Unit 7: Memory- Storage, Retrieval, Forgetting, Construction

Memory Storage in the Brain Despite the brain’s vast storage capacity, we do not store information as libraries store their books, in precise locations. Instead, many parts of the brain interact as we encode, store, and retrieve the information that form our memories. Explicit Memory Center Frontal lobes & Hippocampus Hippocampus-> the “save” button for explicit memories. Memories not permanently stored here, acts as a loading dock (temporarily holds onto then memories migrate for storage elsewhere Implicit Memory System Cerebellum plays a key role in forming and storing implicit memories created by classical conditioning. With damage, people cannot develop certain reflexes, etc. Basal ganglia (deep brain structures involving motor movement) facilitate formation of procedural memory for skills. Thank the basal ganglia for learning how to ride a bike…and not think about it anymore. What is infantile amnesia?

Emotions & Processing Our emotions trigger stress hormones that influence memory formation. Amygdala: Stress hormones activate the amygdala and boost activity in the brain’s memory forming areas. Results-> strong memories formed and/or can also disrupt memory of events at the same time. Flashbulb memories-> Synaptic Changes Kandel & Schwartz (1982) LTP: The increased efficiency of potential nerve firing after rapid stimulation, called LTP (long term potentiation), provides a neural basis for learning and remembering associations. Is physical basis for memory. Drugs that block LTP inhibit learning. After LTP, passing a current through the brain won’t disrupt old memories but will wipe out very recent ones. Like a blow to the head during a football game.

Retrieval The process of bringing to consciousness information from memory storage! RETRIEVAL PROCESS: (measures or retention) 1.RECALL: retrieve info learned earlier 2.RECONGITION: identify items previously learned 3.RELEARNING: amount of time spent when learning material for the second time

Retrieval Cues Priming-> best retrieval cues come from associations we form at the time we encode a memory-like smells, tastes, and sights can evoke our memory. Priming is the activation, often unconsciously, of particular associations in memory. Ex: “memoryless memory” Context Dependent Memory->

Retrieving Information Continued Memories can be…. MOOD CONGRUENT! That is, whatever mood we are in, “color” events. We have a tendency to recall experiences that are consistent with our current mood Serial Positioning Effect->

Forgetting That is… Failure to retrieve information. Never was encoded. Types of Amnesia: –Anterograde Amnesia- Inability to form new memories –Retrograde Amnesia-

Types of Interference PROACTIVE New information isn’t stored easily because of what is already stored. Disruptive effect of prior knowledge on recall of new i.e. Driving in another country, new phone number RETROACTIVE POSITIVE TRANSFER Not all old/new stuff interferes, some enhances i.e. Latin to other languages Alg. II to Physics Psy I to Psy II

Other Errors Motivated Forgetting Repression defense mechanism to bury things we don’t want to remember (Freud) State Dependent Forgetting a. Smoking, caffeine, drugs b. High anxiety –mood congruent – stress hormones increase c. Place (in desk, in room, in book)

Mental Construction A.Can sometimes be reconstructed to “FIT” the mood or frame of mind we are in. 1.Elizabeth Loftus: misinformation effect – As memory fades… cues presented by questioner can alter what people saw. “WE REMEMBER THINGS THAT DIDN’T HAPPEN!!!”

Source Amnesia Choose not to remember things we don’t want to remember. E.Memories tend to be colored by the attitudes and views we have today i.e. Ask 30 yr old their view today on underage drinking compared to when they were 17/18??

Déjà Vu Déjà Vu experiences -read handout! - VIDEO CLIP: watch?v=CSf8i8bHIns

Eye Witness Testimony CONFABULATION Putting stories together EYE-WITNESS TESTIMONY Best interviewers are trained NOT to make suggestions and to first place the person in “context”… weather, time of day, etc. Children are unreliable? Difficult in child abuse a. b. c.

Elizabeth Loftus video of_memory.html?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_ campaign=daily&utm_medium= &utm_content= button__

Improving Memory A.CONCENTRATION: rehearse repeatedly B.ORGANIZATION: chunking C.METHOD of LOCI: visualization D.SPACING EFFECT: don’t cram E.PEGS, MNEMONIC TECHNIQUES F.SAME STATE, MOOD, PLACE, and SETTING G.GET MORE SLEEP