Memory and Cognition

1. Memory and Cognition Intro to Memory/Cognition and Forming Memories

2. Memory • Any system that encodes, stores, and retrieves info • Human memory is capable of distortion—isn’t perfect • Human memory works closely w/ the senses • Create memory patterns that can be recalled later • This goes hand in hand with learning

3. Which penny is the real thing???

4. What the Penny Proves • Lots of time our memory is vague enough so that we only remember what we need to know • We can easily tell diffs. btwn coins • But good enough to get us through the day • Fill in the gaps with our own thoughts • Ex: Remember penny is copper, but think it says “United States of America” on top If we get this wrong = a failure in encoding

5. 3 Basic Tasks of Memory • Take useless sensory info (noise of my voice) and turn it into meaningful pattern (words and concepts) you can store & use later • Called information-processing model • Understanding of memory that emphasizes how info is changed when encoded, stored, and retrieved

6. Encoding, Storage, Retrieval • Encoding—must select some stimulus to focus on; then identify something distinctive about it • Storage—retention of encoded info over time • 3 different types/lengths • Retrieval—bringing a memory to consciousness • This is where human memory messes up the most • Eidetic memory = no messing up—photo-like

7. Encoding—in STM • Usually automatic—what did you eat last night? • Elaboration—deliberate encoding—studying • Connect new info with old concepts you already know • B/c limited capacity/short storage time STM has 2 ways of encoding: • 1) Chunking-organizing pieces of info into smaller meaningful units (chunks)—frees up space in STM • Ex: remember 6020718—takes 7 parts of STM • 2) Rehearsal-consciously repeat new info • Maintenance Rehearsal-when you mentally repeat or review info to keep it in STM (does not move into LTM) • Elaborated Rehearsal-info not just repeated, connects info to already stored knowledge (does move to LTM) • Ex: 1-800-KIA Cars

8. 3 Storages of Memory • 1. Sensory Memory-very short-term; holds brief sensory impressions of stimuli; ex: hearing thunder • 2. Working or Short-Term Memory- takes info from sensory mem. and connects it to items already in LTM. • Holds info for few seconds—like a phone number • 3. Long-Term Memory (LTM)-receives info from working mem. and stores it for a long time Good Chart on page 240

9. 1st Stage: Sensory Memory • Main job: hold all of the stimuli we get so our brain can scan it for useful info—1/4 second • Must be so quick b/c there is so much info at all times • 12-16 items can be stored • Associated with different senses (iconic mem, olfactory mem) • Here, there is no meaning or encoding to the stored info

10. 2nd Stage: Working or Short Term Memory • Where you process conscious experience • Temporary storage for 20 secs—a name you just learned • Where encoding takes place and linking with LTM • Where “thinking” occurs—ideas or images pulled from LTM • Center of mental action and go-between for other parts of memory • Holds about 7 (+ or – 2) Items--#’s, letters, shapes Acoustic encoding

11. STM and Levels of Processing • Levels-of-processing theory: how well we remember info is related to how deeply we process it when it is encoded • Shallow processing: emphasize physical characteristics—no real connection to LTM—maintenance rehearsal • Deep processing: attach meaning to info; connect new memory to existing memory—elaborated rehearsal • Ex: Semantic encoding: deep processing; emphasizes the meaning of verbal input • Head injuries can affect STM—concussions lead to loss of it

12. 3rd Stage: Long Term Memory • Concepts are encoded by meanings which interconnects them with other items w/ similar meanings • Unlimited storage capacity • Engram- physical changes in the brain associated with a memory • Connection to cerebral cortex-cerebellum

13. 2 Main Parts of LTM • 1) Procedural mem: things we know how to do; ride a bike; unconscious lots of the time; physical • 2) Declarative mem: info we can describe; facts/events; conscious • Episodic mem-personal experiences; temporal and context coding • Semantic mem-meaning of words & concepts; facts

14. The Brain and Memory • Hippocampus and amygdala central to new episodic memories (but not for retrieving old memories) • Consolidation-process in which STM become LTM • Types of amnesia: • Anterograde: inability to form memories for new information • Retrograde: inability to remember information previously stored in memory • Source: a memory in which you cannot recall where the information came from • Flashbulb memory-a clear or vivid LTM of an especially meaningful or emotional event (9/11)