Long-Term Memory: Interference, Distortion, and Enrichment

Trace Decay Theory

The theory suggesting memory traces fade over time.

Proactive Interference

Old memories hinder retrieval of new memories.

Retroactive Interference

New memories hinder retrieval of old memories.

Lateral Inhibition

Suppression of one memory trace by another.

Tip-of-the-Tongue Phenomenon

Inability to retrieve a known memory.

Consolidation

Stabilizing memories to become semi-permanent.

Reconsolidation

Restoring memory trace after retrieval.

Amnesia

Severe impairment in memory function.

Retrograde Amnesia

Loss of memories before amnesia onset.

Anterograde Amnesia

Inability to form new long-term memories.

Korsakoff's Syndrome

Memory disorder from thiamine deficiency.

Confabulation

Filling memory gaps with false information.

Skill Learning

Learning tasks through repetition and practice.

Priming

Enhanced processing due to prior exposure.

Associative Learning

Linking stimuli or responses through conditioning.

Classical Conditioning

Learning through pairing stimuli to elicit responses.

Instrumental Conditioning

Associating behavior with consequences (rewards/punishments).

Neuroplasticity

Brain's ability to change shape through learning.

Synaptogenesis

Formation of new synapses in the brain.

Neurogenesis

Creation of new neurons in the brain.

Environmental Enrichment

Enhanced brain development from complex environments.

Standard Condition (SC)

Basic housing condition for lab animals.

Impoverished Condition (IC)

Limited stimulation environment for lab animals.

Enriched Condition (EC)

Stimulating environment promoting brain growth.

Cholinergic Activity

Acetylcholine action enhancing cognitive functions.

Dendritic Branching

Growth of dendrites improving neuron connectivity.

Cortical Synapses

Connections between neurons in the cortex.