Learning & Memory

Question 1

What is the role of memories in individuality?

Answer 1

Memories are central to our individuality and differ among individuals.

Question 2

What are the two types of memory discussed?

Answer 2

• Working-memory
• Long-term memory

Question 3

What is working-memory used for?

Answer 3

It holds information in mind for a short time in an active conscious state.

Question 4

What is the capacity of working memory often described as?

Answer 4

The magical number 7 plus or minus 2.

Question 5

What is long-term memory?

Answer 5

A larger, more passive storehouse of information.

Question 6

What are the components of the short-term working-memory system?

Answer 6

• Central executive system
• Phonological store
• Silent rehearsal loop
• Visuo-spatial sketchpad

Question 7

How did working-memory likely evolve?

Answer 7

It may have co-evolved with speech to assist in language learning.

Question 8

What are the two main structures important for episodic memory?

Answer 8

• Perirhinal cortex
• Hippocampus

Question 9

What does episodic memory track?

Answer 9

Personal experiences and events that happen only once.

Question 10

What is retrograde amnesia?

Answer 10

The inability to remember events that occurred before the onset of amnesia.

Question 11

What is semantic memory?

Answer 11

A vast storehouse of factual knowledge about the world.

Question 12

What is the role of the basal ganglia and cerebellum in memory?

Answer 12

They are important for skill learning.

Question 13

What type of learning is associated with the amygdala?

Answer 13

Emotional learning.

Question 14

What is the significance of place cells in the hippocampus?

Answer 14

They fire when an animal explores a familiar place, helping to map the environment.

Question 15

Fill in the blank: The brain sorts encoded information into _______.

Answer 15

categories

Question 16

True or False: Amnesic patients can retain language skills despite memory loss.

Answer 16

True

Question 17

What is a simple experiment to test short-term memory?

Answer 17

Letter-span test.

Question 18

What happens to the accuracy of memory recall as the number of letters increases?

Answer 18

Errors creep in after about 7 or 8 letters.

Question 19

What is the function of the central executive system in working memory?

Answer 19

It controls the flow of information.

Question 20

What is the cascade of processing in the brain for memory?

Answer 20

Information passes through sensory systems and down pathways for specialized processing.

Question 21

What type of memory helps in learning skills and emotional responses?

Answer 21

Conditioning.

Question 22

What is the main role of the hippocampus?

Answer 22

Encoding events and places.

Question 23

What happens to episodic memory when the hippocampus is damaged?

Answer 23

Formation of episodic memories is impaired.

Question 24

What is the relationship between working memory and speech?

Answer 24

Working memory is essential for planning and decision-making related to speech.

Question 25

What is the impact of skilled teachers on memory organization?

Answer 25

They help build structures that facilitate memory retrieval.

Question 26

What do degenerative conditions like semantic dementia affect?

Answer 26

They cause breakdowns in semantic memory.

Question 27

What is the role of second-messenger chemicals in memory?

Answer 27

They transmit signals that activate genes for memory storage.

Question 28

What is a key characteristic of episodic memory compared to semantic memory?

Answer 28

Episodic memory is tied to personal experiences that happen only once.

Question 29

Fill in the blank: The critical property of memory is that facts are organized into _______.

Answer 29

categories

Question 30

What is the role of NMDA receptors in memory formation?

Answer 30

NMDA receptors are involved in synaptic plasticity, which changes the strength of connections in a network of neurons and is a way of storing information.

Question 31

What happens to learning about places when NMDA receptors are blocked?

Answer 31

Learning about places is impaired when a drug that blocks NMDA receptors is applied to the hippocampus.

Question 32

How do rats and mice use their place cells and head-direction cells?

Answer 32

They use them to find their way to an escape platform hidden underwater.

Question 33

What are gene knockout animals in the context of NMDA receptor research?

Answer 33

Gene knockout animals are engineered to have NMDA receptors deleted in the hippocampus, which results in poor learning and inaccurate place cells.

Question 34

What brain area shows greater activation in experienced taxi drivers when navigating?

Answer 34

The right parahippocampal cortex shows greater activation.

Question 35

What structural changes are observed in the hippocampus of London taxi drivers?

Answer 35

There are changes in the relative size of different parts of their hippocampus related to their memory of the city.

Question 36

True or False: A better memory would come without any drawbacks.

Answer 36

False.

Question 37

What is the 'yin and yang' of a good memory?

Answer 37

A good memory balances remembering important things and forgetting trivial ones.

Question 38

What might alleviate serious forgetfulness according to research?

Answer 38

Drugs that enhance NMDA or AMPA receptors, or stimulate second-messenger signals.

Question 39

What is cognitive engineering?

Answer 39

Cognitive engineering involves using principles of how information is encoded, stored, consolidated, and retrieved to aid memory.

Question 40

What is the purpose of the paging system called 'NeuroPage'?

Answer 40

It reminds elderly patients of what they should be doing next to help structure their day.

Question 41

What are the components of working memory proposed by Alan Baddeley?

Answer 41

The phonological store, visuospatial sketch pad, and central executive.

Question 42

Fill in the blank: The hippocampus is involved in _______ and memory traces.

Answer 42

[maps]

Question 43

What is the significance of the 'fixing' process in memory?

Answer 43

It is crucial for consolidating memories and involves attention, spaced learning, and reminders.

Question 44

What is one method that can help improve skill learning?

Answer 44

Frequent practice.