Human Memory Flashcards
Visouspatial sketchpad
A subsystem in working memory - “slave system” for maintaining visual information
Why do we remember meaningful information better?
It already has a representation in the long-term memory
What is the depth of processing theory?
We are more likely to remember something if the material is rehearsed in a deep and meaningful way
What do you call a unit in Baddeley’s theory of the rehearsal processes that is superior to the two slave systems?
The central executive
What is the process by which currently attended items can make associated memories more available?
Spreading activation
What is ‘priming’?
When processing a term makes us associate it with others, anticipating contextually related terms
The power law of learning
The principle that memory performance improves as a power function of practice.
What is declarative memory?
Memory for facts, data and events. Things we can “declare”, easily talk about. Also called explicit memory.
Baddeleys working memory model
We have different subsystems for visual and auditory input
Central executive - Controls everything and distributes tasks
Visuospatial sketchpad - “Slave system” for maintaining visual information (inner eye)
Phonological loop - For rehearsing verbal information
Articulatory control - “inner voice”
Phonological store - “inner ear”
What is elaborative processing?
A method of memorization that connects information you already know with new information, leading to stronger retention.
What are flashbulb memories?
Vivid, detailed, long-lasting memories of emotionally charged events.
What is the process called, where repeated stimulation of neurons strengthens their connections, making future signals between them more efficient?
Long-term potentiation (LTP)
What areas are long-term potentiation (LTP) associated with and why is it important for memory?
It is primarily associated with the hippocampus and cortical areas. It is critical for memory formation and learning, as it enhances synaptic transmission.
What is the Method of Loci?
A mnemonic technique. It uses imagined physical locations to aid memory.
What are mnemonics?
Techniques to improve memory by forming vivid associations and organizing informations
What is non-declarative memory?
Non-declarative memory (implicit memory) refers to unconscious memories that influence behavior without conscious awareness. It includes skills, habits, and conditioned responses.
Which brain structures are associated with non-declarative memory?
Basal ganglia and cerebellum
What is the partial-report procedure?
In the partial-report procedure, participants are shown a brief visual display and asked to recall only a specific portion of the information (e.g., one row of letters). It reveals that more information is stored in iconic memory than can be recalled using the whole-report method.
What is also called the iconic memory?
The visual sensory store
What is the visual sensory store?
The visual sensory store is a brief stage of memory that holds visual information for about 1 second. It allows us to retain a fleeting image of our environment, which helps in stabilizing visual input across movements like eye blinks or saccades.
What is the whole-report procedure?
In the whole-report procedure, participants are asked to recall all the items from a briefly presented display (e.g., 12 letters). Typically, people can recall about 4-5 items, which suggests that information in iconic memory decays quickly.
Which area of the brain is Involved in the creation and retrieval of memories?
The prefrontal regions
What area of the brain is involved in maintaining information in working memory?
Parietal areas
Which area of the brain is responsible for the permanent storage of memories?
The hippocampus and surrounding structures in the temporal cortex
