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Memory/Learning
What is Learning ? It is a process of aquiring(gaining) something new in you except those aquired by intaking food. Those new things include new understanding, new knowldge,new skills etc. So gaining weight is not learnng since it is mainly associating with intaking too much or too bad foods :).
What is Memory? Memory is a process (or ability) to store new information in somewhere in your body(mostly in brain) and retrieve(recall) it whenever you want/need.
These are a little bit dry definition. Everybody would have their own definition of learning and memory. Even though you may not be able to express it clearly in words, you may have some intuition about Learning/Memory. Whatever intuition you have, it is likely that you would have correct understanding to some degree mainly because we all go through these processes all the time.
NOTE : If you are reading this just as an hobbiest and at entry level, don't try to read all of them, get overwhelemed and lose interest. Just try with Types of Memory, Big Picture ,Milestonic Research and you can go further only if you are more interested.
For most of us who has never studied about memory seriously, we may think memory is just memory (storing and recalling). There wouldn't be much classification. But in academia, there are many different types of learning starting from two or three categories and braching out to many different sub categories as illustrated below. You may easily find this kind of diagram just from googling
and you may notice a lot of variations of them. I tried to put as many detailed information as possible in a single diagram. It may be a little confusing and daunting at first glance. You don't need to try to memorize all these diagram. Just use this as a cheatsheet whenever you read some articles or watch lectures and come across any vacabulary about memory types that you don't understand.
This diagram is not just drawn to make it look fancy. Each of the group and branching has its own neurological background. It means to completely understand (not just memorize) this diagram would require a lot of study. So don't warry if you don't understand all of these for now and don't try to understand at once. Just try to get familiar with this classification whenever you read /
watch related documents/lectures.
If you are completely new to this area, just start from very simple thing like.. there are three types of memory 'Short Term', 'Long Term' and 'Sensory' memory. If you want even simpler one, just remember 'Short Term' and 'Long Term'.
Short-term memory : This refers to the temporary storage of information that is being actively used, such as a phone number that you are dialing or a grocery list that you are trying to remember. It has a limited capacity and information is held for a short duration of time, usually for about 20-30 seconds.
Short-term memory is like your brain's sticky note, it holds information that you're currently using, like a phone number you just looked up or a list of things you need to buy at the store. It's not stored for very long though, usually only for a minute or two
Long-term memory : This is the more permanent storage of information, such as memories of past events or learned knowledge. It has a much larger capacity and can store information for a longer period of time, sometimes for a lifetime
Long-term memory is like your brain's file cabinet, it holds information that you need to keep for a while, like memories of your childhood or facts you've learned in school. This type of memory can last a lifetime
Declarative Memory: This is the type of memory that we can 'declare'. The word 'declare' in this context is to 'say' or 'talk about' or 'verbalize'. In order to say something, it should be 'explicit'. It refers to the memory about the facts or events that we learned or experienced. Most of things that learn from school (e.g, scientic facts or historical events etc) belongs to declaritive memory. There are also a few different
variations
(subtype) in declarative memory as listed below.
- Episodic Memory: Type of memory for personal events or experience in your daily life. I think the type of memory that most frequently researched or utilized in memory research is Episodic memory. Some typical examples of epsodic memory are
- what you eat in the morning
- what you did at the school during the break after the math class yesterday
- Autobiographical Memory : This is a memory about specific events that you experienced personally in the past. It is the history about self. Some examples of Autobiographical memories are
- When did you get married ? (Wedding date)
- When was your first child was born ?
- Which elementary school/ High School or University you went to ?
- Semantic Memory : Type of memory for rote facts or general knowledge. This is the memory about meaning and more conceptual. Some example of Semantic Memory are as follows (from How Semantic Memory Works)
- Recalling that Washington, D.C., is the U.S. capital and Washington is a state.
- Recalling that April 1564 is the date on which Shakespeare was born.
- Recalling the type of food people in ancient Egypt used to eat.
- Knowing that elephants and giraffes are both mammals.
Non-Declarative Memory: This is nonconcious memory that cannot(is hard to) be verbally described. It is procedural memory like muscle memory.
- Procedural memory:memory for how to perform a specific task or activity, such as riding a bike or playing an instrument. Followings are examples of Procedural Memory.
- Riding a bike: Once you learn how to ride a bike, it becomes a procedural memory that you don't need to consciously think about in order to perform. You can just get on the bike and ride without consciously remembering every detail of how to balance, pedal, steer, etc.
- Typing on a keyboard: Most people who type regularly have developed procedural memories for where the keys are located and which fingers to use for each key. This allows them to type quickly and accurately without needing to consciously think about each keystroke.
- Playing an instrument: Learning to play an instrument involves developing a number of procedural memories, including how to hold the instrument, how to produce specific sounds, and how to read music. As with bike riding and typing, these procedural memories become automatic with practice.
- Driving a car: Similar to riding a bike, once you learn how to drive a car, it becomes a procedural memory that you can perform without needing to consciously think about every detail of how to operate the vehicle.
- Tying shoelaces: For many people, tying shoelaces is a procedural memory that they can do without thinking about it. They just know the steps and the hand movements required to tie the laces.
NOTE : You said that Non-declarative memory cannot be(hard to be) described verbally. But we can describe (i.e, describe verbally) the procedure of Rding a bike, playing an instrument etc in step by step and in very detail. Why this kind of things (e.g, Riding a bike, Playing an instrument etc) is classified as Non-declaritive memory ?
