Memory, Learning, and Stages of Consciousness

Memory

• Memory- persistence of learning over time through the process of storage and retrieval of information
• Encoding- processing of info into the memory system
• Storage- retention of material over time
• Retrieval- process of getting the information out of memory storage; retrieval failure is forgetting something, or not getting the info out of storage
• Recall- retrieve information from your memory
• Recognition- identify the target from possible targets
• Flash Bulb Memory- clear moment of an emotionally significant event

Types of Memory

• Sensory- immediate initial recording of sensory information stored for just an instant and most information goes unprocessed
• Short Term- memory that holds a few items briefly; known as working memory
• Long Term- permanent and limitless storehouse of memory; includes explicit and implicit memories
• Explicit memories- episodic and semantic memories
• Implicit memories- procedural and conditioned memories
• Encoding information- primary effect, recency effect, serial positioning effect
• Spacing effect- it is better if you spread out the time you take in information; do not cram

Encoding

• Visual encoding- encoding of picture images
• Acoustic encoding- encoding of sound, especially sounds of words
• Semantic encoding- encoding of meaning
• Constructive Memory- memories are not always what they seem; Elizabeth Loftus said constructed memory is a created memory
• Forgetting- Retroactive interference is when new information blocks out old information; Proactive interference is when old information blocks new information
• Storing memories- Long term potential: long lasting enhancement in signal transmission between two neurons that results from stimulating them synchronously

Learning

• Most learning is associative learning- certain events occur together
• Three main types of learning- Classical conditioning / operant conditioning, Observational learning / latent learning, Abstract learning / insight learning
• Classical conditioning- started with Ivan Pavlov, made up of 5 critical terms: acquisition, extinction, spontaneous recovery, generalization, discrimination
• Acquisition- initial stage of learning; Phase where the neutral stimulus is associated with the UCS so that the neutral stimulus comes to elicit the CR thus becoming the CS
• Extinction- the diminishing if a conditioned response; will eventually happen when the UCS does not follow the CS
• Spontaneous recovery- reappearance after a rest period of an extinguished conditioned response
• Generalization- tendency, once a response has been conditioned, for stimuli similar to the CS to elicit similar responses
• Discrimination- learned ability to distinguish between a CS and other stimuli that does not signal UCS
• Unconditioned stimulus (UCS)- stimulus that naturally and automatically triggers a response
• Unconditioned response (UCR)- unlearned, naturally occurring response to the UCS
• Conditioned stimulus (CS)- originally irrelevant stimulus that, after association with the UCS, comes to trigger a response
• Conditioned Response (CR)- learned response to a previous stimulus

Stages of Consciousness

• Sleep- state of consciousness; less aware of our surroundings; includes conscious, subconscious, and unconscious

Biological Rhythms

• Annual cycles- seasonal variations (bears hibernation, season affective disorder)
• 28 day cycle- menstrual cycle
• 24 hour cycle- our circadian rhythm- 24 hour biological clock; body temperature and awareness changes throughout the day
• 90 minute cycle-sleep cycles

Sleep Stages

• 5 identified stages; takes 90 to 100 mins to pass through the stages; brain waves will change according to the sleep stage you are in; First four stages are known as NREM sleep; the fifth stage is called REM sleep
• Stage 1- Kind of awake and kind of asleep; lasts a few minutes, and you usually only experience it once a night; eyes begin to roll slightly; brain produces Theta Waves (high amplitude, low frequency)(slow)
• Stage 2- "baseline" of sleep; part of the 90 minute cycle and occupies approximately 45-60% of sleep; more Theta Waves that get progressively slower; begin to show sleep spindles- short bursts of rapid brain waves
• Stage 3 and 4- Slow wave sleep; brain produces Delta waves; vital for restoring body's growth hormones and good overall health
• Stage 5:REM Sleep - Rapid Eye Movement; called paradoxical sleep; brain is very active; dreams usually occur; body is essentially paralyzed; composes 20-25% of a normal nights sleep; breathing, heart rate and brain wave activity quicken; From REM, go back to Stage 2