Memory: Our Cognitive System
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Questions and Answers

What is the function of memory?

Memory is our cognitive system for storing and retrieving information.

Which of these options are accurate descriptions of the key processes of memory? (Select all that apply.)

  • Encoding: The process of retrieving information stored in memory
  • Retrieval: The process of locating and accessing information stored in memory. (correct)
  • Retrieval: The process of converting information into a form that can be entered into memory
  • Storage: The process of maintaining information in memory. (correct)
  • What does sensory memory refer to?

    Sensory memory is a memory system that retains a brief representation of sensory input for brief periods of time.

    Which type of memory is known as short-term memory? Choose the best option.

    <p>Short-term memory is a type of memory that holds relatively small amounts of information for brief periods of time. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Iconic memory refers to the memory of ______ stimuli.

    <p>visual</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the duration of echoic memory?

    <p>Echoic memory deals with auditory information for 1-2 seconds.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these options describes the function of 'free recall'?

    <p>Free recall is a classic paradigm in the psychological study of memory where participants study a list of items on each trial and are then prompted to recall the items in any order. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of memory retrieval, ______ recall refers to the retrieval of memory with the help of cues that are systematic.

    <p>Cued</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of sensory memory within the Atkinson and Shiffrin model?

    <p>Sensory memory provides a temporary storage of sensory information, with a high capacity and a duration of less than one second for vision or a few seconds for hearing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Information that passes through an attentional gate is not transferred to short-term memory.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main purpose of elaborative rehearsal?

    <p>Elaborative rehearsal involves the deep processing of information, particularly focusing on its meaning, which enhances the likelihood of transferring information to long-term memory.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these is NOT a characteristic of long-term memory?

    <p>Long-term memory has a very limited capacity and is easily filled. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the theory behind the modern view of memory?

    <p>The modern view of memory is based on the understanding that consciousness and memory emerge from the functioning of the brain.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Memory for factual information can never be termed explicit or declarative memory.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Episodic memory holds information that we acquired at a specific ______ and place.

    <p>time</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of memory holds general abstract knowledge about the world?

    <p>Semantic memory (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Describe the difference between episodic memory and semantic memory.

    <p>Episodic memory focuses on storing personal experiences with an emphasis on the specific time and place they occurred, while semantic memory stores general knowledge about the world without specific references to time or place.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the key element of implicit memory?

    <p>Implicit memory refers to knowledge that cannot readily be put into words. It's often associated with the unconscious memory for skills and habits.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Multiple processors working together to complete a task describes the Parallel Distributed Processing theory (PDP).

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Define the Decay theory as it relates to memory.

    <p>The Decay theory suggests that memory fades as a natural consequence of the passage of time, with the strength of the memory trace gradually weakening over time.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Forgetting is a deliberate process whereby an individual consciously chooses to erase unwanted information from their memory.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the retroactive interference theory explain?

    <p>According to the retroactive interference theory, the acquisition of new information can lead to the disruption or forgetting of previously learned information.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of interference describes the disruption of learning or remembering current information due to previously stored information?

    <p>Proactive interference (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Amnesia is a condition of memory ______ that can be severe or part of other conditions.

    <p>loss</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the key defining characteristic of anterograde amnesia?

    <p>Anterograde amnesia is characterized by an inability to form new memories after the onset of amnesia.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Retrograde amnesia impacts the ability to remember events that occurred before the onset of amnesia.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Korsakoff syndrome, often resulting from long-term alcohol abuse, commonly includes profound ______ amnesia.

    <p>retrograde</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Alzheimer's disease primarily affects those below the age of sixty-five.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Describe how amnesia can manifest as a result of Korsakoff syndrome.

    <p>Korsakoff syndrome can result in both anterograde amnesia, affecting the ability to form new memories, and severe retrograde amnesia, affecting the ability to recall past memories.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these is NOT a common symptom of Alzheimer's disease in its early stages?

    <p>Experiencing extreme anxiety about events that happened several years ago. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The theory of memory decay suggests that forgetting occurs solely due to time.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Explain the central concept of the retrieval failure theory.

    <p>The retrieval failure theory explains forgetting as a result of the inability to access stored information, suggesting that the information may still exist in memory but is simply inaccessible at the time of recall.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Repression, a key concept in psychoanalysis, is often associated with ______ forgetting.

    <p>motivated</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these is NOT a common mnemonic technique discussed in the text?

    <p>Semantic Encoding (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of chunking in memory?

    <p>Chunking is a technique where smaller units of information are grouped together into larger, meaningful chunks, increasing the capacity of short-term memory.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Memory

    Cognitive system for storing and retrieving information.

    Key Processes of Memory

    Includes encoding, storage, and retrieval of information.

    Encoding

    Process of converting information into a memory form.

    Storage

    Maintaining information in memory over time.

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    Retrieval

    The process of accessing stored information.

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    Sensory Memory

    Brief retention of sensory input.

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    Short-term Memory

    Holds small amounts of information for seconds.

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    Long-term Memory

    Retains large amounts of information over long periods.

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    Serial Position Curve

    Better recall of first and last items on a list.