Good Question. I understand you may be puzzled. However, It's important to note that procedural memory is still considered a form of non-declarative memory, because it involves the learning and retention of motor skills and procedures through repeated practice and experience. While you may be able to describe the steps involved in riding a bike or playing an instrument, the ability to actually perform those actions is largely based on procedural memory that is not consciously accessible
or expressible.
To clarify further, declarative memory involves the ability to consciously recall and describe facts and events, while non-declarative memory involves the ability to perform skills and behaviors without conscious awareness or verbal description. Procedural memory falls into the latter category because it is a form of learning and memory that is expressed through performance, rather than verbal or conscious recall.
- Conditioning:the learned association between two stimuli, such as the conditioned response to a specific sound or smell. It is a type of learning in which a neutral stimulus (such as a tone or a light) is repeatedly paired with an unconditioned stimulus (such as food or a shock), which naturally elicits a response (such as salivation or fear). Over time, the neutral stimulus alone can come to elicit the same response, now called
a conditioned
response. Followings are examples
- If a dog is repeatedly given food (unconditioned stimulus) after hearing a bell ring (neutral stimulus), it will eventually start to salivate (conditioned response) when it hears the bell alone, even if no food is present.
- Priming:the enhanced ability to identify or respond to a stimulus as a result of prior exposure to a related stimulus. It refers to the phenomenon where exposure to one stimulus (the prime) influences how a person responds to a subsequent stimulus (the target), even if the person is not consciously aware of the prime. There are various types and examples of Priming as follows :
- Word priming: In word priming experiments, participants are typically presented with a "prime" word and then asked to respond to a target word. For example, if the prime word is "dog," the target word might be "cat." Research has shown that if the prime and target words are semantically related (e.g., "dog" and "cat" are both animals), participants are faster to respond to the target word than if the prime and target words are unrelated.
Another example, if a person is shown a picture of a cat (the prime) and then asked to name a word that starts with the letters "c-a," they are more likely to say "cat" than if they had not been shown the picture of the cat. This is because the prime has "activated" or "primed" the concept of cats in the person's mind, making it easier to access related information.
- Brand priming: Marketers often use brand priming to influence consumer behavior. This involves exposing people to a brand or logo (the prime) before they make a purchasing decision. The idea is that the brand prime will activate positive associations and make people more likely to choose that brand or product.
- Stereotype priming: Stereotype priming occurs when exposure to a particular stereotype (the prime) influences how a person perceives or behaves toward a member of that group (the target). For example, if a person is shown a picture of a black man before being asked to rate how aggressive they think he is, they may rate him as more aggressive than if they had been shown a picture of a white man.
- Object priming: Object priming occurs when exposure to a particular object (the prime) influences how a person perceives or behaves toward a related object (the target). For example, if a person is shown a picture of a hammer, they may be more likely to identify a picture of a saw as a tool, because the prime has activated the concept of "tools" in their mind.
- Music priming: Music can also prime our behavior and emotions. For example, if you hear a fast-paced, upbeat song while you're exercising, it may increase your motivation and energy level. Similarly, if you hear a sad song while you're feeling down, it may amplify your negative emotions.
- Habituation:the decrease in response to a repeated stimulus over time.
NOTE : Conditioning vs Priming. At early study phase, the distinction between Conditioning and Priming was not that obvious to me. I think the distinction would get clearer as you see more example cases.
NOTE : For most of the readers including me, Declaritive Memory would be the major interest. I think the reason would be because many people think the declarative memory is something that can add competitive value (e.g, maintaining good memory related to your experties or getting better scores in exams
etc) and declarative memory is something we can explain verbally. However I think non-declaritive memory would be more vital to maintain our life itself. Probably becaue of this (probably not), I find much more text or video on internet about declarative memory much more easily comparing to non-declarative memory.
Even though huge amount of researches has been done about the mechanisms of memory, there are a lot of details which are unknown. However we have seen conginous progress on the researches exploring the further and further details of the meachnism. I will try to consolidate a few well known/widely accepted facts about memory mechanism in this section.
The most common explanation about how memory works can be illustrated as follows. You may see a diagram similar to this in almost every lectures and text book about memory mechanism. I remember I first saw this diagram in almost 30 years ago when I first read the books about this topic and I am seeing the same diagram in the text / video posted even now.
Would you try to verbalize this diagram in your own words ? You may add some additional details of your own which are not shown in this diagram when you convert this diagram into your own words. This is my version.
- there are roughly 3 types of memory : Sensory Register, Short Term Memory, Long Term memory, but in most textbook/lectures Short Term Memory and Long Term Memory would be the major topics to deal with. (NOTE : You may heard of other type of
memory called 'Working Memory' which is not mentioned in this diagram. 'Working Memory' is a type of 'Short term memory'. It is the type of short term memory being used while you are doing some operation/manipulation of the memorized items. For example, if you are doing a math operation 3 + 5 + 10 + 7 in your brain, first you need to memorize all the individual numbers in your brain while you are doing the operation. This kind of memory being stored in the operational area (executive area) of the brain for short
term is called 'Working Memory).
