Bio PSYC 5

Memory

process during which information encoded, consolidated, stored, and retrieved. refers to how these changes are “stored” and later retrieved

Encoding

information enters the cognitive system

Consolidation

Information is stabilized in memory

Storage

Information is stored in memory

Reterival

Information is recalled and remembered

Learning

how experience changes the brain, involving neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity

brain’s ability to modify synaptic connections as a result of experience

Engram (memory trace)

physical trace or representation in the brain of what has been learned

Large Lesions

disrupts learning performance (problems in memory)

Equipotenliality

the brain is sufficiently plastic

Sufficiently Plastic

has the ability to use the intact part of the brain to do wha a damaged part of the brain no longer can do

Mass Action

learning and memory is distributed across all parts of the brain; deficits are proportional to the amount of brain damage

Lashley’s Rat Maze Conclusion

memories are not stored in a localized area

Classical Conditioning

straightforward way of learning, automatic conditioned response is paired with specific stimuli

Thompsons Findings

cerebellum stores the memory for eyeblink conditioning

Simple motor learning

may be mediated by cerebellum

Complex motor learning

involves different areas of the brain

3 stages of memory

sensory register, short-term storage, long-term storage

Sensory Register

a copy of sensory information that you’ve just seen, heard, tasted, etc

Short-Term Memory

memory for information that lasts seconds to minutes. limited capacity (7 + 2) items, updated view - around 4 “chucks”

Rehearsal

repeating information for retaining information in short term memory for a longer time

Long-Term Memory

“permanent” enduring memory. longer lasting: minutes to years, virtually unlimited capacity but not all information enters long term memory

Consolidation

processes that stabilize a memory trace and consolidate it into long term memory

Emotional responses can

enhance consolidation (activity of the amygdala)

Explicit Memory (declarative)

memory for information that one recognizes as a memory. require conscious thought. “knowing that”

Episodic Memory

memory from personal experience

Semantic Memory

memory for facts and world knowledge

Implicit Memory (Non-delcarative)

memories that are unconscious and automatic. “knowing how”

Amnesia

inability to retain information for longer than a few minutes, usually a long-term memory impairment

Amnesia Cause

caused by damage to parts of the brain vital to memory encoding, consolidation, storage, and/or retrieval

Anterograde Amnesia

inability to form new memories after brain damage

Retrograde Amnesia

inability to recall memories prior to brain damage

Mirror-Drawing Test

Implicit Memory

Incomplete-Pictures Test

Implicit Memory

Implicit and Explicit Have Different

Long Term Memory

HM’s case challenged

the view that memory functions are diffusely and equally represented in the brain (medial temporal lobe)

object recognition memory

identify objects that are previously learned

Rhinal Cortex

Spatial Memory

where objects are located in the environment

Neurons in the brain acquire and store information through

synapses

Neuroplasticity

brains ability modify synaptic connections as a result of experience

Learning can cause an increase in the

number of synapses

Learning also changes

existing synapses. (more dense postsynaptic membrane)

Dense postsynaptic membrane

higher concentration of proteins - faster and more firmly binding of a neurotransmitter

There is a increase in number of — receptors in the post synaptic membrane as a result of learning

AMPA receptors

AMPA recptors

ionotropic receptor for glutamate. primarily gates sodium (NA+) and potassium (K+). critical for synaptic transmission

When AMPA grow

Na+ influx, Efficient and stronger synapses

Hebbian Plasticity Theory

an increase in synaptic straighten arises from presynaptic cell’s repeated and persistent stimulation of the postsynaptic cell

If presynaptic cell elicits, postsynaptic cell repeatedly

the connection will become stronger

Hebbian Plasticity and Learning

Because there is a strong, fast and repeated action potential, the synaptic signal strengths and the postsynaptic cell gets efficent responses

Strengthened synaptic connection allows for

faster and efficient responses

Strengthened synapses also makes

new learning possible

Coincidence detection

a neural process where neurons detect events that happen closely together in time and integrate the temporally close but spatially distributed input signals

Experiences modifes

Behavioral responses to input stimulus

Habituation

reduced responses to stimuli

Sensitization

increased responses to stimuli

Repeated Simulation (habituation)

decreased Ca2+ in presynaptic sensory neuron

reduced neurotransmitter release at the junction between sensory and motor neurons

Sensitization causes serotonin

increase.

facilities sensory neuron communication to motor neuron

prolonged, stronger input in motor neuron for greater response