College Physics: Memory - Part 1

A series of flashcards designed to help review key concepts related to memory as discussed in a college physics lecture.

What is memory?

Memory is the ability to learn and store information; what we have learned and remembered.

What are the three main processes of memory?

Encoding, storage, and retrieval.

What type of memory involves the input of information into the memory system?

Encoding.

What is storage in terms of memory?

Storage is the retention of encoded information.

What does retrieval mean in the context of memory?

Retrieval is getting the information out of memory and back into awareness.

How long does short-term memory last?

About 20 seconds.

What is the capacity of short-term memory according to George Miller?

7 items +/- 2.

What is the process of transferring STM to long-term memory called?

Memory consolidation.

What are the two major types of long-term memory?

Explicit and implicit memory.

What is explicit memory?

Memories of facts and events we can consciously remember and recall.

What are the two types of explicit memory?

Semantic and episodic memory.

What is implicit memory?

Memories that are not part of our consciousness, formed through behaviors.

What kind of memory is responsible for knowing how to perform tasks?

Procedural memory.

What does the Stroop effect illustrate?

It is difficult to name a color when the word and the color of the word are different.

What is sensory memory?

Storage of brief sensory events such as sights, sounds, and tastes.

What is the role of the hippocampus in memory?

It is associated with explicit memory and memory consolidation.

Which brain region is involved in processing procedural memories?

The cerebellum.

What is the primary function of the amygdala in relation to memory?

Emotion regulation, especially for fear and aggression.

What does the self-reference effect state?

Individuals tend to have better memory for information that relates to themselves.

What is the Arousal Theory in memory?

Strong emotions trigger the formation of strong memories.

What are flashbulb memories?

Records of atypical and unusual events that have very strong emotional associations.

What does the Atkinson-Shiffrin model describe?

Information passes through three distinct stages to be stored in long-term memory.

What are the three methods of retrieval?

Recall, recognition, and relearning.

What is recall?

Accessing information without cues.

What is recognition?

Identifying previously learned information after encountering it again.

What is relearning?

Learning information you previously learned more quickly than the first time.

Which type of memory is involved when Henry Molaison (H.M.) could still learn new skills?

Procedural memory.

What did Karl Lashley study to contribute to memory research?

He looked for the physical trace of memory (engram) by studying rats' maze learning.

What does the equipotentiality hypothesis suggest?

If one part of the brain involved in memory is damaged, another can take over that memory function.