Psychology: Working Memory Model

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the hippocampus in memory consolidation?

It plays a crucial role in transforming fleeting short-term memories into stable long-term memories. (correct)

It is responsible for storing all long-term memories permanently.

It primarily deals with emotional responses linked to memory formation.

It is where memories are permanently formed without any need for other brain regions.

Which theory suggests that the neocortex is essential for storing fully consolidated long-term memories?

Multiple Trace Theory

Standard Consolidation Theory (correct)

Memory Integration Theory

Dynamic Memory Theory

How does stress influence memory consolidation according to the content?

Chronic stress always enhances memory consolidation.

Acute stress can enhance initial encoding, while chronic stress may impair memory. (correct)

Both acute and chronic stress have only negative effects on memory.

Stress has no significant effect on memory consolidation.

What phenomenon occurs during sleep that may aid in memory consolidation?

Neurons in the hippocampus repeat activity patterns related to learned tasks. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes synaptic consolidation?

The structural and functional changes at synapses due to learning. Signup and view all the answers

What is one suggested effect of retrieval on memories?

It makes memories plastic again, allowing for updates before reconsolidation. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key distinction between Standard Consolidation Theory and Multiple Trace Theory?

Standard Consolidation Theory limits the hippocampus's role to temporary storage. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of long-term memory requires the medial temporal lobe for its formation?

Episodic memory Signup and view all the answers

What type of memory is independent of the medial temporal lobe?

Procedural memory Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the frontal lobe in memory processing?

Encoding episodic information Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the brain is critical for most aspects of procedural memory?

Cerebellum Signup and view all the answers

Which type of memory is characterized by being context-independent?

Semantic memory Signup and view all the answers

What function does the retrosplenial cortex (RSC) serve in memory retrieval?

Retrieving contextual information Signup and view all the answers

Which type of memory can we consciously access and verbalize?

Explicit memory Signup and view all the answers

Which lobe of the brain is involved in both encoding and retrieving episodic memories?

Parietal lobe Signup and view all the answers

What primarily distinguishes anterograde amnesia from retrograde amnesia?

Inability to recall past memories vs. inability to form new memories Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the brain is crucial for the consolidation of declarative memories?

Medial temporal lobe Signup and view all the answers

Why did H.M. retain memories of events from before his surgery?

His medial temporal lobe was unaffected Signup and view all the answers

In H.M.'s case, which type of memory could he still learn despite his amnesia?

Procedural skills Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of classical conditioning?

It pairs a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

What type of memory impairment does retrograde amnesia refer to?

Difficulty recalling memories before amnesia onset Signup and view all the answers

Which type of priming focuses on the influence of prior exposure on identifying a stimulus?

Perceptual priming Signup and view all the answers

Which brain regions are specifically involved in forming new declarative memories?

Medial temporal lobe and associated cortices Signup and view all the answers

What memory function remains intact in patient H.M. after his surgery?

Short-term memory for sensory information Signup and view all the answers

What is a common outcome for individuals with anterograde amnesia?

Struggling to form new long-term memories Signup and view all the answers

What type of memory did patient H.M. retain despite his inability to form new declarative memories?

Non-declarative (procedural) memory Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes non-associative learning?

Changes in response to repeated exposure without association. Signup and view all the answers

Which situation best describes the type of memory A person with retrograde amnesia struggles with?

Recalling a childhood birthday party Signup and view all the answers

Which type of amnesia did patient H.M. experience following his surgery?

Anterograde amnesia for new memories Signup and view all the answers

Which cognitive function is associated with the entorhinal cortex?

Consolidating declarative memories Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects the role of the medial temporal lobe in memory?

It is not necessary for short-term memory encoding. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of habituation in non-associative learning?

Becoming less responsive to a repeated loud noise. Signup and view all the answers

How does spatial memory function in humans?

It enables the recollection of object locations relative to others. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the hippocampus play in memory?

It acts as the brain's final hub for combining information. Signup and view all the answers

What impact does damage to the medial diencephalon have on memory?

It can result in anterograde amnesia. Signup and view all the answers

Which brain region is primarily associated with skill learning?

Basal Ganglia Signup and view all the answers

How does the parahippocampal cortex assist in memory?

It processes spatial and contextual aspects. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main processing role of the neocortex in memory?

