Question 1

A long-lasting increase in the in connectivity and transmission between two neurons is called

Accepted Answer

Long-term potentiation refers to a long-lasting increase in the strength of the connection (synaptic transmission) between two neurons. This process is often linked to learning and memory formation. Consolidation refers to the process of strengthening a memory over time. Cross-cortical storage refers to the ability to store information in multiple cortical areas. Chunking refers to the process of grouping information into smaller, more manageable units.

Question 2

__________ is the first process of transferring sensory and perceptual information into a memory trace.

Accepted Answer

Encoding is the first process of transferring sensory and perceptual information into a memory trace. This process involves transforming the information into a form that can be store in the brain's memory system.

Question 3

Which of the following is true about the hippocampus?

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that the hippocampus plays an important role in memory consolidation, which is the process of transferring memories from short-term storage in the hippocampus to long-term storage in the cortex. Memories appear to reside in the hippocampus temporarily until they can be consolidated in the cortex. Damage to the hippocampus can therefore disrupt the consolidation process and result in deficits in long-term memory.

Question 4

The area of the brain critically involved in the formation of long-term declarative memories is

Accepted Answer

The hippocampus plays a critical role in the formation of long-term declarative memories. Studies have shown that damage to the hippocampus can result in severe deficits in memory consolidation and retrieval. The amygdala is more involved in emotional processing and memory, while Wernicke's area is important for language comprehension and the thalamus primarily serves as a relay station for sensory information.

Question 5

The order of the basic memory processes in which information enters the memory system and is later used is

Accepted Answer

Encoding is the process of getting information into the memory system, storage is the retention of encoded information over time and retrieval is the process of accessing stored information when it is needed. Therefore, the correct order of basic memory processes is encoding, storage, and retrieval, making option B the best answer. Options A, C, and D may include some of the correct processes, but they do not represent the correct sequence of events in the memory process.

Question 6

The character of Dori from the movie Finding Nemo keeps complaining that she has short-term memory loss because she can't remember the name of the friend she met a few minutes earlier. What is a more likely explanation for her memory failure?

Accepted Answer

Dori's inability to remember the name of her friend immediately after meeting them suggests that her memory problem is with forming new memories, which is a characteristic of anterograde amnesia. Retrograde amnesia refers to the inability to remember past events, amygdala damage would affect emotion regulation, and blocking refers to the temporary inability to access information that is stored in memory.

Question 7

On a TV game show, Jeannette is asked to name the state capital of Vermont. This information is most likely stored in

Accepted Answer

Semantic memory is the type of long-term memory that stores general knowledge, including facts and concepts. Knowing the state capital of Vermont is a piece of factual knowledge that would be stored in semantic memory.

Question 8

Penny recalled the vocabulary definitions they learned in Introductory Spanish immediately after class, but when she was given a pop quiz a couple of days later, she couldn't remember many of the words. Which of the following is the most likely biological explanation for this?

Accepted Answer

The inability to recall information on the pop quiz after a few days suggests that the information was not properly consolidated in long-term memory. Hippocampal damage or a brain lesion would have a more immediate effect on memory, while LTP would enhance memory consolidation rather than impair it.

Question 9

The famous research subject H.M. developed a form of amnesia following surgery to treat his epilepsy. Following the surgery, H.M.

Accepted Answer

H.M. could form nondeclarative (implicit) memories, such as skills and habits, but had severe difficulties forming new declarative (explicit) memories, such as facts and events, after his surgery.

Question 10

After studying the memory difficulties of H.M. and patients like him, it became apparent that

Accepted Answer

H.M. and similar patients had difficulty forming new declarative memories (transferring from STM to LTM) but could still retrieve existing long-term memories into working memory.

Question 11

To aid students in their retention of information, which subsequently enables them to earn higher exam scores, memory researchers would highlight the use of

Accepted Answer

Elaborative rehearsal involves actively processing information and linking it to prior knowledge, which has been shown to be more effective for long-term memory retention than maintenance rehearsal or rote memorization. Eidetic memory refers to the ability to vividly recall visual information, but it is rare and not something that can be taught or trained.

