Info Processing Model: Sensory, Working & Memory

Memory - Information Processing Model: Sensory, Working, & Long Term Memory: Information processing model proposes that our brains are similar to computers and that we get input from the environment, processes it, and output decisions Sensory memory is simply receiving the input (AKA sensory register) Iconic memory is memory formed from what you see → incredibly vivid but only lasts for less than half a second - - 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. - Echoic memory is memory formed from what you hear → lasts about 3-4 seconds Working memory is also a cognitive system with a limited capacity that can hold information temporarily, basically what you’re thinking about right in this moment (AKA short-term memory) Your working memory can hold onto about 7 plus/minus 2 pieces of information at a time Visual and spatial information (i.e. pictures/maps) are processed/held in the Visuo-spatial sketchpad Verbal information (i.e. words and numbers) are processed/held in the phonological loop Long term memory is the final stage and is kind of like hitting the “save” button in your brain Explicit (declarative) is consciously remembered Semantic memory has to do with facts/concepts Episodic memory has to do with events and experiences Implicit (nondeclarative) is unconsciously remembered Procedural memory are often used for skills/habits Priming is used in order for previous experiences influence your current interpretation of an experience down the line From what we currently know, your brain never gets too full from new information being stored as long term memory Encoding Strategies: Encoding/Working memory strategies in order from least effective to most: Role rehearsal is when you say the same thing over and over again; it is pretty common but not very effective (not effortful and doesn’t really process it in) Chunking is when you group information together into meaningful units Mnemonic devices are memory aids that help us link information into previously learned/existing information (i.e. imagery, acronyms, etc.) Self referencing is is when you think about the new information and how it relates to you personally Spacing involves spreading study sessions over time in order to encode information long term Retrieval Cues: Anytime you call up a memory or try to think of something you’ve learned before, you are engaging in an act of retrieval Retrieval cues include: Priming is when previous experiences influence your interpretation of a current experience Context is just the environment that you encode and then take the test (i.e. people who learn and test in the same place, do better normally) State dependent memory refers to your mood or basically any type of state you are in Retrieval: Free Recall, Cued Recall, & Recognition: - Free Recall tests are those that you are just asked to repeat back the information Primacy effect is when you tend to remember things that came first in a list Recency effect is when you tend to remember things that came last in a list Items in the middle tend to be a little fuzzy (no real name for this) Serial Position Effect has to do with people tending to remember things presented first and last the most (i.e. primacy and recency effects) Cued Recall has to do with giving hints to certain pieces of information that are asked to be retrieved (i.e. let’s say you had to memorize “planet” and the instructor writes pl___, this will help you recall the word) → tends to do better on these tests than free recall tests Recognition tests are the ones people tend to do the best on (i.e. you are presented with two words and asked which one was presented earlier? Now you have the entire word and it is much easier to remember) Memory Reconstruction, Source Monitoring, & Emotional Memories: Everytime we retrieve a memory, we modify it slightly (sadly we are not as perfect as computers are) and this is why memory is sometimes described as “reconstructive” Receiving false information following the experience but before we try to retrieve it can lead to memory reconstruction Receiving misleading information following an experience but before we try to retrieve it can also lead to memory reconstruction (again, this is MISLEADING, not necessarily FALSE information) Source monitoring is keeping track of where various information came from and errors with this can also lead to memory reconstruction Flashbulb memories are highly emotional memories, whether positive or negative, that feel extremely vivid. These can also be subject to memory reconstruction (even though they feel real) Long Term Potentiation & Synaptic Plasticity: Long Term Potentiation is when the neural connections strengthen in order to learn (an example of synaptic plasticity which is the ability of synapses to change their strength) - - Decay & Interference: Decay occurs when we don’t encode something well or don’t retrieve it for a long period of time, we become unable to retrieve it later Relearning is when you learn something you had previously forgotten; happens much faster the second time around Interference is when there is something blocking our ability to get to the information we want Retroactive interference is interference that goes backwards; some new piece of learning seems to impair something else that you used to know (i.e. using a new address, over time it's more difficult to recall the old one) Proactive interference is interference that goes forwards; something you learned in the past gets in the way of learning something new (i.e. knowing your old password REALLY well makes it harder to remember any new passwords) Aging & Cognitive Abilities: Stable cognitive abilities: Implicit memory stays relatively stable over the course of one’s lifespan (once you’ve learned something, it likely won’t disappear) Recognition stays relatively stable as well Improving cognitive abilities: Semantic memory keeps improving until about age 60 and only then begins to decline Crystallized HQ is the ability to use knowledge and experience Declining cognitive abilities: Recall becomes more and more difficult as one ages - - - - Episodic memory declines with age as well (forming new ones at least, the old ones formed when one was younger will stay relatively stable and unchanged) Processing speed declines with age (i.e. grandma may know just as much as you but is slower to actually show it than a 21 year old who may know less) Divided attention declines with age as well The gist is that some cognitive abilities decline, others are stable, and others even get better over time Alzheimer’s Disease & Korsakoff’s Syndrome: Dementia is a name for a decline in memory and other cognitive functions that get in the way of daily life. It often comes as the result of excessive damage to brain tissue, often in the form of strokes Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. The cause is not necessarily known but we do know that individuals with AD, their neurons die over time and their cerebral cortex shrinks over time. AD patients have issues with memory, attention, planning, semantic memory, and abstract thinking. Language also deteriorates and so do emotions and control of bodily functions. We do know these patients grow up amyloid plaques within the brain Korsakoff’s Syndrome is caused by a lack of vitamin B1 or thiamine in the brain. This disease often comes from malnutrition, eating disorders, or even alcoholism. Thiamine is particularly important because it helps to convert carbohydrates into glucose, which is important for the cells to use. Its main symptom is memory loss which is often accompanied by confabulation (patient makes up stories to fill gaps in memory). Wernicke’s Encephalopathy is actually its precursor and if diagnosed in time, progression to Korsakoff’s Syndrome may be prevented (because the later KS is found, the less likely treatment is useful). Semantic Networks & Spreading Activation: Semantic Networks approach argues that concepts are organized in your mind in terms of connected ideas Hierarchical Semantic Network versions show that these semantic networks go from basic to more specific forms of the network (i.e. starting at animal → bird → canary, etc.) Modified Semantic Network version shows that every individual’s semantic network develops based on their experience and knowledge (i.e. some people have connections closer to certain things than do others) Spreading Activation means all ideas in the head are connected to one another and when activate one concept, you bring up other concepts with it (i.e. when you say fire engine, you also think truck, red, fire, etc.) Extra Notes: Mild emotions are the best at remembering events (extreme ones tend to shut them out) Procedural memory is located in the basal ganglia