Memory, etc. Ch. 14-4

Limbic System Plays a role in emotions Includes olfactory lobes – memory, emotion, and smell are linked Crayolas are created today with the same scent because it reminds people of their happy times in childhood. Why is the brain formed so that smell and emotions are tied together? Because pheromones are tied to emotions and behavior, so they need a link

Memory Old method – short-term, long-term New method – based on process for storage and retrieval Episodic Semantic Procedural Working

Episodic Memory Think of something that happened yesterday. Involved in remembering personal experiences, such as a phone conversation you had yesterday or the movie you watched last week Challenge: Do you remember the first Harry Potter movie? What was the story? How many details do you remember?

Semantic Memory Think of a fact that you know to be true. Manages the storage and retrieval of general knowledge of facts, such as the number of days in a year or the colors in a rainbow. Naming objects is semantic memory Challenge: Where do kangaroos live? What actor played Joker in the last Batman movie? What is this thing?

Procedural Memory Describe to a partner how to tie a shoe. Allows us to learn activities and skills that will be performed automatically with little or no conscious though. Examples are riding a bike or driving a car. Challenge: How do you use a can opener?

Working Memory Stand up Spin around one time clockwise Pick up your pencil Write your name backwards Sit down Concentration and short-term retention Problems here can impair a person’s ability to pay attention or accomplish multi-step tasks. Challenge: What do you need to get done tonight when you get home? Were you able to follow the directions?

Damage and Injuries To medulla oblongata Blow to back of head can lead to death Disrupts rhythm of breathing and heart beating To cerebellum (injury or disease) Ataxia – disrupts muscle coordination Can’t touch tip of nose when blindfolded Staggered walking, change in speech pattern Like being drunk – alcohol inhibits ability of cerebellum

Brain Waves Electrical signals produced by brain neurons sending action potentials 4 types of brain waves Alpha – present during awake and resting with their eyes closed – disappear during sleep Beta – appear when nervous system is active during sensory input and mental activity Theta – occur in children and adults during emotional stress Delta – during deep sleep in adults, normal in awake infants When produced by awake adult it indicates brain damage

Brain Waves