Memory

Memory
Unit: Memory
Class: Psychology
Instructor: Quan Nguyen

Content Standards

• Cont ent Standard 2: Storage of memory

2.1 Describe the differences between working memory and long-
term memory.
• 2.2 Identify and explain biological processes related to how
memory is stored.
• 2.3 Discuss types of memory and memory disorders (e.g.,
amnesias, dementias).
• 2.4 Discuss strategies for improving the storage of memories.

Got it Memorized?

• Imagine if you were to live a day in your life not remembering

anything, how would that end up.
• Memory is an important everyday function of living beings.

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Memory

Class Table: Types of Memory

Memory Type Definition Limitations Visual Icon

Working Memory

Long Term Memory

Working Memory

• Working Memory: information that is temporarily stored until it is

moved into long term memory.
• If the memory is not processed or committed to long term
memory, then the information would be lost or forgotten.
• One would need to focus on attempting to committing the memory
to long term storage as the information can be misinterpreted
though interference.

Long Term Memory

• Long Term Memory: The stage that where memory is stored for an
indefinite period of time.
• This does not mean that information in long term memory cannot
be forgotten.
• Certain injuries or diseases can cause people to “lose” their
memories.
• Sleeping helps to retain the information to Long Term Memory.

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Memory

Now You Try

• Try and write down as many farm animal names after the
instructor finishes stating them.

• Normally people memorize around 7 + or – 3 items on a list.

• When items are groups into specific categories such as the topic
above, people are able to memorize things easier.

Class Table: Memory Disorders

Memory Disorders Definition Where does the What are the

problem occur? Symptoms?

Alzheimer’s Disease

Amnesia

Alzheimer’s Disease

• A disease in the brain that’s cause is hard to pinpoint. Potentially

by genetics or head injuries.
• Symptoms include difficulty remembering recent events,
communication difficulties, mood swings, and disorientation.
• No known way to cure Alzheimer’s.

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Memory

Amnesia

• Caused by physical trauma, disease, or psychological trauma.

• Symptoms mainly include loss of memory previously learned and
the reduction of the ability to learn information.
• There are many types of Amnesia: Anterograde, Retrograde, Post
Traumatic, Dissociative, ETC.
• The loss of memory can be specific events, trauma to the person,
or even one’s own identity.

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Amnesia Cont.

• Anterograde Amnesia: Not able to create new memories mainly

due to brain damage. Still able to remember past memories.
• Retrograde Amnesia: Not able to remember past memories prior to
an incident. Still able to create new memories.
• Post traumatic Amnesia: Caused generally by a head injury.
Amnesia can be either of the retrograde or anterograde amnesia,
but can recover from it.
• Dissociative amnesia: Amnesia caused by psychological harm. The
different types can be the inability to recall information about
specific events or creating a new identity or life

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Now You Try

• Imagine yourself having Amnesia. Write about what could have

caused your Amnesia.

• Example: As a dissociative amnesiac, having a dramatic event that

caused a large amount of stress in my life caused me to move to
another state and take a new life, forgetting about my old one.

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Memory

How does memory work biologically?

• Memory is stored in a specific area of

the brain, mainly the hippocampus.
• Neurons fire in a specific order in a
chain to trigger the remembrance of
the memory.
• By repeating this sequence, such as
trying to remember something by
repetition, the neuron sequence will
get strengthened.

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Class Table: Improving Memory

Memory Impvement How does it help What are some Picture Explaining
Methods improve your things to do?
memory?

Mental Exercises

Physical Exercises

Sleep

Learning methods

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Mental Exercises

• Your brain is in charge of your mental processes, so one needs to

keep it healthy.
• Learn something new: By learning new things, you create new
connections in the brain.
• Difficult: If a task is too easy, your brain does not get challenged.
By being challenged, you strain your brain and strengthen it.
• Reward yourself: By rewarding yourself, your brain keeps its
interest and is more inclined to continue on.

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Memory

Physical Exercise

• Your Brain is a part of your body, a

muscle. In order for it to stay fit, one
needs to stay fit as well.
• Aerobic Exercise: Oxygen is important
to your vital organs and keeps your
blood moving. Having more blood
circulate to your brain keeps it healthy.
• Exercise breaks: Having small breaks of
physical activity can help move past
mental fatigue and barriers.

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Sleep

• The amount of sleep one gets affect’s their brains and how much
one can memorize.
• Reduce Caffeine Intake: Caffeine has properties to keep one
awake for longer periods of time
• Avoid Blue Light before sleeping: Blue Light can strain a person’s
eyes and cause headaches if exposed to a person’s eyes for long
periods of time.
• Make a Sleep Schedule: By having a regulated routine for sleep, it
creates structure for your body to get ample rest.

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Memorization Techniques

• By creating methods for easier memorization, you are able to

store more in your memory.
• Mnemonic devices: Alternate ways to encode information. For
example, Acronyms and Chunking.
• Relate the information: By relating new information with ones you
previously know, you create connections the new information to
be stored.

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Memory

Now You Try

• How are some of the ways you as a student can improve your
memory using the provided information.
• Example: I can start sleeping at 10PM so I can get the ample
amount of sleep for the day.

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Wrap Up

• Compare and contrast the different memory disorders listed.

• Why is there is a process for memory to be encoded?

• What are some mnemonics easier to use for some people than
others?

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