final

Question 1

Define prospective memory

Answer 1

)Prospective memory is a form of memory that involves remembering to perform a planned action or intention at the appropriate time

Question 2

describe why it is important.

Answer 2

Why it is important:
PM declines with age

PM is impaired in disorders (Alzheimer’s, Dementia,
Schizophrenia, ASD, ADD, ADHD)

Most everyday memory problems are PM problems

Essential to everyday functioning, survival

Critical component of complex activities that have life/death consequences

Question 3

Illustrate the types of prospective memory tasks using concrete examples.

Answer 3

v

Question 4

Event-based

Answer 4

intended action <— external cue/ event

Ex: driving past the local library cues you to remember that you need to return an overdue book

Question 5

Time-based

Answer 5

intended action <— specific point in time/ after a particular elapsed time
Ex: seeing that it is 10:00 PM acts as a cue for you to know that is it time to watch your favorite television show.

Question 6

Activity-based

Answer 6

intended action <— after the completion of another activity
Ex: Putting car in drive after turning it on

Question 7

Discuss the types of situations that can lead to prospective memory failures

Answer 7

Situations that impair PM.:
Interruptions
Absence of cues (that normally prompt performance)
Multitasking
Habit capture

Question 8

measures that can be taken to improve prospective memory performance

Answer 8

Measures that improve PM:

1. avoid deferring crucial tasks - just do it now
2. form explicit implementation intentions and plan execution
3. create reminder cues and place these cues where you will find them (example - Post it notes)
4. avoid multitasking
5. use checklists

Question 9

Define autobiographical memory and describe how it relates to episodic and semantic memory.

Answer 9

Autobiographical memory is a memory system consisting of episodes recollected from one’s life. It is based on both episodic memory (personal life experiences) and semantic memory (general knowledge about the world.)

Question 10

Compare and contrast the major components of Conway’s theory of autobiographical memory representation

Answer 10

1. Event-specific M:
2. General Events:
3. Lifetime Periods:

Question 11

Define childhood amnesia

Answer 11

Adults have almost no episodic memory from the first 3 to 5 years of their life. Poor childhood memory.

Question 12

Describe the reminiscence bump and summarize the 3 major explanations for it.

Answer 12

(For older adults) A spike in recalled memories corresponding to late adolescence to early adulthood (early 20s)
Explanations:
1. Memory fluency - time with many “1st experiences”, these unique and novel experiences are better remembered
2. Neurological views - young adults have the most efficient encoding system
3. Sociocultural views - identity and self concept are being formed, memory is organized relative to these changes

Question 13

Define flashbulb memory and give specific examples of flashbulb memories.

Answer 13

Definition: Highly confident personal memories of (surprising) events. Strong emotional reaction appears to be a prerequisite for a flashbulb memory.

Examples:

• Positive events: wedding proposal, winning the lottery
• Negative events: death of a loved one, Hurricane Katrina

Question 14

Explain how flashbulb memories are theoretically different from other types of episodic memory.

Answer 14

If asked to recall a flashbulb memory and an ordinary memory some time later, it is likely that accuracy and errors will be equivalent in both memories, however the confidence will be greater when recalling flashbulb memories.
They are also a lot more vivid and detail when participants are asked to describe them