Brain and Memory Lecture

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to brain functions, memory processes, and factors affecting memory retention and recall.

Involved in semantic memory and tasks.

Prefrontal cortex

Regulates emotions, especially fear and aggression.

Amygdala

Associated with explicit and spatial memory; important for memory consolidation.

Hippocampus

Play a role in procedural memories and classical conditioning.

Cerebellum

The group of neurons considered as the physical representation of memory.

Engram

The idea that if part of the brain involved in memory is damaged, another part can take over memory functions.

Equipotentiality hypothesis

A learning process involving the cerebellum and the conditioned response to a tone and air puff.

Eyeblink conditioning

Clear recollections of important emotional events.

Flashbulb memories

When incorrect information leads to the misremembering of an event.

Misinformation effect

The effect of misinformation that can create false memories.

Suggestibility

The process of bringing up old memories which can be unintentionally altered.

Memory Reconstruction

The recall of false autobiographical memories, often as a result of suggestive techniques.

False memory syndrome

The tendency for unused information to fade over time.

Transience

A failure to retrieve information caused by proactive or retroactive processes.

Interference

Organizing information into manageable bits to enhance memory.

Chunking

The theory that strong emotions trigger the formation of strong memories.

Arousal Theory

Chemical substances that play a role in memory and learning (e.g., dopamine, serotonin).

Neurotransmitters

The tendency to better remember information that is personally meaningful.

Self-reference effect

Conscious repetition of information to be remembered.

Rehearsal