- Objects first gets into our brain through various sensory inputs. Once those objects passes through the sensory input, it is tempariliy store in a very short term memory called 'Sensory Register'. The duration for those items to stay in the Sensory Register varies depending on the type of sensory input. For example, Visual inputs are stored in less than a seconds and Auditory input
stays a little bit loger (e.g, several seconds).
- The items in Sensory Register are transferred to Short Term Memory and stay there for some time. Those are staying in the short term memory just around 30 seconds.
- The maximum number of items that can be stored in the short term memory is 5~9 (7 +/- 2). This number is not the count of the individual items. It is the number of groups of individual items called chunks. For example, suppose that you remember numbers in short term memory. Try to rememer each of this number : 4-8-3-9-2-3-5-0-1-9-8-7-6-3. It may be difficult to memorize
all of these numbers (14 of one digit number) individually because the counts of the item you have to memorize is much greater than 7. But it may be possible to memorize if you group the number like this : 48-39-23-50-19-87-63. In this case, you just need to memorize 7 of two digit numbers.
- The items in Short Term Memory are transferred to Long Term Memory. How long those items can stay and how many of items cay be stored in the long term memory is theoretically limitless, but it varies depending on situation and person.
- The iterms does not transfer automatically from one type of memory to another type memory. We need some effort to transfer those iterms to another type of memory. For example, in order to transfer items from Sensorty register to short term memory, we need to pay attention to those items. In order to transfer items from Short Term memory to Long term memory, you need to do a lot of
rehearsal (repetition) and make efforst to maintain proper condition for memory consolidation (e.g, having enough sleep etc).
NOTE : Consolidation is a process that stablize a memory for long term storage. It can take days, months, years and the stronger memory is developed over time with the repeated use of the memory.
I think most of terminologies in above diagram (like Encoding, Storage, Retrieval) may sound familiar, but the term 'Consolidation' may not sound that familiar in this context. I think I'd better explain a little bit further on this terminology. It is important to get a good understanding on this concept because this would be one of the most frequent terms that you may come across when you read documents about memory process.
Consolidation is the process by which short-term memories are transformed into long-term memories. It's the process that allows us to remember something for more than just a few seconds. There are two types of consolidation: synaptic consolidation and systems consolidation.
so consolidation is like the bridge that connects short-term memory to long-term memory. It's the process that helps us remember something for more than just a few seconds. There are two types of consolidation: synaptic and systems.
Synaptic consolidation is the process that occurs within minutes to hours after an experience. It's the strengthening of the connections between neurons that store the memory. This happens when the neurons that were active during the experience start communicating with each other more often.
Synaptic consolidation happens pretty quickly, within minutes or hours after an experience. It's like when you first learn something new and it sticks in your head for a little while. It's the process that makes the connections between the brain cells stronger that hold the memory
Systems consolidation is the process that occurs over a period of days to weeks after an experience. It's the transfer of memories from the hippocampus, which is the temporary storage area in the brain, to the neocortex, which is the more permanent storage area. This process is thought to be the reason why memories that were once vivid and easily accessible can become less so over time.
Systems consolidation takes a little longer, like days or weeks after an experience. It's like when you learn something new and it stays with you for a long time. It's the process of moving the memory from a temporary storage area in the brain to a more permanent one. This is why sometimes you might not remember something as clearly as you did when it first happened.
Both these processes are important in order for the information to be stored and retrieved from long-term memory. Sleep is also important for consolidation, as memories are better consolidated when encoded during wakefulness and consolidated during sleep.
NOTE : Difference between Storage and Consolidation
The terms "storage" and "consolidation" are often used interchangeably in the context of memory, but they do refer to slightly different things.
Storage is the process of retaining information in the brain for later retrieval. Information can be stored in the brain in many different forms and in many different areas, depending on the type and duration of the memory.
Consolidation, on the other hand, is the process of strengthening and stabilizing memories so that they can be stored in the long-term memory. It's the process that allows a memory to be retained over time. Consolidation is a process that occurs after the information has been stored and it is mainly focused on the transfer of memories from short-term to long-term memory and it is also responsible for the integration of memories with already existing knowledge.
So, in summary, storage is the initial process of retaining information, while consolidation is the process of strengthening and stabilizing memories so that they can be retained over time.
The diagram shown above is very simple and widely used, but it shows purely sequential process and does not show anything about the brain part (location) that are involved in the process.
Convert the simple diagram shown above into another type of diagram mapping onto brain structure, it can be illustrated as below.
NOTE : The part labed as Sensory Cortex is over simplified. Actually this part can be viewed on the cortex of the whole brain, but I just simplified as a single imaginary block to simplify the overall diagram.
NOTE : As you know, the part labeled as Hippocampus is supposed to be at the center of the brain, not out side of the brain. But I put it outside of the brain just to make the part visible clearly.
I would suggest you to read (verbalize) this illustration in your own words. Here goes my version.
Step 1 :
Various stimulus comes in through sensory organs (e.g, eyes, ears, nose, tungue, skin etc) and those stimuli are first processed by Sensory Cortex.
Step 2 :
Those information processed by Sensory Cortex is transferred to Hippocampus (if the information gets a certain level of attention).
Step 3 : At Hippocampus, those information is encoded (converted) into short term memory. And some of the short term memory will be transferred to cortex (Prefrontal Cortex).
Step 4 : Prefrontal Cortex distribute the information to various other cortext area for being stored as permanent memory (long term memory). The final destination would vary depending on the nature of the memory contents.