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    Recency Effect

    Better recall of items at the end of a list.

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    Priming Effect

    Earlier exposure influences later response to stimuli.

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    Iconic Memory

    Visual memory that lasts a fraction of a second.

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    Echoic Memory

    Auditory memory lasting 1-2 seconds.

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    Free Recall

    Recalling items without prompts in any order.

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    Cued Recall

    Memory retrieval aided by specific prompts.

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    Atkinson & Shiffrin Model

    Memory model consisting of sensory, short-term, and long-term systems.

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    Episodic Memory

    Memory of specific times and places.

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    Semantic Memory

    General knowledge unrelated to time or place.

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    Implicit Memory

    Unconscious memory for skills and tasks.

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    Decay Theory

    Proposes memory fades over time without use.

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    Retroactive Interference

    New information disrupts old memories.

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    Proactive Interference

    Old memories disrupt learning new information.

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    Amnesia

    Serious memory loss affecting past experiences.

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    Anterograde Amnesia

    Inability to create new memories post-onset.

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    Retrograde Amnesia

    Loss of memories prior to amnesia onset.

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    Dementia

    Symptoms affecting memory, thinking, and social abilities.

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    Korsakoff Syndrome

    Amnesia caused by long-term alcohol abuse.

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    Alzheimer's Disease

    Severe mental deterioration primarily in older adults.

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    Motivated Forgetting

    Difficulty retrieving anxiety-provoking memories.

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    Keyword Method

    Mnemonic technique using sound-alike words.

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    Method of Loci

    Using familiar locations to remember items.

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    Chunking

    Combining smaller units into larger ones for memory.

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    First Letter Technique

    Use initials of words to form another word.

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    Study Notes

    Memory: Our Cognitive System

    • Memory is our cognitive system for storing and retrieving information
    • Without memory, we cannot remember the past, retain new information, solve problems, or plan for the future
    • Early research on memory, like Ebbinghaus' work in the late 1800s, examined memory and forgetting
    • Memory involves encoding, storage, and retrieval

    Key Processes of Memory

    • Encoding: Converting information into a usable form for memory
    • Storage: Maintaining information in memory
    • Retrieval: Locating and accessing stored information

    Sensory Memory

    • A brief representation of sensory input
    • Trails of light from a flashlight demonstrate sensory memory
    • Iconic memory (visual) lasts less than a second
    • Echoic memory (auditory) lasts 2-3 seconds

    Short-Term Memory

    • Holds small amounts of information for brief periods (usually less than 30 seconds)
    • Used for tasks like looking up a phone number

    Long-Term Memory

    • Stores large amounts of information over long periods
    • Allows us to remember events from hours, days, months, or years ago
    • Stores general knowledge (semantic memory) and specific events (episodic memory)

    Serial Position Curve

    • Recall is better for items at the beginning and end of a list than for those in the middle
    • Items at the beginning (primacy effect) and end (recency effect) are more easily recalled

    Priming Effect

    • Exposure to one stimulus affects how we respond to a related stimulus later
    • If we see "doctor," we are more likely to recognize "nurse" faster
    • This suggests connections between different concepts in long-term memory

    Iconic Memory

    • Visual sensory memory
    • Lets us 'see' an image briefly in our minds' eyes

    Echoic Memory

    • Auditory sensory memory
    • Allows us to hold sounds for a few seconds

    Free Recall

    • A memory testing method where items are recalled in any order
    • Used to study different types of memory systems

    Atkinson & Shiffrin Model

    • Three-stage model of memory
    • Sensory memory (brief storage)
    • Short-term memory (limited capacity and duration)
    • Long-term memory (relatively permanent storage)

    Cued Recall

    • Memory retrieval aided by specific cues
    • Remembering items grouped by categories

    Forgetting

    • Decay: Memory fades with time
    • Interference: Other information interferes with the recall of target information
      • Retroactive: New information disrupts the recall of old information
      • Proactive: Existing knowledge disrupts the recall of new information
    • Retrieval failure: Inability to access memory due to missing cues

    Motivated Forgetting

    • Repression: Unpleasant memories are pushed into the unconscious
    • This is part of psychoanalytic theory

    Factors that Affect Memory

    • Amnesia: Severe memory loss
      • Anterograde: Cannot form new memories
      • Retrograde: Cannot remember past events
      • Dissociative: Memory loss linked to stress or trauma
      • Korsakoff syndrome: Linked to alcoholism and severe memory loss
      • Alzheimer's disease: A progressive brain disorder that leads to memory loss

    Memory Improvement Strategies

    • Chunking: Grouping pieces of information into larger meaningful units
    • Mnemonics: Memory aids (e.g., keyword method, method of loci)
    • Minimize interference: Learning dissimilar materials to prevent forgetting

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    Related Documents

    Memory - Psychology Notes PDF

    Description

    Explore the intricacies of memory as a cognitive system, including key processes such as encoding, storage, and retrieval. This quiz delves into different types of memory such as sensory, short-term, and long-term memory. Test your understanding of how we store and retrieve information and the historical research that has shaped our current knowledge.

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