Question

MCAT Psychology Tutorial: Memory

Answer 1

\({\bf{Basic~Terminology:}}\)
- memory: the encoding, storage, and retrieval of information
- encoding: sensory input --> stored memory
- storage: the process by which information is committed for later use
- retrieval: the process of recovering information from the storage stage

\({\bf{Encoding:}}\)
- involves thalamus and hippocampus
- three main types of nifo: visual, acoustic, semantic
- can be influenced by culture, emotion, or basic hormonal biology
- primacy effect: the early items in a list are more readily encoded
- recency effect: the latest items in a list are more readily encoded

\({\bf{Types~of~Memory:}}\)
- sensory memory: only a few seconds, intake of sensory information
- short-term memory: a few seconds, main function is memory storage and possible commitment to working memory and long term
- working memory: processes information from the short-term memory
- long-term memory: can store information indefinitely

- explicit memory: memory of details
- implicit memory: memory of how to do something
- flashbulb memory: a strong, emotionally-linked memory that is imprinted quickly on the mind

\({\bf{Storage:}}\)
- semantic network: related set of facts, spaced according to their releveance
- spreading activation: working memory retrieves information faster when the semantic networks are activated with cues

\({\bf{Retrieval:}}\)
- recall: retrieving memory without cues
- recognition: identifying the correct solution when given a list of possible responses
- retrieval cue: an association between the stimulus and memory

Answer 2

\({\bf{Forgetting:}}\) can be the result of

- aging
> ~ age 65 or so, decrease in memory retrieval and new memory formation

- memory dysfunctions
> Alzheimer's: decreased ability to comminicate information across neurons, caused by beta amyloid- plaques/tangles
> Korsakoff's syndrome: caused by thiamine deficiency, common symptom is confabulation

- natural memory limitations
> memory decay: decrease in memory not as the result of a disease, caused by memory replacement/displacement
> interference: old memories decrease/disrupt new memory retrieval
> memory construction: the brain creates false memories or false details of a memory
> source monitoring error: error in distinguishing where a memory originated

\({\bf{Misc.~Definitions:}}\)
- neuroplasticity: brain's ability to adapt in the learning process
- synaptic pruning:loss of old synaptic connections
- long term potentiation: process by which neural pathways become stronger with use, gaining the potential to be used again

Answer 3

Anyway, that's the end of my tutorial, I hope it was a helpful resource. Source material is the 2nd Edition Barron's Prep book for the new MCAT