OK.. I think I got the big picture of the location of the memory. It would be stored in hippocampus for a short period time and transferred to cortex area as permanent memory (in this case, meaning very long term, not meaning 'unforgettable memory). But the answer is not clear if I ask 'exactly where in the brain a certain memory is stored ?' I don't think there is any definite answer for this yet. so I am just trying to put brief description of various thoeries along the history of neuroscience.
Here it goes :
- Tabula Rasa (Blank Slate): In the 17th century, philosopher John Locke proposed that the mind starts as a blank slate, and memories and knowledge are acquired through experience. This theory didn't specify a physical location for memory storage.
- Equipotentiality: In the early 20th century, psychologists proposed the theory of equipotentiality. After conducting experiments on rats, he concluded that memory isn't stored in a single location but is instead distributed throughout the brain. He found that no single area of the brain was crucial for memory and learning.
- Localization of Function: The mid-20th century saw a shift towards the idea of localization of function, which suggests that specific types of memory are associated with specific regions of the brain. This was supported by cases like patient H.M., who lost the ability to form new long-term memories after his hippocampus was removed, suggesting that this area of the brain plays a crucial role in memory formation.
- Cellular Memory Storage: In the 1940s, psychologist proposed that memories are stored in the connections between neurons, known as synapses. This theory, known as Hebbian theory, suggests that when two neurons are activated at the same time, the synapse between them strengthens. This is often summarized as "cells that fire together, wire together."
- Engram Theory: The term "engram" was first used by psychologists in the early 20th century to refer to the physical trace of a memory in the brain. This concept was expanded upon in the 1940s and 1950s by scientists like Karl Lashley and Donald Hebb. Modern engram theory suggests that specific groups of neurons, or engrams, are responsible for individual memories.
- Modern Research: Modern research has provided further support for the engram theory. Techniques like optogenetics and advanced imaging have allowed scientists to identify and manipulate specific groups of neurons associated with particular memories. Some research has also identified "concept cells" or "Jennifer Aniston neurons" that respond to very specific stimuli.
Before talking about how long term memory transfer from Hippocampus to Cortex, are we sure that the memory transfrom the hippocampus to cortex ? There are some researches strongly showing it is the case and following is an example.
In this research, a same memory test was performed for a long period of time (90 days) and the brain activity was investigated over the period.
As shown in the plot (a) and (b), the activity of Hippocampus decreases over time (b) whereas the activity of a spot in freprotal area (ventral medial prefrontal region) increases over the same period of time. This is interpreted as the memory transfers from Hippocampus to Prefrontal area.
Image Source : Declarative memory consolidation in humans: A prospective functional magnetic resonance imaging study
Even though it is relatively well known that the short term to long term memory conversion happens in Hippocampus and eventually will be stored in cortex area, there still be a lot of mysteries on how exactly this conversion and storage at the final destination happens. I think most of the explanation on this process would be based on hypothesis. One of the hypothesis that caught my attention
is as follows.
NOTE : This hyponthsis does not have full scope of memory. It is restricted to a specific type of memory, which declaritive memory obtained from visual input.
Image Source : Modified from Memory Consolidation: Tracking Transfer with Functional Connectivity
Step [A] : At the first stages of long term memory (memory consolidation), all of the neocrtex are (FFA, PPC, Early Visual Corbext) has connected to Hippocampus, but does not have strong connections among themselves. At this stage, Hippocampus should be involved in every consolidation and retrieval
process.
Step [B] : During the 24 hours (observed in the paper), the direct connection between cortex area (connection between FFA and PPC/Visual cortex in this case) gets stronger and the connection between Hippocampus and cortex area getting weaker.
Step [C] : After 24 hours (the number 24 is just the number checked in the proposed papers, it would vary depending on situation and nature of the memory), the connection between Hippocampus and cortex are gets very week (or disappear) and the connection among every part of cortex area are formed. At this
stage, memory consolidation and retrial may not get Hippocampus involved. ==> This may explain about the reason why the person who got damaged in Hippocampus can still recall the memory that are formed long time ago.
Yes, there are modifications that can occur during the transfer of memories from the hippocampus to the cortex. This process is not just a simple transfer of information, but it's also an opportunity for the memory to be reshaped. In other words, When a memory moves from the hippocampus to the cortex, it can change a bit. This process is not like moving a box from one place to another. Instead, it's more like retelling a story.
Strengthening and weakening of connections between neurons(Making connections stronger or weaker): The original memory in the hippocampus is formed by a specific pattern of connections between neurons. As this memory is replayed and transferred to the cortex, these connections can be strengthened (if they're part of the memory) or weakened (if they're not part of the memory). For example, Imagine your memory as a web. Each point in the web is something you remember,
and each
line that connects the points is how those memories relate to each other. When you remember something, the lines in your memory-web can become stronger or weaker. The lines get stronger for the important things and weaker for the less important things.
Memories can be integrated with other related memories(Adding new information to old memories): If you learn a new fact about a topic you're already familiar with, the new information can be integrated with the existing memory of that topic in the cortex. This can result in the new memory becoming part of a larger "network" of related memories. In other words, sometimes, new memories can join with old ones. For example, if you already know a lot
about dogs
and then you learn something new about dogs, your brain might add this new information to your old dog memories.
