Topic 2.4&5 Encoding & Storing Memories

Encoding

Process and strategy we use to take in information and store it into long term memory

Mnemonic Device

Helps people remember info easily by organizing it in an easy way to recall (Ex: chunking like 4242564 whenever you wanna know on death’s door)

Method of Loci

Helps remember info by associating it with specific places in a familiar setting

Distributed Practice

The “spacing effect” allows brain to actually learn information by encoding and storing which improves memory consolidation

Sensory Memory

Briefest form of memory, lasting only a few seconds

(5 senses—Grables episode—)

Short-term Memory

Holds about 7 things at a time, usually lasting 20-30 seconds

Working Memory

More updated dynamic form of short term memory

Stores and processes info

Long-term Memory

Can store info for long periods of time

Holds semantic & episodic memories and skills

Frontal lobe and hippocampus

Areas of the brain that work with explicit memory

Cerebellum and basal ganglia

Areas of the brain that work with implicit memory

Emotions impacting memory

Body releases hormones for memory formation (Ex: like being scared or sad can cause flashbulb memories)

Flashbulb memory

Form around stressful, traumatic or very emotional events (Ex: remembering what you were doing during 9/11)

Left hippocampus damage

Struggle with verbal info

Right hippocampus damage

Struggle with visual info

Amnesia

Temporary or permanent loss of memory

Anterograde Amnesia

Person cannot form new memories b/c of hippocampus damage

Retrograde amnesia

Person can’t retrieve old info/memories which can be caused by a blow to the head

Source amnesia

Person is able to remember info but can’t recall how or where it was learned

Infantile amnesia

Adult can’t remember personal experiences from youth

Alzheimer’s disease

Impairs memory and cognitive functions which disrupts storage and retrieval