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COGS 17 Handout 7 pg. 1
Handout: Memory
Nature of memory
Definition: changes in the brain as a result of experiences retained for a period of time & ability to retain
learned information and knowledge of past events and experiences and to be able to retrieve that information.
Common Model of Memory processes
Rehearsal
Si ght
Elaborat ion
and
Organization
Smell
Sound
Sensory
Memory
Attention
Short-Term
Memory
Long-Term
Memory
Ret riev al
Taste
Touch
Lost
Lost
Squire’s taxonomy of memory
Hippocampus
What is it? Structure in the medial temporal lobe
Functions:
- consolidation of memory (STM  LTM)
- acts as the “pointer” and as “links” sensory info together
- spatial and contextual memory (taxi driver studies showed that hippocampal volume correlated with
the experience)
- detection of novel stimuli
- neurogenesis (even as adult)
Malfunctions:
- Severe anterograde amnesia: when you can’t form new memories
- Mild retrograde amnesia: can’t remember past memories
- Problems navigating space
- Susceptible to Alzheimer’s disease (first symptom of Alzheimer’s is the loss of STM)
- Hippocampus and depression
- smaller hippocampus in clinically depressed individuals due increased levels of cortisol (stress
hormone)
COGS 17 Handout 7 pg. 2