Psychology Chapter 5 VCE

What is Chapter 5 about?

Chapter 5 is about the psychobiological process of memory. You learn that memory is a complex concept involving many different processes, brain regions, and strategies.

What is the Atkinson-Shiffrin multi-store model of memory (Lesson 5A)?

This model outlines three separate stores of memory (sensory, short-term, and long-term). These stores interact through the processes of encoding, storage, and retrieval.

What are the three memory processes in the Atkinson-Shiffrin model?

Encoding: The process of converting information into a usable form that can be manipulated and stored in the brain. It can involve transferring information from short-term memory to long-term memory. Storage: The retention of information over time. Retrieval: Accessing previously stored information from long-term memory and using it, for example, in short-term memory.

Describe Sensory Memory.

Sensory memory is the first memory store. Information is detected here. If information is attended to, it is transferred into short-term memory. It consists of information that has not been manipulated. Different subtypes exist for visual (Iconic, 0.2-0.4 seconds), auditory (Echoic, 3-4 seconds), and physical touch (Haptic, fewer than 2 seconds) information.

Describe Short-Term Memory (STM).

Short-term memory is also known as working memory. Information is transferred here from sensory memory if it is attended to. Information in short-term memory can be manipulated and rehearsed before being encoded and stored in long-term memory.

Describe Long-Term Memory (LTM).

Long-term memory is a store of memory in which a potentially unlimited amount of information is stored for a relatively permanent amount of time. Information is encoded and stored here from short-term memory.

What are the two main types of long-term memory?

Explicit memory (Declarative memory). Implicit memory (Non-declarative memory).

Describe Explicit Memory.

Explicit memory is also known as declarative memory. You can EXplain EXplicit memory or DEclare it because they are DEclarative. It involves conscious retrieval. Explicit memory consists of semantic and episodic memory. It is primarily encoded by the hippocampus and stored by the neocortex. Examples include naming states or remembering family holidays.

Describe Semantic Memory.

Semantic memory is a type of explicit memory. It consists of general knowledge or facts. Mnemonics are typically used to remember semantic information. It is stored by the neocortex. Example: Knowing the author of your favourite book.

Describe Episodic Memory.

Episodic memory is a type of explicit memory. Each episodic memory is an episode of your life, with all of these life events forming a series of episodes that capture your personal life journey. It is stored by the neocortex. Examples include memories from a family holiday or a concert.

How are episodic and semantic memory involved in autobiographical events?

Retrieving autobiographical events involves the activation of both episodic and semantic memory areas. These events contain semantic information (like date or location) and episodic components (personal experience, feelings), which allow the event to be remembered in rich detail.

Describe Implicit Memory.

Implicit memory is also known as non-declarative memory. You do not need to think about retrieving procedural and classically conditioned memories. It includes procedural memory and classically conditioned memory. Implicit memories are encoded by the amygdala (classically conditioned) or cerebellum (procedural) and stored by the cerebellum, basal ganglia, and neocortex.

Describe Procedural Memory.

Procedural memory is a type of implicit memory. It involves knowing how to carry out tasks that are facilitated by motor skills. It is encoded by the cerebellum and stored by the cerebellum and basal ganglia. Example: Learning a new bike route or knowing how to play the viola. Procedural memories may remain largely intact in individuals with Alzheimer's disease.

Describe Classically Conditioned Memory.

Classically conditioned memory is a type of implicit memory. It is encoded by the amygdala and stored by the amygdala. Example: A fear response conditioned to a stimulus.

What is the role of the Hippocampus in memory?

The role of the hippocampus is to encode explicit memories. It is primarily involved in storing episodic and semantic memories. It is also involved in retrieving autobiographical events and constructing possible imagined futures. The hippocampus is predominantly affected in Alzheimer's disease, primarily disrupting the retrieval of episodic memories.

What is the role of the Amygdala in memory?

The amygdala is the brain structure involved in encoding the emotional components of memories, such as fear. It is involved in encoding and storing classically conditioned memories.

What is the role of the Neocortex in memory?

The neocortex stores explicit memories (episodic and semantic). It is also involved in storing some implicit memories.

What is the role of the Basal Ganglia in memory?

The basal ganglia is involved in the storage of long-term implicit memories, particularly procedural memories.

What is the role of the Cerebellum in memory?

The cerebellum encodes and stores implicit procedural memories. It is also involved in the storage of classically conditioned memories. Implicit procedural memories associated with the cerebellum may remain largely intact in individuals with Alzheimer's disease.

Describe Alzheimer's Disease in relation to memory.

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive loss of neurons, particularly in the hippocampus. It is typically associated with older age. It primarily disrupts the retrieval of explicit memories, particularly episodic memories. Semantic memories can also be affected. Implicit memories, such as procedural memory, may remain largely intact.

Describe Aphantasia in relation to memory and imagining.

Aphantasia is a phenomenon in which individuals lack the capacity to generate visual forms of mental imagery. It can impact the ability to construct possible imagined futures. Unlike Alzheimer's disease, it does not involve memory decline related to age.

What are Mnemonics and how are they used?

Mnemonics are devices or techniques used to aid the encoding, storage, and retrieval of information. They are typically used to assist in encoding, storage, and retrieval of explicit memories, especially semantic information. Using mnemonics is an intentional process.

Name and describe mnemonics associated with written traditions.

Mnemonics associated with written traditions include: Acronyms: A mnemonic device in which the first letters of items are formed into a pronounceable word to aid memory. Acrostics: A mnemonic device in which the first letters of items create a phrase, rhyme, or poem to aid memory. Helpful when remembering things in a certain order. Method of loci (memory palace): A mnemonic device that converts items into mental images and associates them with specific locations to aid memory. Visualisation is necessary.

Name mnemonics associated with oral traditions.

Mnemonics used by oral traditions, such as by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, include: Sung narratives: Use narrative and song to transmit information. Songlines: Use narrative and song to transmit information. They can involve visualization of places and help encode and retrieve information