Week 8 (MC) - The Structure of Memory Flashcards
Define Learning & Memory
Learning
Process by which we acquire and encode knowledge about the world
- creating the motor coding (storage)
Memory
Location and process by which knowledge is stored and retrieved
- The reverse of learning (retrieval)
What is the multi-store model of memory?
Sensory Memory:
This is the initial, brief storage of sensory information from the environment. It holds information for a very short duration (milliseconds to a few seconds), allowing us to process visual and auditory stimuli before they either fade or are transferred to short-term memory.
Short-Term Memory (STM):
Also called working memory, STM holds information for a limited time and has a limited capacity . Information in STM is subject to rapid decay unless rehearsed or actively maintained, which can allow it to be encoded into long-term memory.
- Some information will be replaced by other information unless we need to hold onto it
Long-Term Memory (LTM):
This is the store for information that is retained for extended periods, potentially indefinitely. LTM has a vast, possibly unlimited capacity and can hold a wide range of information, from knowledge and experiences to skills and facts. Information moves from STM to LTM through encoding processes, especially if it is meaningful or frequently rehearsed
What is the characteristics of each component of memory?
Short Term Sensory
Storage duration - 1s
Type of encoding - very literal sensory detection
Capacity - unlimted volume of incoming but is replaced
Short term memory
Storage duration - 1-60s
Type of encoding - More abstract
Capacity - ~ 7 items
Long Term Memory
Storage duration - Seemingly Limitless
Type of encoding - Specific Abstract
Capacity - ~ Seemingly Limitless
What is the capacity of Short term memory?
7 chunks of information
How can tasks/skills be put into long term memory?
- If the information or movement is rehearsed, then information is transferedd to LTM
- Requires repetition and repeated exposures
- Requires protein synthesis whereas STM doesnt
What are the components of Long term memory?
Implicit (Non-Declarative) Memory (Knowing How):
- Memory that influences behavior without conscious awareness. It includes:
- Procedural Memory: Skills and tasks, such as riding a bike or playing an instrument
Explicit (Declarative) Memory (Knowing That):
Memory for facts and events that can be consciously recalled. It includes:
- Episodic Memory: Personal experiences and specific events, like a birthday or vacation.
- Semantic Memory: General knowledge and facts, like knowing the capital of a country or the meaning of words
What is the main site in the brain for Declarative Memory?
Hippocampus, Dinacephalon and medial temporal lobes
What are of the brain is associated with Procedual Skills?
Primary and pre motor cortex
Cerebellum –> is important for highly complicated movements
What part of the brain is responsible for emotional responses?
Amygdala
What part of the brain is responsible for hormonal / hunger and thirst?
Brain stem
What part of the brain stimulates priming
The Neocortex
What occurs to the neural structure during learning?
Synaptic Strengthening: Synapses (connections between neurons) become stronger, particularly through a process called long-term potentiation (LTP), where repeated stimulation makes synapses more efficient at transmitting signals. This strengthening is foundational for memory formation.
New Synapse Formation: Learning can lead to the formation of new synaptic connections between neurons, particularly in the hippocampus, a region crucial for memory. This growth increases neural network complexity and supports new learning.
Dendritic Growth: Dendrites, the branch-like structures on neurons that receive signals, can grow and form more branches during learning, enhancing communication between neurons.
Pruning: The brain also removes weaker or unused synapses through synaptic pruning. This process refines neural networks, making memory and learning more efficient by focusing on the most relevant connections.
Myelination: Repeated practice of learned skills can increase the myelination of neural pathways, enhancing signal speed and efficiency, especially for motor skills