Question 12

Damage to the hippocampus would most likely result in which disorder?

Accepted Answer

The hippocampus is essential for encoding new memories, so damage to this area would impair the ability to form new memories, leading to anterograde amnesia. Retrograde amnesia is the inability to recall old memories. Retroactive and proactive interference are both types of memory interference, but damage to the hippocampus would not exclusively result in either of these disorders.

Question 13

Following a car accident, Jane and Joan both suffer head injuries with resulting amnesia. Joan cannot remember events that occurred before the accident, while Jane cannot remember events that occurred after the accident. Joan suffers from __________ amnesia and Jane from __________ amnesia.

Accepted Answer

Joan cannot remember events that occurred before the accident, which is retrograde amnesia, while Jane cannot remember events that occurred after the accident, which is anterograde amnesia. Therefore, the best choice is B, where Joan suffers from retrograde amnesia and Jane from anterograde amnesia.

Question 14

Without the consolidation process, the changes of LTP _____.

Accepted Answer

Without the consolidation process, the changes of LTP revert back to normal or are replaced by new patterns. Consolidation is the process of stabilizing LTP to ensure long-term retention in the brain. Without consolidation, the changes that occurred during LTP can be quickly overridden by new patterns or return to normal synaptic strength.

Question 15

Which of the following would be among Patty's semantic memories?

Accepted Answer

Semantic memory refers to a portion of long-term memory that processes ideas and concepts that are not drawn from personal experience. It includes things like facts, concepts, and knowledge about the external world. Choice D, knowing that it is appropriate to stand when the bride walks down the aisle, is an example of semantic memory because it involves knowledge of social norms and customs, not a personal memory. Choices A, B, and C are examples of episodic memory, which involves recalling specific events and experiences.

Question 16

The type of memory that is most like an encyclopedia or a dictionary is

Accepted Answer

Semantic memory refers to the memory of general knowledge about the world, concepts, facts, and language. It is similar to an encyclopedia or a dictionary in that it involves the retrieval and use of factual information. Emotional memory pertains to the recollection of emotional experiences, whereas episodic memory involves the recollection of personal experiences. Procedural memory relates to the memory of how to perform tasks or skills.

Question 17

______________is the process of converting short-term memories into long-term memories in the brain.

Accepted Answer

Consolidation is the process of converting short-term memories into long-term memories in the brain by strengthening neural connections between neurons. Retrieval is the process of accessing stored memories. Lesioning is the removal or destruction of a part of the brain for research or therapeutic purposes. Chunking is the process of breaking down or grouping information into smaller, more manageable units to aid in memory retention.

Question 18

Who is most likely suffering from retrograde amnesia?

Accepted Answer

Retrograde amnesia is the inability to recall memories from the past, often caused by a traumatic event such as a head injury or emotional shock. Margie's inability to remember events prior to the attack suggests that she may be experiencing retrograde amnesia. Choices A, C, and D do not fit the definition of retrograde amnesia.

Question 19

A researcher identifies a neuron in the brain that sends signals to a second neuron. After stimulating the neurons, the researcher finds that the signal being sent between the neurons is stronger than before. Which phenomena can explain this result?

Accepted Answer

Long-term potentiation is a process in which the strength of the signal between two neurons is increased as a result of repeated stimulation. This is a mechanism for learning and memory formation in the brain. Therefore, it is the best choice for explaining the stronger signal between the two neurons.

Question 20

_______________ may represent the first stages of memory.

Accepted Answer

LTP (Long-term Potentiation) is a process in which the connections between neurons become stronger, allowing for more efficient communication between them. This is believed to be a mechanism underlying long-term memory formation, indicating that it may represent the first stages of memory. The other options (COD, ERE, SMM) do not have a clear connection to memory processes.

Quiz 7: Memory