Brain Areas and Memory Processes

Brain Areas Associated with Memory

• Scientists believe specific brain areas specialize in different memory types.
• The temporal lobe is linked to sensory memory.
• The frontal lobe is associated with short- and long-term memory.
• The temporal and occipital lobes are associated with sensation, thus involved in sensory memory.
• Sensory memory is a temporary holding area for sensory information, lasting a few seconds.

Three Stages of Learning and Memory

• Encoding: initial learning of information.
• Storage: maintaining information over time.
• Retrieval: accessing information when needed.

Encoding

• Memory encoding converts information into a format stored in the brain for indefinite recall.
• Information is encoded into short- or long-term memory.

Memory Storage

• Memories are modified and reconstructed during retrieval and recall.
• Encoding filters and modifies the information for storage.
• Memory storage involves altering neural pathways, also known as long-term potentiation.

Memory Retrieval

• Memory retrieval involves recalling stored information.
• Two types of retrieval are recall and recognition.
• Recall requires retrieving information from memory without cues.
• Recognition involves identifying information with cues.

Serial Recall

• Recalling items in the order they occur.
• Recent events, closer in time, are more easily recalled.
• Primacy effect: remembering items at the beginning of a list better.
• Recency effect: remembering items at the end of a list better.

Free Recall

• Recalling items in any order.
• Primacy and recency effects also influence free recall.

Cued Recall

• Recalling through cues or prompts.
• Stronger cues lead to better retrieval.

Retrieval Failure

• A failure to recall stored information.
• Decay and interference can cause retrieval failure.

Sensory Memory

• Brieftly holding sensory information
• Three types: iconic (visual), echoic (auditory), and haptic (touch).

Chunking

• Grouping items to improve sequential memory performance.
• Improves how much information can be recalled.

Short-Term Memory (STM)

• Temporary memory system processing incoming sensory information.
• Sometimes called working memory.
• Used for both temporary storage and manipulation of information.

Long-Term Memory (LTM)

• Long-term storage of information for days, months, or years.
• Permanent change in neural connections.
• Two main types: explicit and implicit

Explicit Memory (Declarative Memory)

• Consciously recalled information.
• Semantic memory: general knowledge
• Episodic memory: personal experiences

Implicit Memory (Non-declarative Memory)

• Unconscious memory influencing behavior.
• Procedural memory: knowing how to do things (skills).
• Classical conditioning: associating stimuli and responses.
• Priming: Changes in behavior due to recent/frequent experiences.

Forgetting

• Loss of memory over time, or difficulty retrieving specific information.
• Decay: fading of memory over time.
• Interference: other memories hinder recall.
• Retrieval failure: lack of cues to access the desired memory.

Language Development

• Language is a system of communication using symbols to create meaning.
• Key Components:
  • Phoneme: Smallest unit of sound with meaning difference.
  • Morpheme: Smallest unit of meaning.
  • Semantics: Rules for obtaining meaning from morphemes.
  • Syntax: Rules for constructing sentences.
  • Pragmatics: Social use of language.

Language Developmental Progression

• Babies develop language through cooing, babbling, and gesturing.
• Understanding language precedes production.
• Language development progresses gradually.

Infant-Directed Speech

• Adults use special variations of speech with infants.
• Characteristics include higher pitch, exaggeration, and repetition.

This quiz explores the relationship between specific brain areas and their functions in memory formation. Learn about the three stages of learning and memory—encoding, storage, and retrieval. Understand how different lobes of the brain contribute to various types of memory.