YR12 - Chapter 5, Memory

Question 1

memory

Answer 1

the process of encoding, storing, and retrieving information that has been previously encountered

Question 2

Atkinson-Shiffrin multi-store model of memory

Answer 2

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

Question 3

process of memory stores

Answer 3

1. sensory memory
2. if attended to then encoded in STM
3. if rehearsed in STM then more likely to be encoded into LTM
4. info in LTM is stored and be retrieved

Question 4

sensory memory

Answer 4

a store of memory which very briefly stores raw information detected by the senses

duration: 0.2 to 4 seconds
capacity: unlimited

Question 5

Short term memory (STM)

Answer 5

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)

Question 6

Rehearsal

Answer 6

a controlled process which involves consciously repeating or manipulating information in short-term memory

Question 7

Encoding

Answer 7

the process of converting information into a useable form which can be manipulated and stored in the brain

Question 8

Long term memory (LTM)

Answer 8

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,

Question 9

Storage

Answer 9

the retention of information over time

Question 10

Retrieval

Answer 10

the process of accessing information, that has been stored in LTM, and bringing it into our conscious awareness in STM

Question 11

strengths of model

Answer 11

• 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.

Question 12

limitations of model

Answer 12

• 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.

Question 13

types of LTM

Answer 13

explicit (episodic and semantic)
implicit (procedural and classically conditioned)

Question 14

explicit memory

Answer 14

a type of long-term memory that is consciously retrieved

Question 15

episodic memory

Answer 15

a type of explicit memory that consists of personal experiences or events

example - memory of getting your driver’s license

Question 16

semantic memory

Answer 16

a type of explicit memory that consists of general knowledge or facts

example - knowing that there are 7 continents

Question 17

implicit memory

Answer 17

a type of long-term memory that is unconsciously retrieved

Question 18

procedural memory

Answer 18

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

Question 19

classically conditioned memory

Answer 19

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

Question 20

Hippocampus

Answer 20

a brain structure that is primarily involved in encoding explicit memories

damaged hippocampus = difficulty forming new memories

Question 21

Amygdala

Answer 21

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

Question 22

Neocortex

Answer 22

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

Question 23

Connection between brain structures in memory

Answer 23

1. Amygdala signals to the hippocampus to strengthen the encoding of explicit memories that have implicit emotional components
2. Hippocampus encodes explicit memories
3. Neocortex stores explicit memories

Question 24

Basal Ganglia

Answer 24

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

Question 25

Cerebellum

Answer 25

a brain structure involved in encoding and storing implicit memories.

(specifically those related to unconscious habits, simple reflexes, or procedural sequences of precise movements)

Question 26

connection between basal ganglia and cerebellum

Answer 26

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.

Question 27

semantic and episodic memories in the retrieval of autobiographical memories

Answer 27

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.

Question 28

possible imagined futures

Answer 28

hypothetical experiences and situations that an individual has the ability to create and conceptualise in their mind

Question 29

semantic & episodic memories in imagining possible imagined futures

Answer 29

• 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.

Question 30

Alzheimer’s disease

Answer 30

a neurodegenerative disease that involves the progressive loss of neurons in the brain and is characterised by memory decline

Question 31

symptoms

Answer 31

• 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.

Question 32

Alzheimer’s disease effect on brain

Answer 32

• 2 main lesions (damaged tissue) are observed from a post-mortem autopsy in the hippocampal areas

1. Amyloid plaques = fragments of the protein beta-amyloid that accumulate into insoluble plaques that inhibit communication between neurons
2. 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

Question 33

Alzheimer’s effect on imagining possible imagined futures

Answer 33

Progressive loss of neurons due to lesions in the hippocampus impairs ability to retrieve autobiographical events and construct possible imagined futures.

Question 34

Aphantasia

Answer 34

a phenomenon in which individuals lack the capacity to generate mental imagery

Question 35

Mental imagery

Answer 35

the visual representations and experiences of sensory information without the presence of sensory stimuli

Question 36

Effect of aphantasia on imagining possible imagined futures

Answer 36

Lack of capacity to produce mental imagery reduces the richness and detail of autobiographical events and possible imagined futures.