Memory

Chapter 7:

Memory

Scientists found that a fetus will remember and respond to acoustic signals delivered

up to 24 hours apart at about 30 weeks after conception. Theoretically, it's even possible for humans to form memories

from inside the womb.

Your long term memory can Your long term memory can store up to one quadrillion store up to one quadrillion bits of information over the bits of information over the course of your life, more course of your life, more than all the printed material than all the printed material in the library of Congress!in the library of Congress!

Stages of Memory• Memory systems

act like a computer with:– Encoding

• Converting information into a useable form

• Typing data into a computer

– Storage• Holding this information

in memory for later use

– Retrieval: Taking memories out of storage

On average, a man’s brain is 8-10% larger than a woman’s. However, female brains tend to have more nerve cells and cellular connections, allowing for more efficient and effective brain functionality.

Studies show an improved ability to Studies show an improved ability to recognize visual patterns and even recognize visual patterns and even some math problems after one good some math problems after one good night sleep. Many believe our brains night sleep. Many believe our brains "consolidate" or solidify recent "consolidate" or solidify recent memories while we're asleep.memories while we're asleep.

Neuron loss starts to ramp up after 30. Neuron loss starts to ramp up after 30. Between the ages of 25 and 75, it's Between the ages of 25 and 75, it's believed that our ability to learn and believed that our ability to learn and remember new things decreases by 50%.remember new things decreases by 50%.

Blueberries contain a known memory-Blueberries contain a known memory-boosting phytochemical called boosting phytochemical called anthocyanin and other nutrients that may anthocyanin and other nutrients that may help support memory.help support memory.

Stages of MemoryStages of Memory• Short-Term Short-Term

Memory (STM)Memory (STM) – Working MemoryWorking Memory

• Another name for Another name for STMSTM

• like a mental like a mental “scratchpad”“scratchpad”

• especially used for especially used for thinking and problem thinking and problem solvingsolving

Memories recalled from scent are thought to Memories recalled from scent are thought to have a stronger emotional connection and have a stronger emotional connection and can appear to be more intense than can appear to be more intense than memories brought on by other senses.memories brought on by other senses.

Short-Term MemoryShort-Term Memory• Digit SpanDigit Span

– Test of attention and short-term memory

– String of numbers is recalled forward or backward

– Typically part of intelligence tests

• Magic Number 7+/-2:Magic Number 7+/-2: – STM is limited to

holding seven (plus or minus two) information bits at once

The conscious brain is capable of The conscious brain is capable of generating anywhere from 10 watts to generating anywhere from 10 watts to about 25 watts of power - just enough about 25 watts of power - just enough to power a light bulb.to power a light bulb.

• Believe it or not, this is true! Sitting up straight allows more oxygen to reach your brain and looking upward helps to access the "thinking" part of your brain.