Psychology U3 AOS3 Memory

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