25 Psychology Final Exam Revision Worksheet PDF

Final Exam Revision Worksheet Memory Processes Storage: The process of maintaining information over time for future use. Encoding: The process of transforming sensory input into a format that can be stored in memory. Retrieval: Accessing and bringing stored information into conscious awareness....

Final Exam Revision Worksheet Memory Processes Storage: The process of maintaining information over time for future use. Encoding: The process of transforming sensory input into a format that can be stored in memory. Retrieval: Accessing and bringing stored information into conscious awareness. Capacity and Duration of Memory Capacity of Short-Term Memory (STM) George Miller proposed that the capacity of STM is 5-9 items (often remembered as "the magic number 7, plus or minus 2"). Capacity of Long-Term Memory (LTM) Unlimited capacity for a lifetime Capacity of Sensory Memory: Information from the environment is registered briefly and very limited. Duration of Short-Term Memory (STM): Temporary storage with a limited capacity of 5-9 items and a duration of about 20-30 seconds. Duration of Sensory Memory Sensory memory for visual information (iconic memory) lasts less than a second, while auditory information (echoic memory) can last up to a few seconds. Duration of Long-Term Memory (LTM): A theoretically unlimited store of information maintained over time. Multi-Store Model of Memory Information Loss in SM: If selective attention is not paid, information is lost/forgotten Information Loss in STM When information in STM is not rehearsed, it decays (fades over time) or is displaced (replaced by new information). Memory Retrieval Types Recognition: Identifying previously learned information when presented with cues (e.g., choosing the correct answer on a multiple-choice test). Recall: Generating information from memory without cues (e.g., listing the planets without prompts). Relearning: Learning information faster the second time, showing that some memory traces remained. Examples of Memory Retrieval Here are some everyday examples of memory retrieval: Recall Recalling a fact: Remembering a historical date or a mathematical formula.  Remembering a personal experience: Recounting a childhood memory, like a birthday party or a family vacation. Recalling a task: Remembering to buy milk on the way home from work. Recognition Multiple-choice tests: Identifying the correct answer from a list of options. Spotting a familiar face: Recognizing a friend in a crowd. Remembering a song: Recognizing a song from a few notes. Relearning Studying for a test: Reviewing previously learned material to improve retention. Learning a language: Reviewing vocabulary and grammar rules to improve fluency. Mastering a skill: Practicing a musical instrument or a sport to improve performance. Remember: Retrieval cues: These are stimuli that help us access stored information. For example, a smell can trigger a memory of a specific event. Context-dependent memory: Our ability to retrieve information is often influenced by the context in which we learned it. This is why studying in the same environment as the exam can be helpful. H.M.: A Case Study in Memory What led to H.M. undergoing surgery? Henry Molaison, famously known as H.M., suffered from severe, debilitating seizures. In an attempt to alleviate these seizures, he underwent a radical experimental procedure in 1953. The result of the surgery: The surgery was partially successful in controlling his seizures. However, it had a devastating side effect: H.M. lost the ability to form new long-term memories. Effects on his brain: The surgery removed significant portions of his hippocampus and surrounding medial temporal lobe structures. These brain regions are crucial for memory formation and consolidation. Consequences of brain defects: H.M.'s case provided invaluable insights into the neuroscience of memory. His inability to form new long-term memories highlighted the importance of the hippocampus in memory formation. Researchers learned that the hippocampus is essential for converting short-term memories into long-term ones. H.M.'s case has had a profound impact on the field of neuroscience, leading to a deeper understanding of memory processes and the brain's role in cognition. The Brain: A Complex Organ Major Structures of the Brain The brain is a complex organ composed of billions of neurons. Here are some of its major structures and their functions: Cerebrum: The largest part of the brain, responsible for higher-level functions like thought, memory, language, and consciousness. ○ Cerebral Cortex: The outer layer of the cerebrum, divided into four lobes: Frontal Lobe: Involved in decision-making, problem-solving, and motor control. Parietal Lobe: Processes sensory information, particularly touch and spatial awareness. Temporal Lobe: Involved in hearing, language processing, and memory. Occipital Lobe: Processes visual information. Cerebellum: Coordinates movement, balance, and posture. Brain Stem: Connects the brain to the spinal cord and controls basic life functions like breathing and heart rate. ○ Medulla Oblongata: Controls vital functions like breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. ○ Pons: Involved in sleep, arousal, and sensory information. ○ Midbrain: Plays a role in vision, hearing, and motor control. Brain Areas and Memory Defects Damage to specific brain areas can lead to various memory defects: Hippocampus: Crucial for forming new memories. Damage to the hippocampus can result in anterograde amnesia, the inability to form new memories. Cerebral Cortex: Involved in storing and retrieving long-term memories. Damage to specific regions can lead to difficulties in recalling past events or learning new information. Amygdala: Plays a role in emotional memory. Damage to the amygdala can impair the ability to remember emotionally significant events. The Complexity of Human Thought and Behavior The Human Brain: A Marvel of Complexity The human brain, often referred to as the universe's most complex structure, is the biological basis of human thought, emotion, and behavior. It's a network of billions of neurons that communicate with each other through electrical and chemical signals. Factors Influencing Individual Differences Several factors contribute to individual differences in thought and behavior: 1. Genetics: ○ Heredity: Genetic makeup influences cognitive abilities, personality traits, and susceptibility to certain mental disorders. ○ Neurotransmitter Levels: Variations in neurotransmitter levels can affect mood, cognition, and behavior. 2. Environment: ○ Upbringing: Early childhood experiences, parenting styles, and social interactions shape personality and behavior. ○ Cultural Influences: Cultural norms, values, and beliefs can influence thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. ○ Education: Education and learning opportunities can significantly impact cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills. 3. Experiences: ○ Personal Experiences: Life experiences, both positive and negative, shape our perspectives and behaviors. ○ Trauma: Traumatic events can have a lasting impact on mental health and behavior. 4. Brain Structure and Function: ○ Neurotransmitter Imbalances: Imbalances in neurotransmitters can lead to mood disorders, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. ○ Brain Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries can impair cognitive functions and affect behavior.