Learning and Memory (short term/working) Flashcards
Learning and memory are what type of processes?
interconnected neuroplastic cognitive processes
What must external changes do in order for memories to be formed (storage) and reactivated (recall)?
they must persist
What two mechanisms are necessary for initiation and maintenance of memory?
LTP and LTD
Why does learning and memory have evolutionary value?
we learn about our external environment, store this information and can retrieve it during later situations and thus respond appropriately
What processes are involved in memory?
Encoding, Retention, and Retrieval
What is encoding?
acquisition of information “learning”
What is retention?
storage of information
What is retrieval?
accessing stored information
What is working memory?
It involves keeping relevant information accessible for short time periods while a task is being completed
What are the characteristics of working memory?
- Operates in real time (seconds and minutes)
- Has limited capacity for information
- Involves goal directed action
- Utilizes the distinct functions
How much information can we keep in our working memory?
originally thought to be ~7 items, but now it’s believed only to be ~4
What distinct functions does working memory utilize?
Planning, selection & suppression and task monitoring
What is planning?
developing and executing a strategy
What is the selection & suppression process in working memory?
identifying relevant components of the task and focusing attention of those components while suppressing irrelevant material
What is task monitoring in working memory?
Keeping relevant information “online”
What areas of the brain does working memory require activation from?
- 5 SSDNs that send projections to thalamic ARAS and mediodorsal nucleus (MD) of thalamus –> these nuclei then communicate with regions of the PFC
What areas of the PFC are involved in achieving working memory?
lateral, medial, and orbital prefrontal cortex
Right and left lateral PFC process what in working memory?
right –> perceptual data
left –> symbolic data (language and semantic information)
What dos the medial PFC process in working memory?
positive emotions and positive emotional memory
What does the orbital PFC process in working memory?
negative emotions and negative emotional memory
Working memory network pathway?
5 SSDNs –> Thalamic ARAS + MD nucleus –> PFC
What is the network responsible for control of attention?
Under direction of working memory network (PFC)
What are the brain regions involved with attention?
- 5 SSDNs
- Tectum
- Thalamic ARAS and the Pulvinar nucleus
- Cingulate gyrus
- R. lateral PFC
- R. superior parietal lobe
What is the role of the Tectum in attention?
Controls auditory and visual response
- inferior colliculi = auditory
- superior colliculi = visual
