Working Memory and Executive Functions

Question 1

what are executive functions?

Answer 1

processes that organize and coordinate the workings of the cognitive system to achieve current goals

Question 2

give two examples of executive functions

Answer 2

shifting attention and updating info

Question 3

McNab & Klingberg (2008) found which 2 parts of the brain controlled access to working memory (WM)?

Answer 3

prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia

Question 4

what are 2 assumptions of levels of processing (Craik & Lockhart, 1972)?

Answer 4

• the level of depth of stimulus processing has a large effect on its memorability
• deeper levels of analysis produce more elaborate, longer lasting and stronger memory traces than shallow

Question 5

Craik & Tulving (1975) found what re deep vs shallow processing of words?

Answer 5

recognition memory higher in deep condition - words had meaning rather than physical characteristics

Question 6

what is a ‘distinctive’ memory?

Answer 6

a memory trace that differs from others because it was processed differently while learning

Question 7

Eysenck & Eysenck (1980) found irregular nouns were recognised higher with distinctive or non distinctive processing?

Answer 7

recognition memory higher with distinctive processing

Question 8

how can forgetting be beneficial?

Answer 8

• reduce access to painful memories
• can forget outdated info and therefore reduce inteference
• forget specifics and focus on overall message

Question 9

what are the two theories of forgetting?

Answer 9

decay (forgetting from LTM)
inteference

Question 10

what brain area is involved in decay and what memories are often lost?

Answer 10

hippocampus is involved
detailed vs weak memories important

Question 11

what are the two types of inteference

Answer 11

proactive
retroactive

Question 12

what is proactive inteference

Answer 12

impairment of learning new info because of old info
- PROactive - previously processed info getting in the way

Question 13

what is retroactive inteference

Answer 13

impairment of memory of old info due to learning new info
- RETROactive - old info gets lost

Question 14

what are the three methods of motivated forgetting

Answer 14

repression
directed forgetting
cue dependent forgetting

Question 15

outline repression

Answer 15

blocking things from conscious memory - can reduce anxiety
can recover memories in adulthood

Question 16

outline directed forgetting

Answer 16

reduced LTM caused by instructions to forget info - inhibitory processes