Memory Information Processing Model and Memory Disorders

Flashcards covering the Information Processing Model, memory stages (Sensory, Working, Long-term), encoding and retrieval strategies, memory reconstruction, and various memory-related cognitive disorders.

Information processing model

A model proposing that our brains are similar to computers, involving input from the environment, processing, and output decisions.

Sensory memory

The first stage of memory that serves as a temporary register of all senses currently being taken in.

Iconic memory

A type of sensory memory specifically for visual information that lasts for $0.5\,second$.

Echoic memory

A type of sensory memory specifically for auditory information that lasts for $3-4\,seconds$.

Working memory

The information a person is thinking about at the current moment.

Phonological loop

The component of working memory that processes verbal information, including words and numbers from both iconic and echoic memory.

Central executive

The component that coordinates visual and verbal information to create an integrated representation.

Episodic buffer

The storage area for integrated representations created by the central executive before they are moved to long-term memory.

Visuo-spatial sketchpad

The component of working memory where visual and spatial information are processed.

Magic number $7$

The capacity of working memory, which can hold $7 \pm 2$ pieces of information at a time.

Dual coding hypothesis

The theory that it is easier to remember words when they are associated with images than when using words or images alone.

Method of loci

A mnemonic device involving moving through a familiar place and leaving a visual representation of the topic to be remembered at specific locations.

Long-term memory

The final stage of memory with an unlimited capacity, divided into explicit and implicit categories.

Explicit Memory (Declarative)

Memeories of facts or events that an individual can clearly describe.

Semantic memory

A type of explicit memory specifically for words, vocabulary, or simple facts.

Episodic memory

A type of explicit memory that involves event-related memories.

Implicit memories (Non-declarative)

Memories involving things that may not be articulated, such as procedural skills like riding a bicycle.

Priming

A phenomenon where previous experiences or prior activation of nodes influence the current interpretation of an event without awareness.

Encoding

The process of transferring sensory information into long-term memory.

Rote rehearsal

The least effective encoding strategy, which involves repeating the same information over and over.

Chunking

An encoding strategy where information is grouped into meaningful categories that are already known.

Self-referencing

Thinking about new information and how it relates to oneself personally to aid encoding.

Spacing

An encoding strategy that involves spreading out studying over shorter, separate periods.

State-dependent Memory

The phenomenon where memory retrieval is better when an individual is in the same internal state (such as mood or sobriety) as when the information was encoded.

Free recall

Recalling information without any cues, typically showing better performance for the first and last items on a list.

Cued recall

A retrieval method that provides partial hints, such as the first few letters of a word, to aid memory.

Recognition

The most effective retrieval test where a person identifies the correct information from presented options.

Schema

A mental blueprint containing common aspects of the world that the brain uses to fill in gaps during memory reconstruction.

Source monitoring Error

A memory error where the source of a memory is incorrectly attributed to a specific experience, such as mistaking a dream for reality.

Flashbulb memories

Highly vivid memories of events that, despite feeling real, are still susceptible to reconstruction.

Long-term potentiation

The process where the connections between neurons strengthen with repeated stimulation, serving as a mechanism for learning.

Synaptic plasticity

The ability of the brain's synapses to change and strengthen, allowing for memory storage.

Decay

The loss of memory over time when information is not encoded well or retrieved for a while, characterized by a fast initial rate of forgetting.

Savings

The observation that relearning information takes less time than the initial learning, even if the information could not be recalled.

Retroactive interference

A phenomenon where new learning impairs the retrieval of old information.

Proactive interference

A phenomenon where past learning impairs the ability to learn new information in the future.

Crystallized IQ

The ability to use knowledge and experience, which typically improves with age.

Dementia

A condition of forgetting to the point of interfering with normal life, often resulting from excessive damage to brain tissue.

Alzheimer’s Disease

The most common form of dementia characterized by dying neurons, language difficulties, and the buildup of amyloid plaques in the brain.

Korsakoff’s Syndrome

A memory disorder caused by a lack of vitamin $B1$ or thiamine, often linked to malnutrition, eating disorders, and alcoholism.

Wernicke’s encephalopathy

A precursor to Korsakoff’s Syndrome characterized by poor balance, abnormal eye movements, confusion, and memory loss.

Confabulation

A symptom of Korsakoff’s Syndrome where patients make up stories to fill in gaps in their memory.

Retrograde amnesia

The inability to recall information that was previously encoded.

Anterograde amnesia

The inability to encode and form new memories.