Memory, the Return Module 11 part II Long-term memory and other stuff

Long-term Memory Putting information into long-term memory –Long-term memory refers to the process of storing almost unlimited amounts of information over long periods of time with the potential of retrieving, or remembering, such information in the future –Encoding process of transferring information from short-term to long-term memory by paying attention to it, repeating or rehearsing it, or forming new associations –Retrieving process of selecting information from long-term memory and transferring it back into short-term memory

Storing memory Separate Memory Systems Primacy Versus Recency –primacy effect better recall, or improvement in retention, of information presented at the beginning of a task –recency effect better recall, or improvement in retention, of information presented at the end of a task –primary-recency effect better recall of information presented at the beginning and end of a task Short-Term Versus Long-Term Memory

Storing: Declarative vs Procedural Declarative memory involves memories for facts or events, such as scenes, stories, words, conversations, faces, or daily events. 2 types: –Episodic memory Involves knowledge of events, episodes and activities, such describing favorite places, movies or habits (daily experiences) –Semantic memory involves knowledge of facts, concepts, words, definitions, and language rules (most of what you learn in school)

Storing: Procedural Memory –Procedural (nondeclarative) memory involves memories for motor skills (playing tennis), some cognitive skills (like reading) and behaviors learned through classical conditioning (fears) These kinds of memories cannot be recalled or retrieved

Emotional Memories! Elevated levels of hormones associated with strong emotions can increase or decrease the recall of long-term memories Epinephrine (stress horomone) increases recall, although too much will block retrieval Propranolol (blocks horomones like epinephrine) will lower the retention and recall of emotionally charged information (like the PTSD girl in the video)

Encoding Information Encoding is the process of storing information by changing the information into neural or memory codes Personal experience and human interaction are far easier to encode than “book learning” 2 different kinds of encoding:automatic and effortful

Encoding:Automatic –Automatic encoding transfer of information from short-term into long-term memory without any effort and usually without any awareness personal events (episodic information) interesting facts (semantic information) skills and habits (procdeural information)

Encoding: automatic Automatic encoding is easier because it involves interesting, emotional or exciting information. It is easy to pay attention to it and make connections to previous information

Encoding: Effortful –Effortful encoding involves the transfer of information from short- term into long-term memory either by working hard to repeat or rehearse the information or, especially, by making associations between new and old information Usually semantic information which is uninteresting, too unfamiliar, confusing or complex. Semantic information usually takes considerable concentration and effort

How to make it less effortful Rehearsing and encoding –Maintenance rehearsal refers to simply repeating or rehearsing the information rather than forming any new associations –Elaborative rehearsal involves using effort to actively make meaningful associations between new information that you wish to remember and old or familiar information that is already stored in long-term memory

Levels of processing theory –theory says that remembering depends on how information is encoded –shallow processing: poor recall –deeper and deepest processing: encode by making new association –See page 249

Repressed memories Definition of repressed memory –the process by which the mind pushes a memory of some threatening or traumatic event deep into the unconscious mind Implanting false memories –studies on implanting false memories simply show that a false suggestion can grow into a vivid, detailed, and believable personal memory

Cultural differences Oral vs written traditions Better recall for type of learning you grow up with How do you remember?

Cool Memory stuff photographic memory –occurs in adults, is ability to form sharp, detailed visual images after examining a picture or page for a short period of time and to recall the entire image at a later date eidetic imagery –Form of photographic memory that occurs in children, is the ability to examine a picture or page for 10-3 seconds and then for several minutes hold in one’s mind a detailed visual image of the material

More coolness flashbulb memories –vivid recollections, usually in great detail, of dramatic or emotionally charged incidents that are of interest to the person –encoded effortlessly and may last for long periods of time

Unusual Memories (CONT.)

Thinking … If you could have 1 unusual memory ability, what would it be? Why? What would your life be like if you had declarative memory but no procedural memory? How might playing video games effect a child’s encoding process?