psychology chapter 8 quiz

3 functions of memory

3 functions of memory

1.) Encoding
• Process of inputting information into our memory
• Automatic vs. effortful processing
• 3 types
- Semantic: encoding of words and their meaning
- Visual: encoding of images
- Acoustic: encoding of sounds, words in particular
2.) Storage
• Creating a permanent record of the memory
3.) Retrieval
• Recalling information from your memory
• 3 steps
- Recall: you can access information without cues
- Recognition: you identify information that you have previously learned after encountering it again
- Relearning: learning information that you previously learned

3 steps of storage

1.) Sensory memory
• Storage of brief sensory information
• If not transferred, information will be lost
2.) Short term memory (STM)
• Temporary storage
• Lasts about 20 seconds
• Rehearsal transfers information to long term
3.) Long term memory (LTM)
• Continuous storage of information
• No limit on memory
• Broken into explicit vs. implicit memory

What is an explicit memory (declarative)

A memory that we consciously try to remember and recall (IE Material for a test)

2 types of explicit memories

1.) Episodic
2.) Semantic

Episodic memory

• Experienced events
• Memories involving the what, where, and when

Semantic memory

Knowledge about words, concepts, and language based facts

What is in implicit memory (non declarative)

Memories that are non conscious and/or formed from behavior

2 types of implicit memories

1.) Procedural
2.) Emotional conditioning

Procedural memory

Memory on how to do things (IE drive a car, brush your teeth)

Emotional conditioning memory

• Things learned through conditioning
- Classical and operant

Parts of the brain involved in memory

• Amygdala
- Regulate emotions
• Hippocampus
- Involved in memory (specifically normal recognition memory and spatial memory)
• Cerebellum
- Creates and stores implicit memories (IE Motor learning)
• Prefrontal cortex
- Processes and retains information

Arousal theory

Strong emotions trigger the formation of strong memories and vice versa

Flashbulb memory

An exceptionally clear recollection of an important event

What is amnesia

The loss of long term memory that occurs as the result of disease or trauma

2 types of amnesia

1.) Anterograde
- Inability to remember new information
2.) Retrograde
- Loss of memory for events that occurred prior to the traumax

What is the false memory syndrome

Recall of false autobiographical memories

Transience

Over time memories decrease (forgetting)

Absentmindedness

Lapses in attention lead to forgetting memories (forgetting)

Blocking

Information is temporarily blocked (forgetting)

Misattribution

The source of memory is confused (distortion)

Bias

Memories are distorted by beliefs (distortion)

Persistance

Inability to forget undesirable memories (intrusion)

2 sides of the debate over the false memory syndrome

1.) Devilly - some people's experiences are so traumatic that they lock those memories away; these memories can later be recalled
2.) Loftus - questioned if these memories were accurate; a slight suggestion could lead to misinformation