Storing declarative memories and priming. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of memory does the cerebellum contribute to?

Classical conditioning Signup and view all the answers

Which areas of the brain are crucial for encoding visual elements in memory?

Right prefrontal cortex and parahippocampal cortex Signup and view all the answers

What function does the amygdala serve in terms of memory?

Engaged in emotional processing and conditioning Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is responsible for transferring sensory information into short-term memory?

Hippocampus Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic distinguishes the processes in the prefrontal cortex concerning encoding?

It activates differently for visual and verbal encoding. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Memory I

Working memory is a subset of short-term memory where information is mentally manipulated.
The Working Memory Model (Baddeley and Hitch, 1974) has four components:
- Phonological Loop: deals with spoken and written material.
  - Phonological Store (inner ear) processes speech perception and stores spoken words for 1-2 seconds.
  - Articulatory control process (inner voice) processes speech production and rehearses verbal information.
- Visuospatial Sketchpad (inner eye): stores and processes visual or spatial information for tasks like navigation.
- Central Executive: the "boss" that manages attention, coordinates the phonological loop and visuospatial sketchpad, and combines information from these two systems while drawing on long-term memory.

Memory II

Medial Temporal Lobe Memory System:
- Hippocampus: plays a role in linking relationships between different information types, particularly episodic memories (e.g., personal experiences of time, place, and people),
- Perirhinal Cortex: a role in familiarity-based recognition,
- Parahippocampal Cortex: a role in source-based recognition (episodic memory).
Neocortex: the brain's outer layer where long-term memories are ultimately stored.
Frontal Lobe: involved in aspects of memory, including working memory processes, encoding episodic information, and organizing retrieval.
Parietal Lobe: crucial part for encoding and retrieving memories, particularly episodic or context-rich memories.

Types of Long-Term Memory

Declarative Memory: conscious, explicit memory for facts and events.
- Semantic Memory: memory for facts and general knowledge; context-independent
- Episodic Memory: memory for personal experiences; context-dependent
Non-declarative Memory (implicit) : unconscious memory for skills, habits, and behaviors.
- Procedural Memory: memory for motor and cognitive skills
- Priming: increased likelihood of using a word or concept after encountering it previously
- Classical Conditioning: learning through association.

Memory Consolidation

Consolidation: transforming new memories from a temporary, fragile state to a stable, lasting long-term form.
Cellular mechanisms (synaptic consolidation): synaptic connections between neurons strengthen with repeated stimulation.
Systemic mechanisms (systems consolidation): interaction between several brain regions; typically involves the hippocampus and various neocortical structures. -Hippocampus plays a crucial role in transferring memories and then moving the information to the neocortex for long term storage. Several theories exist on the mechanisms behind memory consolidation.

Factors Influencing Memory Consolidation

Sleep: activity patterns during sleep that occurred during learning seem to replay themselves during sleep.
Stress: acute stress can enhance the initial encoding and consolidation of information, while chronic stress can impair long-term potentiation in the hippocampus.

Long-Term Potentiation (LTP)

LTP: a strengthening of synaptic connections between neurons after repeated stimulation.
The induction of LTP involves a burst of glutamate release, activation of AMPA receptors, removal of Magnesium blocking NMDA receptors, Calcium influx, activation of Protein Kinases, production of more AMPA receptors and adjustment of the ion conductivity of existing AMPA receptors, strengthening the synapse.
Retrograde signalling: activity in the postsynaptic neuron triggers the release of a messenger that prompts the presynaptic neuron to release more glutamate.

Memory and the Brain

Prefrontal Cortex: plays a crucial role in working memory; activity increases during tasks requiring working memory.
Medial Temporal Lobe: crucial for forming new declarative memories.
Damage to the medial temporal lobes can result in anterograde amnesia (impaired ability to form new memories); retrograde amnesia (impaired ability to recall past memories).

Working Memory

Working memory may help maintain neural activity in prefrontal cortical circuits related to working memory tasks, improving perception and recognition of stimuli.

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Description

Dive into the intricacies of working memory and understand the Working Memory Model developed by Baddeley and Hitch. Explore the four key components: the phonological loop, visuospatial sketchpad, and central executive. Discover how these elements work together to manage and manipulate information.