Declarative Memory

Question 1

Definition of declarative memory

Answer 1

explicit memory (conscious)
facts and events
easily formed and forgotten

Question 2

3 categories of declarative memory

Answer 2

1) Short-term memory: limited capacity, temporarily
2) Long-term memory: potentially unlimited, permanent
3) Working memory: temporary active memory

Question 3

Definition of Amnesia

Answer 3

memory loss caused by concussion, alcoholism, tumor or strokes

Question 4

retrograde amnesia

Answer 4

unable to recall memory prior to trauma

Question 5

anterograde amnesia

Answer 5

unable to form new memories after trauma

Question 6

location of memory stores

Answer 6

close to relevant sense modality area, e.g. visual memory close to visual cortex, auditory memory close to auditory cortex etc.

Question 7

Evidence for the involvement of the Inferotemporal cortex for visual memory

Answer 7

Monkeys were trained to visually discriminate between shapes and colour to find hidden food (e.g. hidden food under blue circle).
A screen temporarily hides the food and containers to impose a memory load.
After removal of the inferotemporal cortex, they could no longer perform the task.

Question 8

Role of the Inferotemporal cortex (IT) in declarative memory

Answer 8

includes face cells within the fusiform face area (FFA)

Question 9

face cells

Answer 9

exclusively respond to faces
a single neuron fires for specific people (e.g. only one neuron fires for pictures of Jennifer Aniston)
other neurons specifically fire for places or events

Question 10

Hippocampal role in declarative memory

Answer 10

involved in forming new memories

Question 11

Subcortical role in declarative memory

Answer 11

includes the thalamus which if lesioned impairs forming of new memories