08_Memory_B55_02

Lecture Objectives

• Articulate Baddeley’s Working Memory (WM) Framework: Understand the components of WM and brain function support.

• Interhemispheric vs. Intrahemispheric Preferences: Describe processing preferences based on material type and demands.

• Deeper Levels of Processing (LoP): Explain how deeper processing enhances memory, particularly the role of the left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG).

• Encoding and Retrieval: Logic behind shared regions in encoding and retrieval processes.

• Hippocampal vs. Perirhinal Cortex Functions: Distinguish roles in memory recollection (hippocampus) and familiarity (perirhinal cortex).

• Impact of Emotion on Memory: Evaluate emotional influences on memory facilitation.

• Results Section Analysis: Approach reading the RESULTS section to enhance quantitative reasoning and critical thinking via the Beer article.

Key Researchers in Memory Research at UToronto

• Morris Moscovitch

• Fergus Craik

• Endel Tulving

The Modal Model of Memory

• Adaptation of Atkinson & Shiffrin (1968): Memory conceptualization including stores and processing.

Baddeley’s Model of Working Memory

• Evolution: Transition from “short-term” to “working” memory.

• Distinguishing Memory Components and Processes:

  • Central Executive (CE): Oversees memory processes.

  • Phonological Store (PS): Handles verbal information.

  • Articulatory Rehearsal (AR): Repeats verbal information.

  • Visual Cache (VC): Manages visual information.

  • Inner Scribe (IS): Helps spatial processing.

Prefrontal Cortex Involvement in WM

• Types of Processing: Spatial vs. non-spatial (verbal) processing, maintenance, and manipulation.

• Role of Dopamine: Enhances the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in PFC neurons, crucial for WM efficiency.

  • Dopamine Blockers: Impair WM similarly to PFC lesions.

  • Effects of Dopamine Stimulants: e.g., Ritalin improves WM functioning, with alterations noted in conditions like schizophrenia and ADHD.

(+) WM

• Rote Rehearsal: Its efficacy varies with information type.

• Chunking: Grouping information to improve processing efficiency.

• Levels of Processing (LoP):

  • Deeper Processing: Enhances memory retention (Craik & Lockhart, 1972).

  • Neural Substrates of LoP: Visualized through PET scans, differentiating between deep (semantic) and shallow (orthographic) processing.

Semantic Processing and the Left Inferior Frontal Gyrus (IFG)

• Areas of the IFG:

  • Phonological (left posterior IFG)

  • Semantic (left anterior IFG)

Encoding and Memory Strength

• Brain Activation Correlation: Activation during encoding predicts memory strength (Brewer et al., 1998).

Memory Retrieval Studies

• Known vs. Newly-Learned Memory: Examined using neuroimaging methods (Donohue et al., 2005).

Case Study: Patient H.M.

• Surgical Background: Removal of medial temporal lobes leading to severe anterograde amnesia.

• Memory Effects: Evidence of preserved non-declarative memories and distinct retrograde memory loss.

Memory and Emotion

• Perirhinal Cortex Activation: Linked with confidence in memory recall.

• Amygdala’s Role: Critical in emotional memory consolidation, showing mixed evidence in flashbulb memories and retrieval effects connected to PTSD.

Analyzing Results Sections in Research Papers

• Understanding Key Findings: Importance of visuals (figures/tables) in the results section.

  • Approach: Start with figures/tables, then read the text to confirm findings or clarify misunderstandings.

Additional Resources and Courses

• Other Psychology Courses of Interest: PSYB45 (Behaviour Modification), PSYB57 (Cognitive Psychology), and PSYC53 (Cognitive Neuroscience of Memory).

• Engagement in Memory Research: Opportunities available through the University of Toronto's faculty.