acrostic
mnemonic device in which the first letters of items create a phrase, rhyme or poem to aid memory, e.g. Bad Cats Smell Dead Rats for ottawa charter areas
Define the method of loci
mnemonic device that converts items into mental images and associates them with specific locations to aid memory
list the 5 steps involved in the method of loci
- visualise and imagine familiar route/place
- select several memorable places
- create visual imagery for each item needed to be remembered
- link each item to one of the identified memorable landmarks
- imagine they are walking through the route/place and retrieve each item by observing items at each landmark
list the 2 types of mnemonics in oral tradition
sung narratives & songlines
define sung narratives
stories that share important cultural, ecological and survival info through the use of singing, harmony and rhythm
define songlines
multimodal performances conducted as a family or community travels through Country and spaces in the landscape that record journeys, link important sites and describe ways to live, care for and nurture Country
