Psychology: Long-Term Memory Concepts

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Questions and Answers

What enhances memory recall when a person is in a specific emotional state during learning?

Consolidation

State-dependent learning (correct)

Testing effect

Transfer-appropriate processing

Which process quickly stabilizes a memory trace at the level of synapses?

Reconsolidation

State-dependent learning

Synaptic consolidation (correct)

Systems consolidation

What effect describes the improved retention of information studied over spaced intervals?

Transfer-appropriate processing

Testing effect

Spacing effect (correct)

State-dependent learning

Which method is most effective for enhancing memory retention?

Practice retrieval Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the process that allows memories to be updated but also makes them vulnerable to distortion?

Reconsolidation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following strategies is NOT effective for memory encoding?

Random note-taking Signup and view all the answers

What type of memory impairment results from lesions in the hippocampus?

Anterograde amnesia Signup and view all the answers

Which concept indicates that memory retrieval is influenced by how information was originally processed?

Transfer-appropriate processing Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes long-term memory (LTM) from short-term memory?

LTM can hold a vast amount of information for extended periods. Signup and view all the answers

Which encoding strategy is most likely to enhance memory retention?

Deep processing Signup and view all the answers

What is the self-reference effect?

Connecting new information to oneself. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor can significantly aid in the process of encoding information into LTM?

Organizing information into categories. Signup and view all the answers

Which principle suggests that memory retrieval is improved when the conditions at encoding match those at retrieval?

Encoding specificity principle Signup and view all the answers

Which encoding strategy involves linking new information to pre-existing knowledge?

Elaboration Signup and view all the answers

What is the generation effect in memory encoding?

Creating material rather than receiving it passively. Signup and view all the answers

What role do cues play in the retrieval process from long-term memory?

They trigger retrieval by acting as stimuli. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Long-Term Memory: Encoding, Retrieval, and Consolidation

Long-term memory (LTM) stores information for long periods, potentially a lifetime. It's different from short-term memory, which holds less information briefly.
LTM is categorized into explicit (conscious) and implicit (unconscious) memory systems.

Encoding: Entering Information into LTM

Encoding is converting information into a memory representation.
Strategies include rehearsal (repeating), elaborative rehearsal (linking to existing knowledge), and levels of processing.
Shallow processing focuses on surface features, while deep processing uses meaning, leading to stronger memory.
Elaboration connects new information to existing knowledge for better retention.
Visual imagery (mental images) enhances memory.
Paivio's dual-code hypothesis suggests combining verbal and visual codes improves memory.
The self-reference effect involves relating information to oneself for better encoding.
The generation effect shows that producing information improves learning. (e.g. creating quizzes)
Organizing information (chunking, categories) simplifies encoding.

Factors that Aid Encoding

Visual imagery aids memory.
Linking new information to prior knowledge, personal experiences, or emotions.
Self-reference effect: Connecting information to oneself enhances memory.

Retrieval: Accessing Information from LTM

Retrieval is the process of accessing stored information.
Cues trigger memories.
Encoding specificity principle: Retrieval is better if encoding and retrieval contexts are similar. (e.g. studying in the same environment as testing).
State-dependent learning indicates that retrieval is better if the internal state matches the encoding state. (e.g being happy when you learn will increase the chances of recalling it when happy)
Transfer-appropriate processing shows that retrieval is better if the task at encoding matches the task at retrieval.

Retrieval Practice

The testing effect shows that retrieving information strengthens memory more than passive studying.

Consolidation: Stabilizing Memories

Consolidation stabilizes newly formed memories—making them permanent.
Synaptic consolidation happens rapidly at the synapse level.
Systems consolidation is a slower process, reorganizing neural circuits, especially in the hippocampus and cortex.
Reconsolidation: Recalling memories makes them vulnerable to change. Updating but potentially distorting initial memories.

Improving Learning and Memory

Spacing information out over time ("distributed practice") enhances memory.
Actively engaging with material (summarizing, questioning) improves retention.
Retrieval practice (testing yourself) strengthens memory.

Research on Encoding, Retrieval, and Consolidation

Neuroscience research investigates encoding, storage, and retrieval in the brain.
Brain imaging studies reveal different brain areas are involved.
Lesions in the hippocampus can cause anterograde amnesia, supporting its role in consolidation.

Key Encoding, Retrieval, and Consolidation Points

Effective memory strategies consider encoding and retrieval processes.
Encoding strategies (elaboration, visualization, self-reference) are important for successful memory encoding.
Retrieval is influenced by encoding context, internal states, and the retrieval task.
Consolidation processes solidify memories. Reconsolidation shows that memories are dynamic and susceptible to change.

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Description

This quiz covers the key concepts of long-term memory, including encoding, retrieval, and the different types of memory systems. Explore strategies like rehearsal, elaboration, and the self-reference effect to enhance retention and recall. Perfect for students looking to solidify their understanding of memory in psychology.