Chapter 3 & 4 Flashcards
(35 cards)
Digit Span
Used to test short term memory
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Limited to 6 or 7 digits for most people. We know numbers so it’s easier, but to memorize a foreign language digits is much harder
N-Back Test
Used to test working memory
1-back
2-back
Press a button whenever an item was seen N-items before.
Increasing the lag increases the difficulty and the executive load/work load (complex task of retrieving)
Frontal lobe involved in task and increases with executive load/working memory
Modal Models - Atkinson and shiffrin
Atkinson and Shiffrin’s Modal Model
Info through the environment enters through our senses
Sensory memory
Short term memory
Has multimodal structures but they do not interact. Does not have attention.
Assumes that holding an item in short term memory is sufficient for longterm memory. Evidence against this assumption- Craik and Lockhart
Multi components models
Get answer
Modal Model - craik and Lockhart
Atkinson and sheriff believed that holding memory in short term is sufficient for longterm
Craik and Lockhart states learning depends on how the memory is processed
This is the levels of processing theory
Modal model - neuropsychological
Atkinson and shiffrin assume short term memory is crucial for transferring info into and out of longterm memory. If you assume this then any short term memory deficit will greatly impact longterm memory
This is incorrect.
Evidence in neuropsychology - short term memory deficits without longterm memory deficits
Phonological Loop - another STM model
Model of verbal STM
Short-term store and verbal rehearsal process:
Short-term storage is limited in capacity with input stored as memory traces that decay in few seconds. These memories can be refreshed with subvocal articularey process (verbal)
Phonological similarity effect: can retrieve words better when they are similar in sound
and word length
Acquisition of new words: verbal memory span decreases with longer words
Phonological loop explains the acquisition of new words
short term store & articulatory rehearsal process
Phonological Loop - Neuropsychological Evidence
Patient PV:
a digit span of 2 items
Profound inability to learn a new language, suggesting that phonological loop evolved to aid language acquisition
Phonological Loop Problems
Maintaining order in visual and verbal STM involve separate or the same process?
Baddeley and Hitch’s Working Memory
- multicomponent model
- emphasis on differentiation between STM and WM
- Visuospatial Sketchpad: holds visual and/or spatial encoded items
- Central executive: attention controller, decides what to share with visuo-spatial sketchpad and phonological loop. Verbal and visual memory is mediated here.
- Phonological loop: holds sequences of acoustic speech
DRAW OUT SEVERAL TIMES
Visuospatial Sketchpad
holds visual and spatial memory
Central Executive
attention controller. decides what to share with visuo and phonological
Problems with Baddeley and Hitch’s Working Memory
1) . Doesn’t explain how long-term memory and working memory interact
2) . Why do images based on LTM not depend on the sketchpad or phonological subsystems
What is the current Model?
Episodic Buffer - DRAW OUT SEVERAL TIMES
-Episodic buffer explains relationship between working memory and longterm memory
Attempts to answer why images based in LTM don’t depend on the sketchpad or phonological system
Episodic buffer is controlled by central executive
-storage system with a capacity of verbal, visual or semantic)
BOTTOM UP METHOD - starts from visual, episodic LTM, language then builds to more complex cognitive processes like attentiton
What does Episodic Buffer explain?
communicates with both long-term memory and the components of working memory.
Components of working memory: phonological loop, the visuo-spatial sketchpad, central executive, and episodic buffer
Cowan’s Embedded Processes Theory - Working Memory
First TOP DOWN MODEL: starts with higher cognitive functions such as attn then latter analyzes WM and LTM
Working Memory.
Working memory is controlled by attentional processes
Activation is temporary unless maintained through active verbal rehearsal or continued attention
Active memories are multi-dimensional and resembles the episodic buffer
Turner and Engle Inhibitory Control Theory - Working Memory
Operation Span: Participants had to remember words and math then state what words they remembered i.e. APPLE, 7+2-1
Participants with a low operation span are more susceptible to interference from irrelevant material
Thus, the ability to inhibit irrelevant material is tied to working memory and not STM
First study that relates WM with other executive functions that is inhibitory control
Two types of Inhibition
Resistance to interference within memory
Inhibiting a powerful response
get more info on textbook
Baddeley’s WM vs. Turner’s WM
Baddeley’s WM vs. Inhibitory Control Theory
Baddley’s model WM is isolated and not related with other executive functions (i.e. attention). Still has executive functions but not interconnected with the WM
Inhibitory Control relating inhibitory control with WM.
Executive Attention Model
Current Model
TOPDOWN
Working Memory Capacity and attentional processes = Executive Attention
Working Memory Capacity can predict a broad range of higher order cognitive abilities: reasoning, language comprehension, fluid intelligence
Working Memory works in relation with other executive functions and uses diff. brain areas, not isolated.
Executive Function
Emotional Regulation Attention Self-Monitoring Working Memory Effort Planning and Organizing
Executive Attention + Dorsolateral PFC Circuitry
Dorso. is critical to executive-atttn functions: network of anterior and posterior “attentional control” areas
Summary In order
- Modal model has difficulty explaining: interactions btwn. LTM and STM
- Baddeley&Hitch: proposed multicomponent model of WM; It includes:
central executive: controls attn
Phonological loop: holds and manipulates speech based info
Visuo-Spatial Sketchpad: holds and manipulates visual and spatial info
This stll could not explain relationship btwn WM and LTM - Episodic Buffer was added to explain relationship btwn WM and LTM
Facilitates interactions btwn any of the subsystems, in addition to LTM and perception - WM predicts performance across wide range of cognitive tasks, thus many theories came about:
Embedded processes theory
Inhibitory Control Theory
Executive Attention
Subsystems
Visuo-Spatial Sketchpad
Phonological Loop
Episodic Buffer
(double check this in textbook)