Memory Modification(Changing details): It's also possible for memories to be modified in ways that aren't entirely accurate. For instance, the process of remembering can itself change the memory, a phenomenon known as reconsolidation. When a memory is recalled, it becomes temporarily malleable and can be updated before being stored again. This is one reason why people's memories of events can change over time or be influenced by suggestion. In short, sometimes,
the act
of remembering can change the memory itself. This is why two people might remember the same event differently.
Emotional Intensity Changes(Changing emotions): The emotional intensity of a memory can change during consolidation. Emotionally charged memories (especially fearful or traumatic ones) are often remembered more vividly and can be subject to modifications during the transfer and reconsolidation processes. For example, a scary memory might become less scary over time.
There is a specific indicator that indirectly shows activiity of mammalian hippocampus, which is called Sharp Wave and Riiples (SWR). As the name implies, SWR is made up of two part : Sharp part and Ripple part. Sharp waves are large, synchronized bursts of electrical activity that typically occur at a frequency of around 100-200 Hz. Ripples, on the other hand, are smaller, more synchronized bursts of activity that occur at a higher frequency of around 200-500 Hz
SWR is A specific type of brain wave (a sharp wave followed by ripples) observed when Hippocampus is performing a specific task
- SWR is produced by exteremly synchronized activity of neuron in the mammalian hippocompus and neighbouring regions
- SWR is generated by tens of thousands of neurons firing together within 30~100 ms window
- SWR is considered as an biomarker (indicator) of memory process
- Hippocampal spiking during SWRs can represent past or potential future experience
- SWR-related interventions can alter subsequent memory performance
- It is suggested that SWRs support both memory consolidation and memory retrieval for processes such as decision-making
- It is also suggested that different SWR types correspond to different cognitive functions, such as retrieval and consolidation
Image Source : Hippocampal Sharp Wave-Ripple: A Cognitive Biomarker for Episodic Memory and Planning
SWR primarily occur during sleep and are believed to play a role in the consolidation of new memories. The hippocampus replays the memories during the SWR, this replay process is thought to strengthen the memory and to facilitate the transfer of the memories from the hippocampus to the neocortex for long-term storage.
SWR also occurs during wakefulness, but is more frequent and of higher amplitude during sleep. The exact mechanisms behind SWR are still not fully understood, but research suggests that it is important for the formation and consolidation of memories and other cognitive processes.
SWR occur primarily during non-REM (NREM) stage 2 sleep. They are brief, high-frequency oscillations that occur in the hippocampus, a region of the brain important for memory formation.
During NREM stage 2, the brain is in a state of relative quietness with moderate activity, this state is known as sleep spindles, and it's also during this stage that SWR occur. SWR events are often accompanied by sleep spindles, which are bursts of activity in the 12-15 Hz range, and K-complexes, which are high amplitude, short duration waves.
NOTE : Refer to the note on Sleep cycle, if you want to get further details on Sleep cycle.
When learning happens, what exactly happens in the brain ? Roughly speaking, two stages of changes occurs
In short term : Major changes in Brain cells at the early stages of learning, most of the changes happens with the chemical properties of synapse in such a way that the synaptic connection gets stronger. How the synaptic connection gets stronger ? Typical mechanism goes as follows.
- Increase the activity of Ion Channels (e.g, Calcium channel) at the presynaptic end
- Increase the fusion of neurotransmitter veisicle to cell membrane ==> increase the release of neurotransmitter
- Increase the sensitivity for a neurotransmitter at the post synaptic end.
NOTE : In most case, these process is triggered by a certain type of protein (enzyme). So if we block the protein synthensis, these process is blocked or greatly reduced.
In Long term : If the stimulus that caused the short term changes repeats (continues) for longer period, more fundamental (long lasting) changes happens in brain cell. Typical changes are new growth of exon terminal and those newly generated axon terminal forms more number of synaptic
connection with neighbouring cell (neuron).
NOTE : This kind of structural (anatomical change) is triggered by the expression of a certain gene that eventually lead to the generation of new axon terminal.
This kind of changes in neurons in nerve system is called Neuroplaciticity. That is, you can say the learning (or memory) is engraved in the brain by the mechanism called Neuroplacticity. Not all neuroplaciticity is related to learning, but all of the learning process is associated with a certain type of neuroplacticity.
NOTE :: The concept and mechanism of neuroplaciticity is a huge topic. So I wrote a separate page for neuroplaciticity. If you are interested (motivated enough) for the cellular and molecular mechanism of memory/learning, I would suggest you to go through the note Neuroplaciticity.
The best way is to excersize memory rehearsal. Memory rehearsal is a cognitive process in which information is repeated or reviewed in order to strengthen the memory and prevent forgetting. It serves as a way to encode information more deeply into long-term memory. This technique can involve rote repetition, such as repeating a phone number, or more complex processes like relating new information to existing knowledge
Memory rehearsal can be practiced and improved through several well-established methods. Here are some of the best ways to reinforce memory:
- Spaced Repetition: This technique involves repeating the information at increasing intervals over time. You might review something a few minutes after first learning it, then a few hours later, then a day later, and so on. This strategy is particularly effective for long-term retention.
- Interleaved Practice: Mix or alternate different types of information or skills during your study or practice sessions, rather than focusing on one thing at a time. This approach forces your brain to continuously retrieve information, which can lead to stronger, more flexible memories.
