Week 6 - Memory pt 2 Flashcards
Self-reference effect
Memory is better if you are asked to relate a word to yourself
Paired-associate learning
two noun words presented together. Then, first presented without the second and participant required to recall the second. E.g. boat-tree
Levels of processing theory
Shallow processing e.g.: Participant asked encode physical features of the word
Deeper e.g.: rhyming word with another word
Deepest e.g.: fill in the blank, where doing so positions the word in a context that makes sense (e.g. the ___ is on the street, for ‘car’) / trying to visualise what the word represents
Generation effect
Generating material yourself, rather than passively receiving it, enhances learning and retention
Retrieval cue
a word or other stimulus (smell, location etc.) that helps a person remember information stored in memory.
retrieval practice effect
This result shows that being tested is important for learning because when testing was stopped for Group 3 once items were recalled correctly, performance decreased
Testing effect
This result shows that being tested is important for learning because when testing was stopped for Group 3 once items were recalled correctly, performance decreased
Free recall (retrieval cues)
Where a participant is simply asked to recall a stimuli.
Cued recall (retrieval cues)
Participant is presented with retrieval cues to aid in recall of previous stimuli. (35% more effective than free recall)
Encoding specificity
we encode information along with its context.
Three specific situations in which retrieval is increased by matching conditions at retrieval to conditions at encoding
(1) encoding specificity— matching the context in which encoding and retrieval occur;
(2) state-dependent learning— matching the internal mood present during encoding and retrieval; and
(3) transfer-appropriate processing— matching the task involved in encoding and retrieval.
Transfer-appropriate processing
Matching the cognitive task (e.g. being asked whether a target word rhymes or makes sense when filling a blank during encoding), and then being asked to retrieval by that same task (rhyming or meaning) will improve recall.
Consolidation
the process that transforms new memories from a fragile state, in which they can be disrupted, to a more permanent state, in which they are more resistant to disruption
Synaptic consolidation df/duration
Consolidation at the level of the synapses.
minutes or hours
Systems consolidation df/duration
gradual reorginisation of neural circuits within the brain
months or years
Long-Term Potentiation
enhanced firing of neurons after repeated stimulation
The Standard Model of Consolidation (3 steps)
- the hippocampus is involved in encoding new memories, and makes connections with higher cortical areas.
- Connection between HC and higher cortical areas weakens, and strength between cortical regions strengthen
- until, eventually, the HC is no longer involved in those memories
