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.