Chapter 7: Long-Term Memory: Encoding, Retrieval, and Consolidation

Chapter 7: Long-Term Memory: Encoding, Retrieval, and Consolidation

1. Retrieval

   • Process of transferring from LTM to working memory
   • Self-generating cues are better for the memory
   • Encoding Specificity
     • States that we encode information along with its context
     • Easier to retrieve it the way you stuck it in (mood, location,..)

2. Circular Reasoning

   • Can measure memory performance in each condition
   • Begins and ends with the same thing

3. Storing Information

   • Encoding
     • The process of acquiring information and transferring it into LTM
     • Visual Memory
       • Picture it in your mind
       • Example: A dog, a phone number
     • Self-reference
       • Memory is better if you relate a word to yourself
       • Example: Numbers to birthday
     • Generation effect
       • Making ways to remember something
       • Your own definition
     • Testing yourself
       • Actually testing yourself
       • A study guide
     • Organization effect
       • Put similar words in a group that makes sense to you
       • Putting a large list into a smaller one
   • Maintenance Rehearsal
     • Without making any consideration of meaning or making connections with other information
   • Elaborative Rehearsal
     • Making connections to other information and considering meaning
     • The better way of the two rehearsals

4. Levels of Processing

   • Depth
     • Distinguishes between shallow and deep processing
     • Shallow
       • Little attention to meaning
     • Deep
       • Involves close attention
       • Better for memory

5. Consolidation

   • The process that transforms new memories from a fragile state, in which they can be disrupted, to a more permanent state, in which they are resistant to disruption
   • Synaptic
     • Takes place over minutes or hours and involves structural changes at synapses
   • Systems
     • Takes place over months or years and involves gradual reorganization of neural circuits within the brain
   • Sleep and consolidation
     • Better for you to learn before bed then sleep
       • Less interference during consolidation
       • Sleep and REM enhanced consolidation
   • Reconsolidation
     • When a memory is retrieved, it becomes fragile, and when it is in the fragile state it can be consolidated again
     • Helps PTSD suffers