Cognitive 325 Week 5ab - Memory Systems I and II

Understanding Memory Systems

Memory allows action based on past information. Intelligence and thought are rooted in memory. Core aspect: Internal state changes behavior based on past experiences.

Basic Definitions

• Primary Memory: Initial storage accessible for consciousness and attention.

• Secondary Memory: Long-term storage of memories.

Modal Model of Memory (Atkinson & Shiffrin, 1968) Three interconnected memory systems:

• Sensory Memory: Acts as a buffer for incoming sensory information. Registers large amounts of data but decays quickly.

  • Iconic Memory (visual): < 1 second decay, typically < 0.5 seconds.

  • Echoic Memory (auditory): Decay of 2-3 seconds.

  • Sperling (1960, 1963) Experiment: Display of 9 letters; revealed differences in recall via partial vs. whole report tasks. Findings: High accuracy in recalling one row immediately; retention declines with delays.

• Short-Term Memory: Receives input from sensory and long-term memory. Information retention duration: < 18 seconds. Rehearsal: Process used to maintain information. Chunking: Increases capacity by grouping elements.

• Long-Term Memory: Final component of the modal model; includes stored information retrievable for use. Working Memory: Links diverse types of information dynamically.

Working Memory Overview

• Components of Working Memory:

  • Central Executive: Manages attention and information processing.

  • Phonological Loop: Stores linguistic data temporarily.

  • Visuospatial Sketchpad: Holds temporary non-linguistic (visual) information.

  • Episodic Buffer: Integrates information and associates with long-term memory.

Fluid and Crystallized Systems

• Fluid Systems: Cognitive processes that manipulate information independently of learning.

• Crystallized Systems: Knowledge accumulates through learning over time.

Executive Functions and Brain

• Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (DLPFC): Integral in monitoring and controlling cognitive processes.

Types of Long-Term Memory

• Declarative Memory (Explicit)

  • Episodic Memory: Personal experiences.

  • Semantic Memory: General knowledge; differentiated by Tulving. Neuropsychological evidence supports the distinction. Case studies indicate that episodic and semantic memories can be affected differently.

• Non-Declarative Memory (Implicit)

  • Involves stored knowledge utilized without conscious thought.

  • Examples: Procedural memory; associative learning.

  • Priming: Eliciting a response based on prior exposure to related stimuli.

Conclusion - Memory Systems Understanding memory systems is essential for cognitive psychology. Different systems include episodic, semantic, procedural memory, and implicit memory. The connectionist model illustrates how memory retrieval operates through network patterns. Ongoing studies reveal complexities of memory, including flashbulb memories and the nuances in storage and retrieval.