Week 1

Question 1

3 basic mechanisms involved in memory

Answer 1

• encoding: sensory information put into code. This information is selective and interpreted.
• storage: how memory is represented in the brain when not actively thinking about it. The material is passively stored, and is subject to change with new information presented.
• retrieval: how memory is brought back up when needing information; depends on ques and is more of reconstruction than complete autonomous retrieval

Question 2

Describe modal model of memory

Answer 2

• -sensory information:
  
  • everything you sense at a specific moment in time. Lasts only a few milliseconds.
  • Brain structures involved: · Somatosensory cortex—parietal lobe · Occipital lobe—vision -Temporal lobe—hearing & smelling
• short term memory:
  
  • lasts a few seconds, chunks of information (7 pieces at a time), will decay with interference (new information pushing old information out) unless constantly repeated.
    
    • Brain structures:Pre-frontal cortex
• long term memory:
  
  • Can retain information for much longer
  • There is argument as to whether long term memory has all information that has ever been stored in it and it is simply not accessible “retrieval failure” vs whether some information is no longer in long term memory due to not using it on more common basis

Question 3

memory systems in long term memory

Answer 3

• Semantic memory
  
  • Facts and details not experienced
  • Stored in semantic networks that link different ideas to one another making it easier to recall
  • Involve noetic consciousness
  • Brain structures: Medial temporal lobe—especially hippocampus
• Episodic
  
  • Personally experienced events at particular time and place
  • Can involve mentally putting yourself back into situation
  • Involves autonoetic consciousness (self knowing conscious)
  • Brain structures: Medial temporal lobe—especially hippocampus
• Procedural memory:
  
  • for mental and physical actions
  • responsible for implicit memories: memories that we are unaware of
  • involve anoetic consciousness “not knowing”
  • Brain structures: Cerebellum Striatum putamen

Question 4

How are encoding context and retrieval context related

Answer 4

both are interpretations of information.

• In encoding we interpret the sensory information from our point of view.
• In retrieval the information can be recalled and interpreted differently depending on new material presented since encoding that memory.

Question 5

Apply knowledge of theoretical frameworks of memory formation to learning and studying material

Answer 5

• Knowing the modal model of memory (sensory info, short term memory, long term memory) allows for students to understand how the information they are studying will be retained and recalled.
• Understanding the different ways long term memory is stored (procedural, semantic, episodic) will help students to form various ways of studying so that they can process and remember the information in different forms to help themselves recall the information.

Question 6

Consider benefits of active learning

Answer 6

Active learning ensures that the student not only knows the material as facts but can use the information in real life situations.