Learning , memory and forgetting Flashcards
(39 cards)
What are the 3 suggested functions of memory?
- natural inference system . stores a few facts and then we can derive others if needed
- relate new events to prior knowledge to understand them
- deliver relevant knowledge when it is needed
what are the three types of LTM?
episodic , semantic and procedural
What are the basic memory processes?
encoding , storage, retrieval
What does the multi-store model of memory emphasise?
Structure
Describe the capacity of the short term store - how was this researched?
- limited capacity
- as seen by how many digits people can recall (Miller’s magic number seven) CHUNKS = can improve recall of digit span even up to 79 digits via chunking method
Explain the Short term store’s fragility of storage
-Fragile as demonstrated by triads (Peterson and Peterson) counting backwards
- info decays rapidly within 18 secs
- interference effects - proactive (hard learning new material) and retroactive ( hard learning past material)
What form is information encoded?
early view was that stm was stored in a acoustic, verbal code. subsequent research showed that short term store should retain visual and semantic too
What is the basis of the working memory model?
Baddeley and Hitch - focuses on how stm uses informations not how it stores it , based on the inadequacies with the simple store memory
What is a problem with a storage only model (multi-store model of memory)
there is evidence that miller’s magic number seven may not be a sufficient store . case studies of people with specific impairments in different types of stm - memory, comprehension , reasoning etc should be similarly impaired but they were not so stm must consist of something other than a store
Describe the phonological loop store
Has two parts , the phonological store holds acoustic information for about two secs, and manages the articulatory control process. Evidence is found in ppts ability to recall short words better than long word length effect
Describe the visuospatial sketchpad
Inner eye, specialised for spatial and visual coding . Evidence found from Quinn and McConnell. Quinn and McConnell (1996) had participants learn words using visual imagery or verbal rehearsal while performing either visual or auditory interference tasks. Visual interference disrupted imagery-based tasks but not verbal tasks, supporting the existence of a separate visuospatial sketchpad in working memory.
Describe the episodic buffer
Hold and integrates diverse information
Describe the central executive
Initially vague but Baddeley has made more specific. Allows for switching of retrieval plans , timesharing of dual task studies, selective attention and the temporary activation of long term memory.
Provide evidence of central executive
Random number generator studies , either writing down thoughts it not. In the though condition the random numbers sequences were not totally random perhaps due to the CE being active and organising things.
How did Ebbinghaus pioneer the systematic study of human memory?
Taught himself nonsense syllables like LEV and BUP
.Relearned lists after varying time intervals. Evidence of the forgetting curve
Explain the encoding specificity principle
forgetting because we lack the appropriate cues , demonstrated by participants who were given cues having better recall than free recallers
Explain evidence for the competition for global mental resources
neurological evidence - specific deficits in certain cognitive abilities when two of the same stores are called upon
What is the capacity difference between STM and LTM?
The capacity for STM is significantly smaller than that of LTM.
How does rehearsal relate to STM and LTM?
STM depends on rehearsal, but memories in LTM can be reconstructed even after years without rehearsal.
What happens to information once forgotten in STM versus LTM?
Once forgotten in STM, it is lost, but LTM can be recovered with cues or hints.
What did Hebb originally propose about STM storage?
Hebb proposed that STM is maintained by a reverberating circuit where neurons excite each other, and in some cases, neurons increase excitability independently.
How are STM memories consolidated into LTM? Hebb
Consolidation occurs when STM is stored long enough, leading to structural changes and the formation of new synapses.
How can emotional memories form quickly?
Emotional memories can form quickly through the release of epinephrine and cortisol, which stimulate brain areas essential for memory storage, though prolonged stress can impair memory
What is observed in older adults with declining memory?
Older adults with declining memory often show reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex.
