Memory: Encoding, Storage, Retrieval

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Questions and Answers

What term refers to the decreased accessibility of memory over time?

Blocking

Transience (correct)

Mis-attribution

Displacement

Which of the following describes the phenomenon when new information replaces older memories?

Persistence

Interference

Displacement (correct)

Blocking

What is the temporary inaccessibility of stored data commonly known as?

Decay

Blocking (correct)

Absent-mindedness

Bias

Which term describes the assimilation of incorrect information into memory due to external factors?

Suggestion Signup and view all the answers

What type of interference occurs when old memories hinder the formation of new ones?

Proactive interference Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for intrusive memories that persist uncontrollably, often seen in PTSD?

Persistence Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can occur due to gaps in concentration and forgetfulness?

Blocking Signup and view all the answers

Which phenomenon refers to mistakenly thinking one has experienced something that did not happen?

Mis-attribution Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of semantic amnesia?

Difficulty with language usage and acquisition Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following assessments primarily evaluates episodic verbal learning and memory?

Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test Signup and view all the answers

What type of amnesia involves a loss of memory for the context of previously learned information?

Source amnesia Signup and view all the answers

Which test includes a delayed recall and recognition phase following an interference list?

Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the California Verbal Learning Test?

Episodic memory and language-related tasks Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of iconic memory?

Sight stimuli Signup and view all the answers

What describes a memory distortion?

A fabricated memory stored without validity evaluation. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'schema' refer to in the context of memory?

A concept or image of something that happened in the past. Signup and view all the answers

How does inference function in memory?

It fills missing parts of information based on existing knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

What is elaboration focused on in the context of learning?

Improving information by making connections. Signup and view all the answers

According to the forgetting curve, what happens to memory retention over time?

Memory retention decreases over time. Signup and view all the answers

What best describes the concept of memory strength?

The longevity of memory traces in the brain. Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario does memory distortion most likely occur?

When a fabricated memory is accepted without scrutiny. Signup and view all the answers

What is working memory primarily responsible for?

Immediate decision-making and problem-solving Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of chunking information?

To simplify the recall and comprehension of larger information units Signup and view all the answers

Which component of working memory is responsible for higher cognitive processes?

Central Executive Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical capacity limit of items that can be processed in working memory?

Seven items Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the brain, when damaged, is linked to deficits in working memory?

Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex Signup and view all the answers

Which emotional factor is most likely to impede memory creation and recall?

Stress Signup and view all the answers

Which example best illustrates the concept of chunking?

Grouping a series of random numbers into a manageable phone number Signup and view all the answers

What influence does a person's mood have on memory retrieval?

It affects which memories are retrieved. Signup and view all the answers

What does the episodic buffer function as in working memory?

A backup store that connects working and long-term memory Signup and view all the answers

What is the phenomenon where individuals revert to prior beliefs after corrections?

Belief regression Signup and view all the answers

What does long-term memory primarily refer to?

Memories that are retained for life Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT mentioned as affecting the process of forgetting?

Nutrition Signup and view all the answers

How does activation of prior knowledge help in memory processing?

It facilitates the processing of new information. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following contributes to the forgetting process by creating interference?

Learning unrelated topics Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about memory disorders is accurate?

They occur when a person struggles to form or retain new memories. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does discussing problems in small groups have on memory recall?

It can enhance recall of new information. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of amnesia refers to the inability to form new memories?

Anterograde amnesia Signup and view all the answers

What is confabulation?

The creation of false memories Signup and view all the answers

Which type of amnesia typically affects individuals over the age of 50 and resolves within 24 hours?

Transient Global amnesia Signup and view all the answers

Which type of memory is more vulnerable in cases of retrograde amnesia?

Episodic memory Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of amnesia?

Cognitive amnesia Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of anterograde amnesia?

Hippocampal injury Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes psychogenic amnesia?

Rapid episode of memory loss for personal history Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when an individual with retrograde amnesia loses knowledge obtained before the amnesia started?

Memory loss for prior information Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Memory: Encoding, Storage, and Retrieval

Memory is the experience, awareness, and recall of sensations, ideas, and events.
Memories are processed through encoding, storage, and retrieval.

Encoding

Encoding is the transfer of sensory input (sound or image) into a form for memory registration.
Mnemonics, primacy-recency effects, and chunking aid easier encoding.
Common encoding approaches include visual (how something appears), acoustic (how it sounds), semantic (what it means), and tactile (how it feels).

Storage

Storage describes how, where, how much, and for how long encoded data is kept.
The modal model of memory differentiates between two types:
- Long-term memory (LTM): Unlimited capacity, from minutes to a lifetime.
- Short-term memory (STM): Capacity of 7 +/- 2 items in digit span experiments.
- Information is first stored in STM and then moved to LTM if needed.

Retrieval

Retrieval is the procedure to access stored information.
Memories in STM are retrieved in the order they were stored.
Memories in LTM are retrieved by making connections.

Working Memory Storage Capacity and Chunking

Working memory is the ability to briefly hold and use information for tasks.
Short-term memory understanding improved with the Baddeley and Hitch model (1974).
This model includes the Central Executive, responsible for higher cognitive processes like planning and problem-solving.
Other components include Phonological Loop (acoustic coding), Visuospatial Sketchpad (visual/spatial info), and Episodic Buffer (backup storage).

Distortion, Schema, Inference, and Elaboration

Distortion: Memory distortions occur when the brain creates inaccurate memories.
Schema: Memory schemas are collections of past experiences that help organize and interpret information.
Inference: Inferences are logical conclusions drawn from existing knowledge.
Elaboration: Elaboration is a cognitive approach that improves memory by linking new information to prior knowledge.

The Process of Forgetting

Forgetting is the inability to recall previously stored information.
The Ebbinghaus curve illustrates how retention declines over time.
Causes of memory failure include: Transience, absent-mindedness, blocking, suggestion, bias, and persistence.

Emotional Factors Affecting Memory

Emotional factors can influence memory encoding and retrieval.
Factors include stress, anxiety, feelings of aggression, and depression.

Retrieval and Forgetting Factors

Experiences that evoke positive emotions or high arousal are more likely to be remembered than those that do not.
Mood congruency, knowledge activation, and existing beliefs impact recall.
Personal experiences are important for memory retrieval, influenced by mood and existing information.

Memory Disorders

Memory disorders involve trouble forming or retaining new memories due to brain damage, diabetes, or other medical or psychological conditions.
These disorders are broadly classified into amnesia, confabulation, and dementia.

Assessment of Memory Disorders

There are many tests that measure memory functions; some include:
- California Verbal Learning Test
- Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test
- Encoding performance tests, delayed word recall tests, etc

Diencephalon

The diencephalon is a region near the brain's midline, developing from the forebrain vesicle.
It encompasses structures like the thalamus and hypothalamus.

Amnesia

Amnesia is the loss of memory or the inability to form new memories.
It's linked to damage in the medial temporal lobe including the hippocampus, and midline diencephalon.
Types of amnesia include retrograde (loss of past memories) and anterograde (inability to form new memories).

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Description

Explore the key concepts of memory, including encoding, storage, and retrieval processes. This quiz covers various encoding techniques and differentiates between short-term and long-term memory storage. Test your understanding of how our minds process and recall information.