Memory
an active processing system that encodes, stores and retrieves information when required
Encoding
converting information into a useable form for storage
Storage
retaining information over time for future use
Retrieval
accessing previously stored information for use, Information flows bi-directionally between LTM and STM
Atkinson-Shiffrin Memory Model
Theory: describes three stores of memory, which function simultaneously and interact with each other - sensory, short-term, and long-term
Sensory Memory
The entry point for all memory received from the sense organs, information is an exact replica of the environment, not yet processed. Stored for 0.2-4 seconds
Short-Term Memory
Information is selected through attention. Information is no longer an exact replica of the sensory stimulus, but rather a representation of it. Can hold 5-9 items, for 12-30 seconds.
Long-term Memory
Relatively permanent memory store, where an unlimited amount of information can be stored until it is retrieved for use. Information is stored in the LTM until it is attended to in the STM
Explicit Memory
Memory that requires conscious retrieval. Includes Semantic and Episodic memories
Implicit Memory
Memories that do not require conscious retrieval, includes procedural and classically conditioned memories
Semantic Memory
memories consisting of general knowledge or facts
Episodic Memory
memories consisting of personal experiences or perceptions, unique to individuals
Procedural Memory
method of performing actions, facilitated by motor skills
Classically Conditioned Memory
involuntary response to a stimulus, can involve actions
Hippocampus
involved in encoding, consolidating and retrieving explicit memories. Transfers newly encoded information to relevant areas for permanent storage
Amygdala
involved in encoding the emotional component of memories, contributes to the enhanced consolidation of emotionally charged memories
Cerebellum
involved in implicit procedural memories related to motor movement, due to it’s role in the body’s motor control, coordination and balance
Basal Ganglia
involved in encoding and storing classically conditioned memories with unconscious habits, behaviours or procedures
Neocortex
stores particular aspects of memories in particular locations based on the type of information stores
Autobiographical Memoires
Personal lived experience involving both episodic (conversations, feelings, events) and semantic (locations, date) retrieval
Possible Imagined Futures
Hypothetical situations conceptualised by an individual, involving both episodic (individualised details) and semantic (prior knowledge) retrieval
Alzheimer’s Disease
A neurodegenerative disease characterised by progressive loss of neurons in the hippocampus. Patients struggle to retrieve semantic and episodic components of existing memories
Lesions
Areas of damaged tissue. Includes amyloid plaques, where proteins form amongst axon terminals, and neurofibrillary tangles, where abnormal buildup of protein within neurons causes cell death
Aphantasia
A phenomena where individuals lack the capacity to generate mental imagery, as detailed visualisations require episodic retrieval, and visual components are lacking in semantic memories
Mnemonic
a device or technique used to aid encoding, storage and retrieval of information
Written Mnemonics
Acronyms, acrostics, and the method of loci
Oral Mnemonics
Sung narratives and songlines
Acronyms
A mnemonic in which the first letters of items form a pronounceable word to aid memory, acts as a long term memory retrieval cue
Acrostic
A mnemonic in which the first letters of items are linked to other words to create a phrase. Aids retrieval of information in a particular order
Method of Loci
A mnemonic that converts items into mental images and associates them with specific locations. A familiar route or place is visualised, and ideas are linked to memorable landmarks. Information is retrieved by mentally observing each landmark
Sung Narratives
Stories that share important cultural, ecological and survival information through the use of singing, harmony and rhyming
Songlines
Multimodal performances conducted as a community travels through Country that record journeys, link important sites, and describe ways to live for and nurture Country