Chapter 8 Memory Flashcards
How Memory Functions
Memory is like a computer, where information is encoded, stored, and retrieved.
Encoding
Encoding is the process of taking in information and translating it into a form the brain can store
Semantic Encoding
Focuses on the meaning of information.
Example: When trying to remember the word “apple,” instead of focusing on its visual appearance or sound, you think about its meaning
Visual Encoding
Involves imagery or visualizing information.
Example: Memorizing a map or a pie chart
Acoustic Encoding
Focuses on sounds.
Example: Remembering a phone number by repeating it aloud
Storage. According to the Atkinson-Shiffrin model, memory moves through three stages
Sensory Memory, Short-Term Memory (STM) and Long-Term Memory (LTM).
Sensory Memory
Stores sensory experiences (sights, sounds, smells) for a very short time.
Example: The brief image of a flash of lightning
Short-Term Memory (STM)
Temporary storage for active information (around 20 seconds).
Example: Holding a phone number in your mind long enough to dial it.
Long-Term Memory (LTM)
Permanent storage of information, divided into: Explicit Memory and Implicit Memory
Explicit Memory
Conscious recall (e.g., facts, personal events)
Implicit Memory
Unconscious skills or conditioned responses (e.g., riding a bike)
Retrieval
Retrieval is accessing stored information. It involves: Recall and Recognition
Recall
Bringing back information without cues. it relies solely on memory retrieval. Example: Answering a fill-in-the-blank question.
Recognition
the process of identifying information that you have previously encountered when you come across it again. like MCQ
Parts of the Brain Involved with Memory
Amygdala, Hippocampus, Cerebellum and Prefrontal Cortex
Amygdala
Handles emotional memories.
Example: Remembering a happy family gathering
Hippocampus
Important for memory consolidation and spatial memory.
Example: Forming memories of a new location.
Memory consolidation
is the process by which short-term memories are transformed into stable, long-term memories.
Cerebellum
Processes procedural memories. is a part of the brain that controls balance, coordination, and movement
Example: Learning to play the piano.
Procedural memories
are a type of long-term memory that involve how to perform tasks or actions, often without conscious effort.
Example: Riding a bike or play the piano
Prefrontal Cortex
Engages in semantic tasks (understanding and interpreting the meaning of words) and retrieval.
Example: Recalling trivia facts during a quiz.
Semantic tasks
involve processing and recalling factual information, concepts, and knowledge that are not tied to specific personal experiences. These tasks focus on the MEANING of information (semantic memory), rather than how it was learned or where it came from.
Amnesia
Long-term memory loss caused by head trauma can result in severe issues regarding memory processing
Retrograde Amnesia
Loss of old memories.
Example: Forgetting your childhood after an accident.