- Elaborative Rehearsal: Instead of rote repetition, try to relate new information to something you already know. This could be through finding similarities, creating metaphors, or building a "story" that connects the pieces of information.
- Self-Testing or Retrieval Practice: Regularly testing yourself on the material you've learned can be a powerful way to reinforce your memory. This can be done through flashcards, practice problems, or mock exams.
- Visual Imagery: Create vivid mental images to help remember information. This can be especially useful for more abstract concepts.
- Teaching Others: If you can teach the information to someone else, it not only demonstrates your understanding but also helps to cement the knowledge in your own mind.
- Mnemonics: Use mnemonic devices to make the information more memorable. This could be an acronym, a rhyme, or a visual image.
- Active Note Taking: Simply rewriting or summarizing the information in your own words can help solidify your understanding and memory.
- Mind Maps: These can help by visually organizing the information, showing the relationship between different pieces of information.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and good nutrition all play a crucial role in memory and overall brain health.
Watching videos or YouTube tutorials on the related topics can be a very effective way to learn and reinforce information, particularly for visual or auditory learners. Why these videos can be helpful ?
- Multimodal Learning: Videos often incorporate text, images, sound, and sometimes even interactive elements. This multi-sensory engagement can help to reinforce memory and understanding.
- Visual Explanations: Complex concepts can often be made more understandable through diagrams, animations, or other visual demonstrations that wouldn't be possible with text alone.
- Pace Control: Videos can be paused, rewound, or rewatched as many times as necessary, allowing you to learn at your own pace.
- Variety of Perspectives: The sheer amount of content available online means that if one explanation or presentation style doesn't work for you, there are likely many others that might.
- Passionate Educators: Watching someone who is enthusiastic and knowledgeable about a topic can not only make the learning process more enjoyable, but also more memorable.
However, simply watching a video is a passive form of learning. To maximize the benefit, try to engage with the material actively. Here are some strategies for doing so:
- Take Notes: Write down key points, questions, or anything you find particularly interesting or difficult to understand.
- Pause and Reflect: Regularly pause the video to think about what you've just learned. Try to summarize it in your own words or think of examples or applications.
- Discuss or Teach: Talk about the video with a friend or try to explain the content to someone else.
- Interleave with Other Activities: Don't just watch videos; mix it up with reading, practice problems, flashcards, etc.
- Test Yourself: After watching a video, try to recall the main points without referring back to it.
- Apply What You Learn: If possible, put the new knowledge into practice. This could be through exercises, projects, or real-world applications.
- Follow Up: After some time has passed, review the material or watch the video again to reinforce your memory.
NOTE : Using video can definitely help with memory solidification and learning, but if you just relay on the video without making any active efforts, that learning/memory would not stay long. Check out this note for the discussion about this aspect.
It would be considered as common sense (or general tendency) that we would memorize better if we make a lot of repetition. It may be everybody's wish (at least, almost everybody's wish) to memorize anything without any repetition.
Is it true that every memory requires a lot of repetition ?
The simple answer is 'Not necessarily'. Repetition can be an effective way to enhance memory retention for some types of information, but a certain type of memory would require much less repetition or just single exposure/experience in some cases.
Followings are some of the memory types that can be obtained with minimum repetition (or no repetition).
- Flashbulb memory: This type of memory refers to a vivid and highly detailed recollection of a specific event or experience that was emotionally significant or traumatic. Flashbulb memories can be formed after just a single exposure to the event, without any repetition.
- Traumatic memories: Similar to flashbulb memories, traumatic memories can be formed after a single traumatic event, such as a car accident or assault. These memories can be vivid and long-lasting, even without repetition.
NOTE : it would be general tendanct that episodic memory can be acquired and retained with relatively few repetitions, especially when the events being remembered are personally meaningful or emotionally significant. This is because episodic memory is closely tied to personal experiences and is often supported by strong emotional reactions that can help to consolidate the memory. Flashbulb memory and Traumatic memory would also belong to a category of episodic memory.
Learning about places and Spatial Navigation involves several different types of special cells called Place cell, Head Direction cell, Grid cells which are located in Hipocampus and right outside region of the hipocampus. Before you read this section, I would suggest you to get familiar with the general functionalities of those special cells and basic anatomy of Hipocampus.
The major players (type of cells) involved in Place reconginition and Navigation is illustrated below.
Image Source : Grid Cells (Episode 14) @1:56
Overall concept of interplay among those special cells to learn things about place and direction can be summarized as below.
- Information from the environment, such as visual, auditory, and olfactory cues, is first processed by sensory systems and sent to the entorhinal cortex.Grid cells in the entorhinal cortex use this information to generate a spatial representation of the environment. The hexagonal grid pattern formed by grid cells helps track relative positions and distances, providing a metric system for the cognitive map.
- Head direction cells receive input from various sensory systems, including the vestibular system, which is responsible for maintaining balance and detecting changes in head orientation. These cells also receive information from the entorhinal cortex, which helps to maintain a stable internal compass. Head direction cells encode the animal's directional heading, integrating self-motion cues and sensory information to update the animal's orientation.
- Place cells in the hippocampus receive input from both grid cells and head direction cells, combining spatial and directional information to encode specific locations in the environment. The firing patterns of place cells create a neural representation of the environment, with each cell responding to a unique location.
