Chapter 7 Flashcards
(25 cards)
Memory
1) The nervous system’s ability to experience and retain skills and knowledge
Stages of Memory
1) Encoding–processing information so that it can be stored
2) Storage–retention of encoded representations over time
3) Retrieval–act of recalling or remembering stored information when needed
Equipotentiality
1) Idea that memory is not located in any specific part of the brain, but distributed throughout.
2) True–memory is located in parts of the brain responsible for their function (I.e. amygdala and fear memory)
long-term potentiation
1) strengthening of a synaptic connection, making the post-synaptic neurons more easily activated by the pre-synaptic neurons.
2) strengthens memory circuits and ease with things are encoded/stored/retrieved
Atkinson and Shiffrin’s Model of Memory
1) Sensory Memory–results from sensory input, unattended information is lost
2) Short-term Memory–results when attention is given to sensory memory, unrehearsed information is lost
3) Long Term-memory–results when maintenance and rehearsal of short-term memory causes information to be encoded in the brain. Certain Memories can be lost over time.
4) Retrieval–bringing memories from short-term to long-term
Reconsolidation
1) the same neural processes associated with encoding an experience are used in retrieval
working memory
1) active memory type that deals with and combines multiple types of information.
2) lasts about 20-30 seconds without rehearsal
3) memory span–amount of time something is retained in our working memory
4) Chunking–grouping items together in order to better remember them. Enhances memory by lessening the number of items needing to be remembered
Long-Term Memory
1) relatively permanent storage of information
2) Information stored through repetition and critical thinking and is based on meaning and level of encoding
3) Information necessary for survival/adaptation is stored/prioritized
4) perceptual experiences transformed into representations, which are stored in neural networks
Serial Position Effect
1) tendency to remeber things that occur first and last in a list
2) primacy–more retention of things that are experienced first in a list, brought about by long-term memory
3) recency–more retention of things that are experienced most recently in a list, brought about by working memory
Levels of processing effect
1) deeper encoding leads to better remembering
2) Surface (shallow) Encoding–based off what something looks like (Visual lowest and Acoustic)
3) Deep (Semantic) encoding–based off critical thinking and meaning
3) Different types of rehearsal lead to different types of encoding
4) maintenance rehearsal–repeating information over and over again (shallow encoding)
5) Elaborative Rehearsal–linking information to deeper meaning, thinking critically, tying perceived information to experiences in long-term memory
retrieval cues
1) anything that helps a person recall information stored in long-term memory
Memory Retrieval
1) Encoding Specificity Principle–any stimulus encoded with an experience can trigger that experience
2) Context-dependent memory–memory enhancement because of similarities between encoding and retrieval circumstances
3) state-dependent memory—memory enhancement through similarities between an individual’s states at times of encoding and retrieval
Explicit Memory
1) underlies conscious memories
2) used to retrieve declarative memories (knowledge we can say we know)
3) Episodic memories–memories from one’s own past experiences
4) Semantic memory–memory for knowledge about the world
Implicit Memory
1) underles unconscious memories
2) procedural/motor memory
Prospective Memory
1) remembering to do something at a future time
transience
1) loss of memory over time
2) Old theory: decay new theory: interference
3) Proactive interference–prior information inhibits remembering new information
4) Retroactive interference–new information inhibits remembering older information
blocking
1) the temporary inability to remember something that is known
2) Usually caused by interference from similar things
Absentmindedness
1) inattentive or shallow encoding of events
Amnesia
1) loss of the ability to store or retrieve information in long-term memory
2) Retrograde amnesia–loss of past memories
3) Anterograde amnesia–loss of ability to make new memories in long-term
persistence
1) recurrence of unwanted memories
2) caused bb traumatic events (PTSD)
Memory Bias
1) changing of memories over time to align with current beliefs, views, etc
2) cast themselves in a positive light, enhance their role, highlight success/failure
Flashbulb Memories
1) vivid episodic memories in which someone first experienced a shocking, emotional, etc. arousal
2) vivid but not always accurate
Source Misattribution
1) misremember person, place, etc associated with an event
2) Source-amnesia–memory for an event without remembering where an experience was encountered
3) Crypto amnesia–false memory of having come up with an idea
Confabulation
1) unintended false recollection of episodic memories
2) results from brain-injury
3) false memory
