9. Episodic Memory

Question 1

What are the 3 core executive functions and applications in behaviour and cognitions?

Answer 1

• working memory
• inhibitory control
• cognitive flexibility

Question 2

What is cognition?

Answer 2

• basis for ‘intelligent behaviour’
• overrides reflexive, habitual responses in favour of complex, long-term goals
• controls/orchestrates sensory, memory and motor systems
• key neural structure in mammals: prefrontal cortex

Question 3

What components make up working memory?

Answer 3

central executive
VSS EB PL
LTM

Question 4

What is inhibitory control?

Answer 4

• crucial executive function
• stops impulsive, habitual thoughts/actions

Question 5

What area of the brain is involved in inhibition?

Answer 5

frontal lobe
- other areas such as basil ganglia

Question 6

What is cognitive flexibility?

Answer 6

• changer perspectives: visually, spatially and interpersonally
• relies on inhibition of old information
• change priorities
• flexibly adapt to new opportunities

Question 7

What is the Wisconsin card sorting task?

Answer 7

• draw a card and assign it into a category to match on colour, number or symbol
• you receive feedback on whether the assignment was right or wrong
• if correct, carry assorting in the same way
• if wrong, match another category
• the correct category will change at some point (without announcement) so the P

Question 8

What impairments does the Wisconsin card sorting task assess for?

Answer 8

• frontal lobe
• schizophrenia
• stroke
• OCD