Lecture 12 - An introduction to memory systems: Memory's joints Flashcards
(37 cards)
What does “carving nature at its joints” mean in the context of memory?
It refers to dividing memory into natural, meaningful categories to improve scientific understanding (from Plato’s idea)
Why do we break down memory into types?
Because memory is a complex system that needs classification to be better understood
What is the goal of classifying memory types?
To establish a taxonomy that makes scientific sense and reflects natural distinctions
What two main methods are used to study memory?
1) Introspection
2) Empirical research and theory-building
Why is memory theory-building described as cyclical?
Because findings from different methods are integrated, re-evaluated, and theories are refined
What are the three main memory processes?
1) Encoding
2) Storage
3) Retrieval
What is encoding?
Entering information into the memory system
What is storage?
Holding information in memory over time
What is retrieval?
Accessing stored information from memory
What is the information-processing model of memory?
Environment -> Sensory Memory -> Short-Term Memory -> Long-Term Memory
Who is the information-processing model often attributed to?
Broadbent
What is sensory memory?
A brief storage of information within a perceptual modality, maintaining high sensory fidelity
What is short-term memory (STM)?
Retention of small amounts of information over a few seconds
What is long-term memory (LTM)?
Systems for storing information over long periods
How does information flow between memory systems?
Information from the environment -> sensory memory -> STM -> LTM (if encoded)
Is all information retained in LTM?
No. Not all short-term memories are transferred to long-term memory
What kind of evidence supports the STM/LTM distinction?
Amnesia cases like Henry Molaison (HM), who show intact STM but impaired LTM
What memory abilities did HM lose after surgery?
Formation of new long-term memories and retrieval of some old ones
What abilities did HM retain post-surgery?
Immediate recall, sensory function, procedural memory, and selective attention
What task showed HM’s preserved procedural memory?
Mirror-tracing
What type of dissociation did HM’s case illustrate?
A dissociation between STM and LTM: STM intact but LTM impaired
Is the STM/LTM dissociation purely based on time?
Not necessarily/ Evidence challenges this (e.g., Cowan et al., 2004)
What did Cowan, Beschin & della Sala (2004) find?
Some amnesic patients could retain new memories long-term if nothing happened between learning and testing
What does Cowan et al.’s study suggest about amnesia?
It may reflect retrieval failure rather than storage failure
