Psych Unit 3 AOS2 - Memory Questions and Answers

Apply the Atkinson-Shriffrin model to explain how each memory store interacts to allow the individual to remember information by initially receiving information, encoding, storing and later retrieving it.. Refer to the capacity and duration of each memory store. (8 marks)

Sensory memory (SM) is the entry point for new sensory information, which enters via the individual's sensory registers (1 mark). SM has an unlimited capacity and a duration of 0.2-4 seconds (1 mark). Only by paying attention to the sensory information, does it move to Short-term memory (STM) (1 mark). When information is in STM, we are consciously aware of it (1 mark). STM can hold 5-9 items for 12-30 seconds (1 mark). In STM, information is further encoded through rehearsal or elaboration, allowing it to be transferred into Long-term Memory (LTM) for storage (1 mark). LTM can hold an unlimited amount of information for a potentially unlimited amount of time (1 mark). This information is then retrieved from LTM back into STM using retrieval cues, bringing it into conscious awareness for use (1 mark).

Long-term Memory (LTM) is sometimes described as storing 'inactive' information. Explain whether this is a suitable description. (1 mark)

The information in LTM may be considered ‘inactive’ (or information that cannot be manipulated) because we are not consciously aware of LTM information unless it is retrieved to STM (or working memory) (1 mark).

Which other memory store or system could also be described as storing inactive information. Why? (2 marks)

Sensory memory (1 mark) because we are not consciously aware of any information in sensory memory unless we direct attention to it so that it is transferred to STM or working memory (where we become aware of it) (1 mark).

In what two ways is information most commonly lost from Short-term Memory (STM)? (2 marks)

STM memory loss primarily occurs through:

           1. decay/fading — when lost through disuse (1 mark); and

          2. displacement — when pushed out to make room for new information (1 mark).

Give examples of when implicit and Explicit memory may occur independently of each other (2 marks).

Examples include involuntary classically conditioned emotional responses and conditioned reflexes (2 marks).

Explain Amygdala's function, when it is triggered and its interaction with the Hippocampus. (3 marks)

The amygdala is involved in the processing of emotional memories (1 mark). When emotionally arousing events occur, adrenaline activates the amygdala, which releases noradrenaline (1 mark), enhancing consolidation by the hippocampus by strengthening hippocampal functioning (1 mark).

Explain the roles of Episodic and Semantic memory. (2 marks)

Episodic memory is a form of long-term memory that are memories of life experiences, which typically include information about time and place (1 mark

). Semantic memory is a form of long-term memory that include facts and information about the world which do not depend on context (1 mark). 

Explain how episodic and semantic memory may differ. (1 mark)

Episodic memory stores personal life events with their specific times and places, whilst semantic memory stores general world facts and concepts (1 mark).

Define Aphantasia and how it may impact an individuals ability to recall autobiographical memories. (2 marks)

Aphantasia is the absence of visual imagery (1 Mark). This impacts autobiographical memory because the individual cannot visually re-experience the episodic details of their past, meaning they must rely entirely on semantic facts to remember what happened (1 Mark).

Define Alzheimer's disease and how it may impact an individual's ability to recall autobiographical memories. (2 marks)

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive decline of neurons, starting in the hippocampus (1 Mark). This impacts autobiographical memory because it impairs retrieval of both episodic and semantic memories (explicit memories (1 mark).

Explain how neurons and neural pathways are affected in Alzheimer's disease. (1 mark)

Protein deposits called neurofibrillary tangles and Amyloid plaques are disrupting the neural communication and eventually causing neuronal death (1 mark).

What 2 things would an individual with Aphantasia and an individual with Alzheimer's disease have in common when it comes to memory impairment? (2 marks)

Both individuals would have trouble with creating mental imagery which is involved in both Autobiographical memory ( 1mark)and creating possible imagined futures (1 mark).

Atkinson-shriffrin model answer structure (not textbook)

Sensory information enters via the sensory registers. By paying attention to this informations, it is transferred into STM. Information is further encoded in STM through rehearsal or elaboration, this allows the information to transfer to LTM for storage. Then, information is retrieved from LTM back into STM using retrieval cues, bringing it into conscious awareness.

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