define memory

the set of processes uses to encode, store, and retrieve information over different periods of time "network of neurons firing in specific patterns"

what are the three types of encoding?

semantic, visual, and acoustic (not auditory?)

what type of encoding gives the best memory of verbal information?

semantic, because you have a deeper understanding/better connection between that and other nodes in memory net * bonus points if it's self referential

what is the self-reference effect

the tendency to have better memory of things we can relate to ourselves/our experiences

describe the Aktinson-Shiffrin model of memory

what are two types of rehearsal we use to move info from working to long-term memory?

active and elaborative; active is repetition, elaborative is linking it to info you already know

what are two things that affect short-term memory retention?

memory trace decay and interference

what is proactive interference?

prior info blocks new info

what is retroactive interference?

new info blocks retrieval of prior info

describe three processes that memory involves

encoding, storage, and retrieval

describe two types of long-term memory, and subcategories of those two types (5 total)

explicit (aka declarative) and implicit; explicit is the stuff we consciously remember (e.g. facts), implicit is like the program that runs in the background - observable, but hard to put into words explicit: episodic and semantic implicit: procedural, priming, and emotional conditioning (smell association example)

what are the three ways we retrieve memories from long-term storage?

recall, relearn, and recognition

what are the 4 brain structures involved in memory? which are involved in automatic vs effortful processing?

hippocampus, amygdala, cerebellum, and prefrontal cortex

what is the misinformation effect?

receiving new incorrect info about memory causes you to change memory

two types of sensory memory

echoic and iconic

what are the two types of processing involved in encoding?

automatic and effortful - automatic done w/o awareness, effortful is, well, effortful (ie studying for a test)

what role does the amygdala play?

amygdala is involved in encoding memories involving strong emotions (for test: amygdala involves strong emotions -> involved in memories tied w strong emotions) both implicit and explicit

what role does the hippocampus play?

temp holds memories, than transfer memories to cortical regions that give them meaning + connect w old memories; explicit memories (st 2 (spindle), st 3 (delta), and REM sleep!)

what role does the cerebellum play?

implicit memories; not ones we're conscious of making includes classical conditioning

what role does the pre-frontal cortex play?

processing/retaining information - semantic tasks; encoding, retrieval

retrograde vs anterograde amnesia

retrograde is the hollywood "hit head doesn't remember anything before hitting head"; anterograde is being unable to form new memories

long term potentiation

increase in synapses' firing potential after brief stimulation;

what role does the basal ganglia play?

procedural, motor movements - this is very deep inside brain