Memory Representation

Neural Patterns and Information

• Our brains organize information through neural patterns.

• These patterns fire throughout the brain.

• Visual memories activate areas of the occipital lobe.

Analogic Representations

• Analogic representations are symbols that correspond to the thing they symbolize.

• Examples:

  • Sketches (guitar, drum set)

  • Maps

  • Blueprints

• These representations share something in common with the actual thing (even if just superficial).

• Time and clocks: The movement of clock hands represents the passage of time.

Symbolic Representations

• Symbolic representations are words or ideas.

• Words don't physically resemble what they represent.

• Example: The word "violin" doesn't look like a violin.

• The word "guitar" has no relation to the shape of a guitar.

• Words have no physical qualities of the objects they represent.

• The sounds and shapes of words do not typically resemble the objects they represent (e.g., "cow" and "moose").

Analogic vs. Symbolic Representations

• Analogic representations share physical characteristics with what they represent.

• Symbolic representations do not.

Schemas

• Schemas are discussed in the context of memory.

• Schemas will be discussed further (at 06:00 one week from the date of the lecture (when there is no class)).