Memory Processes and The Atkinson-Shifrin Model

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to memory processes, the Atkinson-Shifrin model, and sensory memory, ideal for exam preparation.

What is memory?

The process of encoding, storing, and retrieving information.

Who is Clive Wearing?

A case study of a man with profound amnesia, not a classic amnesic.

What constitutes a classic amnesic?

Localized brain damage, specifically lesions to the hippocampus bilaterally.

What part of the brain is crucial for memory?

The hippocampus, located deep within the medial temporal lobe.

What does 'bilateral lesioning' refer to?

Damage to both sides of the brain, particularly affecting the hippocampi.

What is the temporal lobe?

A region of the brain located near the temples involved in processing auditory information.

Define multimodal processing in relation to the brain.

The brain's ability to process many functions and types of sensory information simultaneously.

What does the thalamus do?

Processes sensory input before it reaches the appropriate areas in the cortex.

How does sensory memory function?

Sensory memory holds brief sensory information just long enough to process it.

What is iconic memory?

Visual sensory memory, which lasts for a very short duration.

What is the Partial Report Method?

A technique that demonstrated the capacity of sensory memory by prompting recall of specific rows of letters.

In the context of memory, what does rehearsal mean?

The process of consciously repeating information to retain it in memory.

What is the Primality Effect?

The tendency to better remember items presented at the beginning of a list.

What is the Recency Effect?

The tendency to better remember items presented at the end of a list.

What role does the hippocampus play in long-term memory?

It is essential for encoding information into long-term memory but is not where long-term memories are stored.

What are the three major stores of memory?

Sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory.

What is short-term memory capacity often cited as?

Seven plus or minus two items.

Define sensory memory.

The initial stage of memory that holds sensory information for a very brief period.

What is a distractor task?

An activity used to prevent rehearsal during memory recall tests.

What did George Sperling's experiments demonstrate?

The capacity and duration of iconic memory through the study of letter recognition.

What does it mean for information to be 'distributed' across the brain?

Different types of information are processed and stored in various specialized areas of the brain.

What is the connection between the cortex and long-term memory?

Long-term memories are distributed across the cortex, retrieved from specific sensory areas.

What is an example of damage leading to memory issues?

Bilateral lesions to the hippocampus can cause amnesia.

What is Incidental Learning?

Learning that occurs without the intention to memorize, often tested with unprepared recall tasks.

How do scientists measure rehearsal?

By counting the repetitions of items being rehearsed during an experiment.

What is the Atkinson-Shiffrin model?

A theoretical framework outlining the processes of memory involving sensory, short-term, and long-term memory.

What research method is often used to understand short-term memory?

Word list experiments measuring recall performance.

What is an example of a classic amnesia patient?

Someone with damage to the hippocampus causing memory deficits.

What does the term 'overt rehearsal' refer to?

Rehearsal where the individual explicitly repeats the information out loud.

What do amnesic patients typically lack in memory tasks?

The ability to recall items associated with the primacy effect due to encoding issues.

What is the significance of the medial temporal lobe?

It houses the hippocampus and is critical for memory formation.

How does auditory information activate the brain?

By engaging the auditory cortex during sound processing.

How does the brain manage multimodal experiences?

By simultaneously activating various sensory areas to process complex inputs.