Harold Dexter R.

Ediza
AB – Psychology
PYM102 – Psychology

Module II, Lesson 1B Assessment:

1. What are some important things we need to know about long-term memory?
2. How does explicit and implicit long-term memory work?
3. How does long-term memory change?
4. Explain this statement: “Memories are not set in stone.”

Answers:

1. Long-term memory refers to the transfer of information from short-term memory into long-term
storage in order to create enduring memories. This type of memory is unlimited in capacity and
stable – lasting for years or even a lifetime. Long term memory is important because it helps us
recall major events in our lives. We also use long-term memory to access the skills and behaviors
that we've learned which contribute to our survival. Through the process of association and
rehearsal, the content of short-term memory can become long-term memory. Long-term memories
can last from a matter of days to as long as many decades. There are a number of factors that can
influence how long information endures in long-term memory:
A. The way the memory was encoded in the first place can play a significant role. If you were very
aware and alert when you had the experience, then the memory will probably be a lot more
vivid.
B. The number of times you access a memory can also play a role in the strength and duration of
that memory. Not surprisingly, memories that you recall often tend to stick around and become
much stronger.

2. How Explicit Memory Works:

A. Encoding – during encoding, information is processed and transformed into a format suitable
for long-term storage. Semantic information might be encoded through associations and
connections with existing knowledge. Episodic memories are encoded by integrating sensory
information and emotional context.
B. Storage – the encoded information is stored in different brain regions, including the
hippocampus (important for forming new memories) and the neocortex (where memories
become more long-term).
C. Retrieval – when you consciously try to recall specific facts or events, your brain retrieves the
relevant information from these storage areas. Retrieval cues, such as contextual details or
related concepts, can aid in the retrieval process.

How Implicit Memory Works:

A. Learning through Repetition – Implicit memory is often developed through repeated exposure
or practice. Repeating an action or encountering a stimulus multiple times leads to the
formation of implicit memories.
B. Procedural Learning – procedural memories are formed through practicing specific actions and
behaviors. As you repeatedly perform a skill, the associated neural pathways become more
efficient, making the behavior automatic.
C. Unconscious Activation – Implicit memories can influence your behavior and responses without
your conscious awareness. These memories are typically formed without the intention to
remember.
3. Studies suggest that memories are not saved in a static state, then pulled up with perfect clarity.
Instead, researchers have found that memories are transformed or changed every single time they
are accessed. Neurons first encode memories in the cortex and hippocampus. Each time a memory
is recalled, it is then re-encoded by a similar, but not identical, set of neurons. Accessing memories
often helps make them stronger, yet the research has found that this re-encoding can have an
impact on how the information is remembered.3 Subtle details may change, and certain aspects of
the memory may be strengthened, weakened, or even lost altogether depending on which neurons
are activated.

4. The statement "Memories are not set in stone" means that memories are not fixed or
unchangeable entities. Instead, they are malleable and subject to modification, distortion, and
reinterpretation over time. When we retrieve a memory, we are not simply replaying a stored
video-like recording. Instead, our brain reconstructs the memory based on available cues,
emotions, and context. This reconstruction can lead to alterations in the memory, as our current
perspective and feelings can influence how we remember past events. Over time, memories can
fade or become influenced by other memories. The more memories you accumulate, the greater
the potential for interference, leading to changes in memory content. In essence, the human
memory system is complex and subject to various cognitive, emotional, and neurological influences
that can reshape and modify our recollections. This dynamic nature of memory means that our
understanding of past events can evolve and that memory is not a static, unchanging record but
rather a fluid and reconstructive process.