Long Term Memory

Definition of Encoding: The process of moving information from short-term memory (STM) or working memory into long-term memory (LTM).
Role of Control Processes:
- Control processes are strategies that help transfer information across the barrier from STM to LTM.
- Examples of control processes include:
  - Creating stories to aid memory (e.g., Bruno's story).
  - Imagery such as visualizing scenes related to the words.
  - Repetition (e.g., Vivian's method of repeating words in her head).
  - Using mnemonics and coding strategies for organizing information.
  - Example: Order of operations in math as "PEMDAS" or remembering the Great Lakes using the acronym "HOMES".
  - Big Five personality traits mnemonic: "OCEAN" (Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism).
Visual Imagery: Creating images in your head that are linked to the concepts can help with memory retrieval (e.g., picturing a dress being ironed).
Patterns in Encoding:
- The order in which information is presented affects memory.
- Primacy Effect: Items at the beginning of a list are remembered better.
- Recency Effect: Items at the end of a list are also remembered well.
- Experiments: Discussion on performance for different positions and how attention affects encoding.

Types of Memory:
- Declarative (Explicit) Memory: Memory that can be consciously recalled. Includes:
  - Episodic Memory: Memories of personal experiences (e.g., recalling a birthday).
  - Semantic Memory: General knowledge about facts (e.g., historical figures, scientific facts).
- Implicit Memory: Unconscious memories that cannot easily be described, includes:
  - Procedural Memory: Knowing how to perform tasks (e.g., riding a bike).
  - Priming: The effect of previous exposure on the response to a stimulus.

Types of Retrieval:
- Recall: Requires actively searching for information without cues (e.g., listing cities in the USA).
- Recognition: Identifying previously learned information when presented with cues (e.g., multiple-choice questions). Involves discerning correct information from given options.
Indirect Memory Tests: Tests that retrieve nonconscious memories using cues such as word fragments or completing anagrams.

Definition: A neural mechanism that underlies memory formation involving strengthening of synapses based on recent patterns of activity. This does not create new neurons but enhances existing synaptic connections.
- Outcomes of LTP include better recall and physical changes in dendrites and neuron synapses.Memories are encapsulated through reinforcement and repetition, resulting in better long-term retention.

Process of Consolidation: The process whereby memories are transformed from a fragile state to a more stable state once they’ve been encoded.
- Synaptic Consolidation: Rapid changes occurring over hours.
- System Consolidation: Gradual reorganization of brain circuits occurring over longer periods.
- The effect of frequent use on memory retention (e.g., remembering details of a car parked in the same spot).

Examples:
- The importance of repeated exposure to a stimulus in cementing knowledge (e.g., language learning).
- The differentiation between meanings of memories that occur and those that simply exist without reinforcement (e.g., learning a foreign language in high school).

Case Study of KC: A patient with a damaged hippocampus who cannot recall personal experiences but retains semantic knowledge (e.g., knowledge of being married).
Case Study of Italian Woman: Displayed impaired semantic memory yet retained strong episodic memories demonstrating the distinction and interrelation between episodic and semantic memory stored in different brain regions.

The complexities of encoding, storage, and retrieval processes reveal the intricate mechanisms of memory functioning in humans. Such understanding can enhance memory retention techniques.