- This interconnected network allows for dynamic information flow and integration. For example, as an animal moves, its grid cells update its position relative to the environment, while head direction cells maintain its orientation. This information is sent to the hippocampus, where place cells update their firing patterns to reflect the animal's current location.
- Additionally, the hippocampus communicates with the entorhinal cortex, allowing for the consolidation and retrieval of spatial memories. The interplay of these cells enables animals to learn, navigate, and orient themselves in their environment, forming and updating cognitive maps as they explore and encounter new spaces.
Special Neurons related to space and direction and cognitive map based on the information flow among them is summarized in illustration as shown below.
Image Source : How Your Brain Organizes Information @ 21:01
Brain’s Positioning System Linked to Memory states :
- grid cells form an internal positioning system, and place cells use that information along with other cues to create a sense of place. Together, they create a rich map
- Grid cells can function in complete darkness, absent any visual cues. “This must reflect some internal brain dynamics that are in some sense independent of external sensory input,”
- Scientists have also used place cells to learn more about memory. As a rat runs through a maze, a particular sequence of place cells fire. The sequence replays after the rat goes to sleep; researchers think that this replay helps to transfer the rat’s memory of the maze from the hippocampus into long-term storage
- The rat will replay the same pattern when it is in the maze again and needs to make a decision about where to go next. This may indicate that the rat is accessing memories of the maze as it mulls over the best path
Image Source : Brain’s Positioning System Linked to Memory
The details on what kind of cells and brain regions are involved and how they interplay each other is well summarized in the following diagram.
Image Source : The representation of space in the brain
As explained in previous section, place cells and grid cells were initially discovered in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex, respectively, for their roles in spatial navigation, researchers have explored their involvement in non-spatial cognitive tasks. However some of the recent studies have explored their involvement in non-spatial cognitive tasks. Followings are brief summary of Place cells and Grid cells involving in non-spatial cognitive tasks. I don't think this is firmly established
theory as of now (Apr 2023), but it is intriguing (at least to me) and worth further study.
Place Cell
- Known to be involved in episodic memory, which includes non-spatial aspects of an experience, such as the temporal order of events or the association between different elements of an event.
- Encode non-spatial information such as the context or the identity of objects in a given environment
Grid Cell
- Encode non-spatial information like time
- Grid-like representations in the human entorhinal cortex during a virtual-reality-based memory task involving both spatial and non-spatial information suggesting that grid cells might have a more general role in cognitive processes beyond spatial navigation.
- Global relational codes may be used to organize non-spatial conceptual representations and that these codes may have a hexagonal grid-like pattern when conceptual knowledge is laid out in two continuous dimensions.
- The same grid-like code used by grid cells to organize spatial representations may also be used to organize non-spatial conceptual knowledge, suggesting that the brain may use similar mechanisms for processing both spatial and non-spatial information.
As mentioned many times above, the key player of memory formation in the brain is Hippocampus. It can never be overemphsized to understand about the details of Hippocampus as much as possible. The more you know about anatomy and functionality of hippocampus, the better you would understand the process of memory formation and recall.
In this section, I would talk about a little bit of details of Hippocampus, but not too details as in academic paper. What I am trying to do is just to give you some keywords and procedure to help you to read documents (e.g, textbook or academic paper).
The first things that I want to suggest you to get familiar with is the basic anatomy of Hippocampus as illustrated below. First you should be able to image the shape and location of Hippocampus in your brain without looking into any reference (e.g, textbook). Then you should be able to identify the location of hippocampus from various cross section images of the brain. And then you should be able to draw (or imagine) cross section of the hippocampus and identify major part of the substructure
of the hippocampus. In short, It would be good enough (at least as an hobbiest) if you can imagine the illustration shown below without looking at this note when you read other document or watching a lecture.
NOTE : as I always says, don't try to memorize it... just read this note or textbook or watch lectures as many as possible and check if you can visualize in your mind without openning the textbook. If you don't get the image in your mind, then look into this note or other textbook.
DG : Dentate Gyrus
Sub : Subiculum
Pre : Presuiculum
Para : Parahippocampal gyrus
MEC: medial entorhinal cortex
LEC: lateral entorhinal cortex
Hippocampus Proper = CA1 + CA2 + CA3
Entorinal Cortex = MEC + LEC
Following is the overal circuitary connecting various part of substructure of Hippocampus and cortex of the brain. I know it look confusing. Don't try to memorize it. Just to try to follow one or two specific circuits when you have chance (e.g, reading other textbook or sitting in a lecture).
Image Source : Space in the brain: how the hippocampal formation supports spatial cognition
Image Source : Marr’s theory of the hippocampus as a simple memory
Followings are the summary of functionalities of each subregions in Hippocampus : (Mostly based on Exploring the Function of the Hippocampus by Anatomy )
Dentate Gyrus :Dendate Gyrus plays various functionas as below
- is involved in the mnemonic (memory) processing of spatial information, the formation of episodic and spatial memories, and the spontaneous exploration of novel environments
- is the input region of the hippocampus, and serves as a pre-processing unit
- some information from the entorhinal cortex directly enters the dentate gyrus, is processed by dentate gyrus, and then the processed information is delivered to the CA3 region of the hippocampus proper
- perform pattern separation, which is separating relatively similar input patterns into distinct/unique output patterns
- is required for Working Memory & Spatial Navigation
- Undergoes LTP and Neurogenesis
- Required for Working Memory & Spatial Navigation
CA1 : CA1 is the first region of Hippocampus in terms of anatomy and plays various functions as follows.
