Chapter 5 - Memory

Question 1

Memory

Answer 1

encoding, storage and retrieval of information acquired through learning. Is a physiological representation of some prior event or experience

Question 2

Encoding

Answer 2

Conversion of information into a usable form so that it can be physiologically represented and stored in memory

Question 3

Storage

Answer 3

retention of the encoded information over time

Question 4

Retrieval

Answer 4

recovery of stored information for use when needed

Question 5

Memory Stores

Answer 5

1: sensory memory
2: short-term memory (STM)
3: long-term memory (LTM)

Question 6

Sensory Memory

Answer 6

The entry point for all incoming sensory information from the external environment. Acts like a filter. Stored in raw form. (Capacity: unlimited, duration: 0.2-4 seconds)

Question 7

Iconic Memory

Answer 7

stores exact replica of visual information (0.2-0.4 seconds)

Question 8

Echoic memory

Answer 8

stores exact replica of auditory information (3-4 seconds)

Question 9

Short-term memory (STM) (working memory)

Answer 9

consciously aware of, and can manipulate information. Interacts with both sensory memory and LTM. (capacity: 7 plus or minus 2 items - 5-9 items, duration: 12-30 seconds)

Question 10

Displacement

Answer 10

due to STMs limited capacity, displacement can occur: new information can ‘push out’ old information

Question 11

Chunking

Answer 11

STMs limited capacity can be increased by chunking: combining the individual elements into a single, meaningful unit

Question 12

Decay

Answer 12

due to STMs limited duration, decay can occur: fading of information

Question 13

Rehearsal

Answer 13

Duration of STM can be increased via rehearsal: consciously manipulating information to aid storage and retrieval

Question 14

Maintenance rehearsal

Answer 14

mindless repetition of info to keep info in STM

Question 15

Elaborative Rehearsal

Answer 15

adding meaning to information so it is further encoded and transferred into LTM (e.g. mnemonic, song, apply content to real life)

Question 16

Long Term Memory (LTM)

Answer 16

stores information that has been processed through sensory memory and short-term memory. Info in LTM is encoded semantically. (capacity: unlimited, duration: permanent)

Question 17

Strengths of the multi store model of memory

Answer 17

• model identifies that there are different memory stores involved in memory
• explains how information is transferred from sensory memory, to STM to LTM

Question 18

Limitations of the multi-store model of memory

Answer 18

• does not explain the different forms of LTM
• does not explain the neural basis of different memory stores and processes
• oversimplifies memory, memory is more complex than model suggests

Question 19

Explicit Memory

Answer 19

long term memories that require conscious retrieval

Question 20

Implicit memory

Answer 20

long term memories that do not require conscious retrieval

Question 21

Episodic Memory (explicit)

Answer 21

specifics events of personal experiences which are associated to a particular time and place

Question 22

Semantic memory (explicit)

Answer 22

facts, worldly knowledge, or general knowledge “knowing that”

Question 23

Classically conditioned memory (implicit)

Answer 23

learning that occurs via classical conditioning

Question 24

Procedural Memory (implicit)

Answer 24

skills or habits required for particular tasks “knowing how”

Question 25

Consolidation of Memories

Answer 25

the biological process of making a STM into an LTM (process of LTP)

Question 26

Neocortex (explicit)

Answer 26

stores explicit memory

Question 27

Hippocampus (explicit)

Answer 27

- encodes/consolidates new explicit memories - transfers explicit memories to neocortex for storage - retrieves explicit memories from neocortex

Question 28

Amygdala (implicit, emotional)

Answer 28

- encodes/ consolidates emotionally arousing memories, classically conditioned responses - involved in storage of emotional memories - regulates emotions (e.g. fear, aggression)

Question 29

Basal Ganglia (implicit, procedural)

Answer 29

- encodes, stores and retrieves implicit procedural memories of motor skills - plans/controls fine motor movements - encodes memories to do with habits

Question 30

Cerebellum (implicit)

Answer 30

- encodes and stores classically conditioned simple reflexes - involved in the encoding and storage of implicit procedural memories of motor skills - coordinates fine muscle movements such as posture and balance

Question 31

Autobiographical memory

Answer 31

a type of explicit memory consisting of episodes recalled from a persons life, which include a combination of episodic and semantic memory

Question 33

Reconstructing memory

Answer 33

when the explicit memory is retrieved from the neocortex to the hippocampus, all the different parts of the memory are combined to create a complete memory

Question 34

Constructing possible imagines futures

Answer 34

experiences that involve a process of mental construction of events that have not yet occurred, but that is based on past events and knowledge (autobiographical memories). involves both autobiographical semantic and episodic components

Question 35

Brain Imaging

Answer 35

brain imaging techniques/scans are a type of data collection method that show the structure and function of the brain

Question 36

Alzheimer's disease

Answer 36

a neurodegenerative disease characterised by the progressive deterioration of brain neurons

Question 37

Psychological symptoms of Alzheimer's disease

Answer 37

- decrease in cognitive function - personality changes - changes in mood and emotion - confusion - difficulty with language

Question 38

Brain lesion

Answer 38

refers to an area of tissue that has been damaged due to disease or injury, which can be examined through brain imaging techniques/post mortem lesion studies

Question 39

Neurofibrillary Tangles

Answer 39

abnormal build-up of twisted strands of protein fibres (tau) within neurons. Inhibit transport of essential substances throughout neurons which leads to the death of neurons

Question 40

Amyloid plaques

Answer 40

abnormal clusters of protein fragments that collect on the outside of neurons. destroy synapses and inhibit communication between neurons

Question 41

Brain Atrophying

Answer 41

neurons become damaged and brain tissue shrinks and eventually dies

Question 42

Aphantasia

Answer 42

a neurological condition which results in the inability to form voluntary visual imagery/mental images

Question 43

Mental/visual imagery

Answer 43

refers to the visual representations and experiences or sensory information without the presence of external sensory stimuli

Question 44

Mnemonics

Answer 44

techniques used to assist in the encoding, storage and retrieval of explicit long term memories. encoded via elaborative rehearsal, "flesh out" info by making it more meaningful. They increase the amount of retrieval cues.

Question 45

Acronyms

Answer 45

a mnemonic that involves forming abbreviations of a phrase by using the first letter of each word to create a unit/chunk that can be pronounced as a word. e.g. FOMO

Question 46

Acrostics

Answer 46

a mnemonic where a memorable phrase in formed based on the first letter of each word that needs to be remembered. e.g. Never Eat Soggy Worms

Question 47

Method of Loci

Answer 47

a mnemonic where the items/information to be remembered are converted into images and associated with locations. Each familiar location acts as a retrieval cue

Question 48

Songlines

Answer 48

"dreaming tracts" are multimodal performances, which are used to memorise and communicate information, conducted as Indigenous Australians travel through Country along navigational routes