Psych 255 Long Term Memory

This set of flashcards is designed to help students review key concepts and terms related to long-term memory studied in Psych 255.

Hebbian Plasticity

A theory that states when an axon of cell A repeatedly excites cell B, changes occur in one or both cells that increase A's efficiency in firing B.

Long-Term Potentiation (LTP)

A long-lasting enhancement in signal transmission between two neurons that results from stimulating them simultaneously.

Glutamate

A neurotransmitter that plays a key role in synaptic plasticity and memory formation, actively involved in LTP.

Hippocampus

A brain region crucial for the formation of long-term memories and spatial navigation.

Stability-Plasticity Dilemma

The challenge of keeping long-term memories stable while also allowing for new learning.

Two-Stage Model of Memory

The model suggesting that memory consolidation requires the reactivation of memories, particularly beneficial during sleep.

Reconsolidation

The process in which a reactivated memory becomes vulnerable to disruption before it is stabilized again.

Multi-Voxel Pattern Analysis (MVPA)

A technique used in fMRI research to analyze patterns of brain activity associated with the retrieval of memories.

Implicit Memory

Unconscious memory for skills and tasks, such as riding a bike.

Episodic Memory

Memory of specific events or experiences in time, such as personal experiences including birthdays.

Semantic Memory

Memory for facts and general knowledge, such as knowing what you ate for breakfast.

Hebbian Plasticity

A theory stating that when an axon of cell A repeatedly excites cell B, changes occur in one or both cells that increase A's efficiency in firing B. This principle is often summarized as 'neurons that fire together, wire together'.

Long-Term Potentiation (LTP)

A long-lasting enhancement in signal transmission between two neurons due to strong, simultaneous stimulation. This enhancement makes the synapse more efficient, contributing to learning and memory formation.

Glutamate

A primary excitatory neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in synaptic plasticity and memory formation, especially active in the processes underlying Long-Term Potentiation (LTP).

Hippocampus

A key brain region located in the medial temporal lobe, essential for the formation of new long-term declarative memories (episodic and semantic) and for spatial navigation.

Stability-Plasticity Dilemma

The fundamental challenge for the brain to maintain the stability of existing long-term memories while simultaneously allowing for the dynamic integration of new learning and the formation of new memories without disrupting the old ones.

Two-Stage Model of Memory

A model proposing that memory consolidation involves two stages: an initial rapid encoding in the hippocampus and a slower, more permanent storage in the neocortex, often requiring the reactivation of memories, particularly beneficial during sleep for strengthening and integrating them.

Reconsolidation

The dynamic process by which a reactivated memory temporarily becomes vulnerable to alteration or disruption before it is restabilized and stored again. This period offers a window for modifying fearful or traumatic memories.

Multi-Voxel Pattern Analysis (MVPA)

A sophisticated technique used in fMRI research. Instead of analyzing individual brain regions, MVPA examines patterns of activity across multiple voxels (small units of brain volume) to decode mental states or associated specific memories, providing finer-grained insights into brain function.

Implicit Memory

Unconscious and procedural memory that pertains to skills, habits, and tasks performed without conscious recall. Examples include knowing how to ride a bike, tie your shoes, or play a musical instrument.

Episodic Memory

A type of explicit memory that involves the conscious recollection of specific personal events or experiences, including their context of time and place. For example, remembering your last birthday party or what you ate for dinner yesterday.

Semantic Memory

A type of explicit memory for facts, general knowledge, concepts, and ideas about the world, independent of personal experience. For example, knowing that Paris is the capital of France, or understanding what a 'cat' is, or even recalling what you ate for breakfast without remembering the specific event of eating it.