Psych brain areas for memory

Hippocampus

Encoding (and formation) of new explicit memories

• consolidation of LTM (including during sleep)

  (finger guns)

Amygdala

Encoding emotional component of classically conditioned and explicit memories

• Flashbulb memories - memories associated with strong emotion are easier/clearer remembered - when adrenaline is released

• Damage: no new classically conditioned fear response

  (nails of finger guns)

Neocortex

Storage and retrieval of explicit memories

• large outer brain area with different lobes/areas for processing/storing different types of info

Basal ganglia

Encoding and storage of implicit (procedural and classically conditioned) memories

• dopamine producing cells here important for initiating movement

• Damage: impaired voluntary movement eg. Parkinson’s

  (middle of brain above hippocampus/amygdala and under neocortex)

Cerebellum

Encoding and storage of implicit procedural memories

• involved in motor control, coordination and balance

  (base of brain, attached to brain stem)

Explicit memory

Declarative - explainable

Semantic memory

Facts and word meaning; eg. what is a cat

Episodic memory

Personal experiences; eg. first day of school

Implicit memory

Memory without awareness

Procedural memory

Motor skills, after practise; eg. riding a bike

Classically conditioned memor