Psychology Final Exam - Memory Issues

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Questions and Answers

Describe context and state dependent issues in memory. Give two examples of each.

Context-dependent memory is when we remember information better in the same context where we learned it. For example, studying with background noise and testing in the same environment. State-dependent memory involves recalling events encoded while in a specific state of consciousness, such as remembering an appointment only when drowsy.

What are neurotransmitters? How do they work in the synapse? Name and describe the function of three neurotransmitters.

Neurotransmitters are chemicals that enable communication between neurons. They fit into receptor sites on dendrites, initiating a nerve impulse. Three examples are: 1) Dopamine, associated with motor movement and alertness; 2) Serotonin, which regulates mood; 3) Endorphins, involved in pain control.

Describe the Atkinson and Shiffrin model of memory from sensory memory to long-term memory.

The model includes three stages: sensory memory, short-term memory (STM), and long-term memory (LTM). Information enters sensory memory briefly and, if attended to, moves to STM, which has a limited capacity and duration. STM can transfer information to LTM, which has virtually unlimited capacity.

Describe a manic episode, a major depressive episode, and paranoid schizophrenia.

A manic episode involves an elevated mood for at least a week. A major depressive episode includes a depressed mood or loss of interest for at least two weeks. Paranoid schizophrenia is characterized by delusions of persecution, with symptoms including anxiety and altered sense of identity. Signup and view all the answers

Give an example and describe fixed interval and variable ratio reinforcement schedules.

Fixed interval is a schedule where reinforcement occurs after a set period, like receiving a raise annually. Variable ratio involves reinforcement after a random number of responses, like winning at a slot machine. Signup and view all the answers

In the bell and pad example, what are the US, CS, and the reflex?

US: Alarm; CS: Full bladder; Reflex: Waking up. Signup and view all the answers

Explain why smell and taste are considered chemical senses.

Taste and smell are chemical senses because they depend on different chemicals stimulating receptors. Taste buds and smell receptors respond to specific chemical compounds, enabling us to perceive diverse flavors and scents. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the limbic system and its four parts.

The limbic system includes the thalamus, hypothalamus, amygdala, and hippocampus. It regulates emotions, memory, and sensory perception. Disorders associated with limbic dysfunction include ADHD and certain dementias. Signup and view all the answers

What are Freud's ID, EGO, and SUPEREGO? How do they work and where do they come from?

The ID seeks instant gratification, the EGO mediates between ID desires and reality, and the SUPEREGO represents moral standards. These components develop from our basic needs and social interactions. Signup and view all the answers

Describe three ego defense mechanisms.

Three defense mechanisms are: Repression (blocking conscious awareness of thoughts), Denial (refusing to accept reality), and Displacement (redirecting feelings toward another person or object. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Memory Contexts

Context-Dependent Memory: Recall is improved when retrieval occurs in the same context as the learning environment (e.g., TV playing during study and test).
State-Dependent Memory: Recall is enhanced when in the same physiological or psychological state during encoding and retrieval (e.g., remembering an appointment while drowsy).

Neurotransmitters

Definition: Chemicals that facilitate communication between neurons by binding to receptor sites on dendrites.
Synapse: The gap between neurons where neurotransmitters are released.
Dopamine: Influences motor movement and alertness; associated disorders include Parkinson's disease (lack) and schizophrenia (excess).
Serotonin: Regulates mood; low levels are linked to clinical depression.
Endorphins: Act as natural painkillers and are involved in addiction processes.

Akinson-Shiffrin Model of Memory

Stages: Encompasses sensory memory, short-term memory (STM), and long-term memory (LTM).
Sensory Memory: Brief retention of sensory information before it decays.
STM: Holds approximately 7 ± 2 "chunks" of information for about 18-20 seconds; commonly involves verbal encoding.
LTM: Can store unlimited information for a lifetime; organized by meaning and associative links.

Mood Disorder Episodes

Manic Episode: Characterized by an elevated or irritable mood lasting at least one week.
Major Depressive Episode: A two-week period of depressed mood or loss of interest/pleasure in daily activities.
Paranoid Schizophrenia: Features delusions, potential anger and anxiety, and may allow for functional daily life despite symptoms.

Reinforcement Schedules

Fixed Interval Schedule: Reinforcer applied at set time intervals, leading to performance peaks just before assessments (e.g., annual salary raise).
Variable Ratio Schedule: Reinforcer given after an unpredictable number of responses, maintaining high engagement (e.g., slot machines in a casino).

Classical Conditioning Example

Bell and Pad Method: Wakes child upon detecting wetness; trains him to respond to a full bladder sensation.
Unconditioned Stimulus (US): Alarm (causes waking).
Conditioned Stimulus (CS): Full bladder (learned response of waking occurred).

Chemical Senses

Definition: Smell and taste are triggered by chemical stimuli acting on receptor sites.
Smell: Activated by various compounds in the air.
Taste: Triggered by chemicals in food.

The Limbic System

Components: Includes thalamus (sensory information processing), hypothalamus (homeostasis), amygdala (emotional processing), and hippocampus (memory).
Disorders: ADHD, dementias, and neuropsychiatric disturbances are associated with dysfunction within the limbic system.

Freud's Personality Structures

Id: Represents basic needs and desires.
Ego: Operates on reality principles, mediating between id and superego.
Superego: Encompasses moral and ethical considerations of right and wrong.
Defense Mechanisms: Tools used by the ego for protection, including:
- Repression: Blocking out distressing thoughts.
- Denial: Refusal to accept reality.
- Displacement: Redirecting feelings to a safer object or person.

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Test your understanding of context and state-dependent memory with this quiz. Explore examples and explanations that highlight how our surroundings and states of consciousness influence recall. Perfect for final exam preparation in psychology.