Memory Concepts and Systems

Memory Concepts and Systems

1. Semantic Memory

   • Repository for linguistic knowledge about words
     • Phonology
     • Morphology (word structure)
     • Meanings (semantics)
     • Syntax (grammar)
     • It is stored from experiences with knowledge
   • AKA "mental lexicon"
     • Represented by a distributed network of features
     • Processed primarily in the temporal lobes with different object categories eliciting different patterns of activation of other areas
   • Considered declarative and explicit memory

2. Episodic Memory

   • Has a separate system
     • Individual's with amnesia demonstrated this is separated from other memory areas
   • How is it stored?
     • Stored according to context in which they were experienced
   • How is it represented?
     • Represented in the brain by distributed networks of activation
   • What areas of the brain does it activate?
     • Words encoded via a semantic task activates the medial prefrontal cortex
     • Words encoded via syllable counting activate bilateral parietal and fusiform regions & occipital cortex
   • Considered declarative and explicit memory

3. Procedural Memory

   • Non-declarative memory
   • Considered the mechanism that supports learning of new skills as well as controlling previously established learned skills
   • Implicit memory system of how to do something

4. Working Memory

   • Short Term Memory
     • For acquisition and rehearsal
     • Problems: limited to 7 items plus or minus 2
   • Long Term Memory
     • Permanent storage of adequately rehearsed information from short term memory

5. References: Peach, R.K., & Shapiro, L.P. (2012). Cognition acquired language disorders: An information processing approach (pp. 94-104). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Inc.

6. Katie Murphy

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