YR12 - Chapter 5, Memory Flashcards
memory
the process of encoding, storing, and retrieving information that has been previously encountered
Atkinson-Shiffrin multi-store model of memory
a model of memory which outlines the three separate stores of memory (sensory, short-term,
and long-term) each of which interact through the processes of encoding, storage, and retrieval
process of memory stores
- sensory memory
- if attended to then encoded in STM
- if rehearsed in STM then more likely to be encoded into LTM
- info in LTM is stored and be retrieved
sensory memory
a store of memory which very briefly stores raw information detected by the senses
duration: 0.2 to 4 seconds
capacity: unlimited
Short term memory (STM)
a store of memory that temporarily stores a limited amount of information that is consciously being attended to and actively manipulated
- aka working memory
- capacity: 7±2
- duration: 18-30s, mostly 18-20s but some can remain until 30s
- ways to improve: chunking info, maintenance rehearsal (keep repeating info), elaborating rehearsal (meaningfully linking info)
Rehearsal
a controlled process which involves consciously repeating or manipulating information in short-term memory
Encoding
the process of converting information into a useable form which can be manipulated and stored in the brain
Long term memory (LTM)
a store of memory in which a potentially unlimited amount of information is stored for
a relatively permanent amount of time
- capacity: potentially unlimited
- duration: relatively permanent
- doesn’t mean you can retrieve all info forever, need the right retrieval cues,
Storage
the retention of information over time
Retrieval
the process of accessing information, that has been stored in LTM, and bringing it into our conscious awareness in STM
strengths of model
- distinguishes between the different stores involved in memory.
- outlines that each memory store has a different capacity and duration.
- provides a good understanding of the structure and process of memory.
- Findings from memory studies support the distinction between STM and LTM outlined in the model. The model can help explain why amnesia patients may have difficulty retrieving memories from LTM or encoding information from STM to LTM.
limitations of model
- may be considered to be oversimplified
- STM is more complex than the model suggests. Baddeley and Hitch (1974) propose that STM is not just a singular store but rather encompasses different components within it.
- ignores factors, such as motivation and strategy, which can facilitate learning and assist in encoding information from STM to LTM.
- Initially proposed that rehearsal was necessary for information to be transferred into LTM. However, studies show that transferring information into LTM can occur without rehearsal.
- does not account for individual differences in memory processes, storage duration, and capacity.
types of LTM
explicit (episodic and semantic)
implicit (procedural and classically conditioned)
explicit memory
a type of long-term memory that is consciously retrieved
episodic memory
a type of explicit memory that consists of personal experiences or events
example - memory of getting your driver’s license
semantic memory
a type of explicit memory that consists of general knowledge or facts
example - knowing that there are 7 continents
implicit memory
a type of long-term memory that is unconsciously retrieved
procedural memory
a type of implicit memory that involves knowing how to carry out tasks that are facilitated by motor skills
example - knowing how to tie your shoelaces
classically conditioned memory
a type of implicit memory that involves an involuntary response, such as fear, to a stimulus which has repeatedly been associated with an emotionally-arousing stimulus
example - had a scary experience in the ocean and now associate oceans with fear, get scared when you see the oceann
Hippocampus
a brain structure that is primarily involved in encoding explicit memories
damaged hippocampus = difficulty forming new memories
Amygdala
a brain structure that is primarily involved in encoding the emotional components of memories, particularly classically conditioned and explicit memories
- fear centre
- contribute to the memories being encoded in greater detail
Neocortex
a brain structure that stores explicit memories
- part of cerebral cortex
- different parts of memories are stored in different parts of brain, strengthening neural connections when thinking of a memory of a song for example
Connection between brain structures in memory
- Amygdala signals to the hippocampus to strengthen the encoding of explicit memories that have implicit emotional components
- Hippocampus encodes explicit memories
- Neocortex stores explicit memories
Basal Ganglia
a brain structure involved in encoding and storing implicit memories, specifically those related to habit formation, procedural sequences of movements, and reward pathways
more detail:
* encodes and stores memories related to reward processing, supporting learning that is driven by feedback.
- encodes and stores procedural memories related to motor skills and sequential movements through its connection with the cerebellum
Cerebellum
a brain structure involved in encoding and storing implicit memories.
(specifically those related to unconscious habits, simple reflexes, or procedural sequences of precise movements)
connection between basal ganglia and cerebellum
the cerebellum and basal ganglia are not distinct brain structures.
They instead interact with one another, as well as motor programming regions of the neocortex, to encode, store, and retrieve implicit long-term memories, including those associated with procedural movements.
semantic and episodic memories in the retrieval of autobiographical memories
autobiographical events contain information that is semantic, (date or location of the event)
and information that is episodic (specifically related to the personal experience of the event, being nervous or happy during the event)
The episodic component of autobiographical events allows for the event to be remembered in rich detail.
possible imagined futures
hypothetical experiences and situations that an individual has the ability to create and conceptualise in their mind
semantic & episodic memories in imagining possible imagined futures
- patients who sustained damage to their hippocampus not only experienced difficulty remembering past events, but also struggled to imagine future scenarios.
- This is because when individuals attempt to mentally construct a possible imagined future, they draw on elements of past experiences from their semantic and episodic memory.
- Semantic memory = envision possible scenarios that are consistent and fit in with what they already know about the world.
- Episodic memory = construct a possible imagined future that is subjective and includes more richly detailed elements, such as the people involved or emotional reactions.
Alzheimer’s disease
a neurodegenerative disease that involves the progressive loss of neurons in the brain and is characterised by memory decline
symptoms
- a decrease in cognitive functions, such as the ability to plan, problem-solve, and think logically.
- personality change.
- changes in mood and emotion.
- frequently becoming confused or disoriented.
- difficulty with language and communication.
Alzheimer’s disease effect on brain
- 2 main lesions (damaged tissue) are observed from a post-mortem autopsy in the hippocampal areas
- Amyloid plaques = fragments of the protein beta-amyloid that accumulate into insoluble plaques that inhibit communication between neurons
- Neurofibrillary tangles = an accumulation of the protein tau that forms insoluble tangles within neurons, which then inhibit the transportation of essential substances and eventually kill the neuron entirely
Alzheimer’s effect on imagining possible imagined futures
Progressive loss of neurons due to lesions in the hippocampus impairs ability to retrieve autobiographical events and construct possible imagined futures.
Aphantasia
a phenomenon in which individuals lack the capacity to generate mental imagery
Mental imagery
the visual representations and experiences of sensory information without the presence of sensory stimuli
Effect of aphantasia on imagining possible imagined futures
Lack of capacity to produce mental imagery reduces the richness and detail of autobiographical events and possible imagined futures.
written traditions
practices in which knowledge, stories, and customs are preserved and shared through writing and reading
mnemonics
devices or techniques used to aid the encoding, storage, and retrieval of information
acronym
a mnemonic device in which the first letters of items form a pronounceable word to aid memory
- eg BODMAS
Acrostic
a mnemonic device in which the first letters of items create
a phrase, rhyme, or poem to aid memory
- eg Never Eat Soggy Weetbix for north east south west
method of loci
a mnemonic device that converts items into mental images and associates them with specific locations to aid memory
- picture childhood bedroom and fit a piece of info to each object
oral traditions
practices in which knowledge, stories, and customs are preserved and shared through spoken word and movement
sung narratives
stories that share important cultural, ecological, and survival information through the use of singing, harmony, and rhythm
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
