1
Q
memory
A
retention of information over time
- it has different abilities, not just one thing
- memory is reconstructed not reproduced
2
Q
3 systems of memory
A
- sensory memory
- short-term
- long-term
3
Q
span
A
- capacity
- sensory memory is imprinted on the brain and some info can get lost
4
Q
duration
A
how long memories last for
5
Q
sensory memory
A
- holds sensory information
- each sense has its own system (echoic and iconic)
- allows for perceptual processing
- span: capacity is very large
- duration: very short
6
Q
iconic memory
A
- vision
- half a second duration
7
Q
echoic memory
A
hearing
duration of 2-4 seconds
8
Q
short term memory
A
- hold info temporarily in your mind- duration: about 20-30 seconds
capacity: limited to 5-9 items - working memory
- in prefrontal cortex
9
Q
decay
A
memories decay over time
- trying to remember a long list of numbers will become more difficult with time
- other info in your mind that interferes
10
Q
long term memory
A
- information acquired over a lifespan
- duration: perhaps unlimited
- span: perhaps unlimited
- different types are explicit and implicit
11
Q
explicit (declarative) memory
A
- consciously recalled
- ability to declare/express memories
- two kinds: episodic and semantic
- coded in hippocampus
- formed in entire cortex
12
Q
episodic
A
remebering thing that we have actively lived through
- events of our life
- explcit
13
Q
semantic
A
- facts and concepts that we have learned in our lives
- ex: knowing world capitals, or sin
14
Q
implicit memories
A
- do not require conscious thought
- includes: procedural and priming
p formed in cerebellum
15
Q
procedural
A
habits and how we do things
- playing instruments, brushing teeth..
- things that you do that you are not consciously thinking about
- implicit
16
Q
priming
A
- exposure to stimulus influences future responses
- ex: subliminal messages
17
Q
primacy
A
remembering things at the beginning of a list
- could be because of long term memory
18
Q
recency
A
remembering things that appear at the end of a list
- could be because of short term memory
19
Q
3 memory processes
A
- encoding
- storage
- retrieval
20
Q
encoding
A
getting things into memory
- shows the importance of attention
- can only encode if you are paying attention
- could also use mnemonics to enhance later recall
21
Q
storage
A
- keeping things in memory
- engrams and consolidation
22
Q
engram
A
- physical substrate for memory
- structural and functional changes in our CNS as a result of experience
- physical changes in brain as a result of experience
23
Q
consolidation
A
- process of stabilizing memories
- attaches engrams to long term memory
- stabilizes memory traces
24
Q
schemas
A
- mental models or knowledge structures
- have schemas for behaviors or how to do things
- they are subject to change
- ex: knowing how to use a computer even if we dont remeber every other one that weve seen
- frames of reference for interpreting new situations
25
retrieval
reactivation or reconstruction of memories from storage
26
recall
generating remembered information on your own
27
recognition
selecting previously remembered information from several options
- multiple choice tests
28
retrieval cues
hints that make it easy to recall information
29
context dependent memory:
best when physical or external context is similar between encoding and retrieving
- encoding underwater will lead to easier recall underwater but harder recall on land
30
encoding
- context-dependent
- state dependent
- modd dependent
31
state dependent
match integral/mental concepts between encoding and retrieving
- specific to your mental state
- encoding when durnk will lead to better recall when also drunk
32
mood dependent memory
match in mood between encoding and retrieving
- if your in a negative mood you are more likely to remeber negative things
33
karl lashley experiements
- tried to find where engrams are stored
- he trained rats to run mazes and made lesions in their brain to see if they would forget things
- didnt find one spot
- instead he realized it not where he destroys but how much he does
- memories are distributed across the cerebral cortex
34
donald hubb
- neurons that fire together wire together
- neurons that are activated at the same time become associated
35
long term potentiation
- strengthening connections between 2 neurons after they are both activated
36
long term depression
- weakening of connections after either low or no activation between them
- neurons that arent firing at the same time become dissociated and their synapsis weaken
37
LTP and LTD on synapse
- neurons that fire together lead to an increase in vesicles containing NTs and more recpetors in the postsynaptic dendrite
- stronger synapse: more vesicles and more receptors
- memories are neurons with different strengths of connection
38
hippocampus
- temporal lobe
- memory index
- codes explicit memories
- forming new memories
39
synaptic theory of memory
memories as relative weight s(connection strengths) between neurons
40
synaptic theory of memory
memories as relative weight s(connection strengths) between neurons
41
cerebellum
related to implicit memories
42
prefrontal cortex
semantic memory
- short term memory
43
entire cortex
- forms explicit memory
44
H.M and his amnesia
- had a part of his brain removed and it gavehim amnesia
45
amnesia
- loss or disorder of memory
can be anterograde or retrogade
46
anterogade amneisia
- inability to form new memories
47
retrogade amneisa
cant access old memories
48
H.M's learning task
he was asked to draw shapes by only looking in the mirror
- made lots of mistakes the first time he did it but the next day when he forget he had already done it he still made less mistakes
- his errors decreased over time depsite his innability to make new memories
- still has muscle memory (implicit)
49
Misinformation effect
- elizabeth loftus
- creating fictious memories by providing misleading information after the event takes places
- can be influenced by verbs (watching a car accident and then using verbs like crash, or hit makes people recall the event as more serious)
- use this in courts to get specific answers
50
problems with eyewitness testimonies
- not reliable since memories can become false representations of reality
- can become less accurate the longer they wait after the crime
- less accurate when accused is a different race
- not reliable
51
flashbulb memories
vivid and detailed memories
- people remembering exactly where they were when big events happened (9/11, assasination of JFK)
52
Neisser and Harsch study
- asked people about their experiences seeing the space challenger after it happened.
- two years later thye asked again and peoples answer had changed dramatically
- people's stories change fundamentally even when they are confident in their memories
