Memory and Amnesia Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key concepts related to memory, types of amnesia, and strategies for effective learning and recall.

The type of amnesia that involves losing memories formed before an injury is called \\ amnesia.

retrograde

The patient known for having profound \\ amnesia after a bilateral medial temporal lobectomy is Henry Molaison.

anterograde

The process of moving information from working memory to long-term memory is called \\.

consolidation

Patient HM could hold onto information for a short time, which suggests that his \\ memory functioned, even though his long-term memory did not.

short-term

The magic number for short term memory capacity is \\ plus or minus two.

seven

The part of the brain associated with consolidation of memories is the \\.

hippocampus

Memories formed without conscious awareness, such as skills and habits, are referred to as \\ memory.

implicit

Cues that help pull long-term memories from storage into working memory are known as \\ cues.

retrieval

When memories are recalled and then stored again, this process is known as \\.

reconsolidation

Events that are highly emotional or intense can lead to a type of memory known as \\ memory.

flashbulb

Recalling information is often better when learned in the same \\ in which it will be retrieved.

context

A device that helps improve memory by associating words or phrases with visual imagery is known as a \\.

mnemonic

The theory stating that deeper, meaningful processing leads to better memory retention is the '\\ of Processing' theory.

Levels

Retrieving information from memory without cues, like an essay question, is called \\.

recall

Identifying learned information among options, like a multiple-choice question, is called \\.

recognition

\\ can lead to a false sense of familiarity, making it less effective for strengthening retrieval pathways than active recall.

Recognition

\\ memory is a very brief (milliseconds to a few seconds), high-capacity storage for raw sensory information.

Sensory

\\ memory has a limited capacity (around 7 items) and short duration (15-30 seconds), actively processing information for complex tasks.

Working

\\ memory has a vast, unlimited capacity and can last from minutes to a lifetime, serving as permanent storage.

Long-term

The initial learning of information, transforming sensory input for memory storage, is called \\.

encoding

The process of maintaining information in memory over time is called \\.

storage

The process of bringing stored information into conscious awareness from memory storage is called \\.

retrieval

Whereas short-term memory is passive temporary storage, \\ memory emphasizes the active manipulation and processing of information.

working

Patient H.M.'s inability to form new memories (\\ amnesia) while retaining old ones, demonstrated a distinction from retrograde amnesia.

anterograde

Patient H.M. could hold information for a short time (intact \\ memory) but couldn't transfer it to long-term storage, suggesting their separation.

working

Patient H.M. retained his \\ memory, shown by tasks like mirror-drawing where he learned skills without conscious recall.

implicit

Strong \\ cues, varied study contexts, and deep engagement are strategies to improve memory.

retrieval

Practicing \\ is more effective for studying than recognition because it forces active retrieval and strengthens memory traces.

recall

During emotional events, the amygdala and \\ are key brain structures enhancing memory consolidation.

hippocampus

Neurochemicals like adrenaline and \\ enhance memory consolidation during emotional events, often leading to flashbulb memories.

cortisol

\\ retrieval cues involve environmental matching, while others include state-dependent, mood-congruent, elaborative, and semantic cues.

Context-dependent

The \\ theory suggests memories fade over time if they are not periodically accessed or rehearsed.

decay

When old memories disrupt the retrieval of new memories, it is called \\ interference.

proactive

When new memories disrupt the retrieval of old memories, it is called \\ interference.

retroactive

\\ occurs when stored long-term memory cannot be accessed, often seen in the 'tip-of-the-tongue' phenomenon.

Retrieval failure

\\ forgetting involves unconsciously or consciously blocking out unpleasant memories, like repression, to reduce distress.

Motivated

The '\\ effect' demonstrates that memories are reconstructive and can be altered by post-event information, as seen in eyewitness testimony studies.

misinformation

Memory \\ suggests that even established memories are not fixed and can be altered upon retrieval because they become temporarily labile.

reconsolidation