- Recieves inputs from CA3 or CA2 and output the information to entorhinal cortex
- (more specifically) CA1 recieves temporal information from CA2 and spatial information from CA3.
- one of the functions of the CA1 region may be to produce combined spatial-temporal code that allows an animal to distinguish the memory of 2 events from each other, even if they occur at the same place but in different times.
- Performs the retrieval of episodic autobiographical memory
CA2 : CA2 is located between CA1 and CA3 anatomically and plays various functions as follows.
- Neurons in this region carries less spatial information than in CA1 or CA3.
- receives input from layer 2 of the entorhinal cortex through the perforant pathway
- encodes time information more strongly than spatial information and then send the temporal information to CA1
- has a function pertaining to social behavior and may be involved in social memory processing (e.g, differentiating between new and familiar individual around you)
CA3 : CA3 is located farthest away from CA1 and sitting right next to DG(Dentate Gyrus).
- receives input from both the mossy fibers of the granule cells in the dentate gyrus, and from cells in the entorhinal cortex through the perforant pathway.
- considered to be the “pacemaker” of the hippocampus, and thereby has a big role in learning
- operated as an autoassociation memory to store episodic memories including object and place memories
- dentate granule cells operated as a preprocessing stage for the CA3 region by performing pattern separation so that the mossy fibers could act to set up different representations for each memory to be stored in the CA3 cells.
- the mossy fiber system to CA3 connections are involved in learning but not in recall
- involved in the acquisition of context-dependent fear extinction
Subiculum :Subiculum is between CA1 and Parahipocampal gyrus and plays roles as follow.
- Functions as main output port of Hippocampus
- has functions pertaining to memory, spatial navigation, mnemonic or symbol processing, and regulating the body’s response to stress through the inhibition of the HPA axis.
- Responds to an influx of information as well (e.g,to only familiar objects or a landmarks, and to concurrent location and speed)
Entorhinal Cortex :Entorhinal Cortex (MEC + LEC) located in the medial temporal lobe and is next to the hippocampus
- Functions as both the major input and the major output hub of information to and from the hippocampus
- Interface between the neocortex and the hippocampus
- (with the hippocampus) Works for formation on declarative/explicit (autobiographical, episodic, semantic) memory storage, and spatial memories in particular.
- Collaborates with hippocampus on memory formation, memory consolidation, and memory optimization in sleep.
- (with the hippocampus) plays key roles for our sense of direction and spatial navigation ability
Looking in a little bit of broader scope regarding the overall neural path for memory encoding and decoding. It is nicely summarized in illustrated as below.
During memory encoding, visual and other sensory information are processed by the dorsal and ventral streams, integrated in the PHC and PRC, and sent to the EC. The EC then transmits the information through the hippocampal trisynaptic circuit (DG, CA3, and CA1), where it is further processed and consolidated. The subiculum sends the processed information back to the EC and other cortical areas for long-term storage.
During memory retrieval or decoding, the EC retrieves stored information and sends it back to the hippocampus. The hippocampus reconstructs the memory representation through pattern completion, and the subiculum sends the retrieved information to cortical areas for conscious awareness and further processing.
Image Source : The extended trajectory of hippocampal development: Implications for early memory development and disorder
Dorsal and Ventral Streams: Visual information enters the brain through the retina and is processed in the primary visual cortex (V1). From there, it is sent to two parallel pathways: the dorsal stream, responsible for spatial processing and motion (the "where" pathway), and the ventral stream, responsible for object recognition and form (the "what" pathway). Both streams contribute to memory formation by processing and transmitting different aspects of visual
information.
Parahippocampal Cortex (PHC): The PHC receives input from the dorsal and ventral streams and plays a crucial role in processing contextual and spatial information. It is involved in encoding and retrieving contextual associations in memory.
Perirhinal Cortex (PRC): The PRC receives input primarily from the ventral stream and is involved in object recognition and associative memory. It contributes to the encoding and retrieval of object-related information and helps integrate this information with other sensory modalities.
Entorhinal Cortex (EC): The EC receives information from the PHC, PRC, and other cortical areas. It plays a critical role in connecting the neocortex to the hippocampus and serves as a gateway for information flow. The EC contains grid cells, which help form spatial representations and are essential for spatial memory.
Dentate Gyrus (DG): The DG receives input from the EC and is the first stage of the hippocampal trisynaptic circuit. It plays a role in pattern separation, which helps create distinct memory representations and reduces interference between similar memories.
CA3: The DG sends information to the CA3 region, which is involved in associative memory processes and pattern completion. CA3 has extensive recurrent connections that enable the retrieval of complete memory representations even with partial input.
CA1: Information from CA3 is sent to the CA1 region, which is essential for the encoding and retrieval of episodic memories. CA1 integrates information from CA3 and direct input from the EC, sending the processed information back to the EC and other cortical areas.
Subiculum: The subiculum receives input from CA1 and serves as the main output structure of the hippocampus, sending information back to the EC, PHC, PRC, and other cortical areas. The subiculum is involved in spatial memory and processing spatial context.
CA2 : The CA2 region, located between CA1 and CA3, has unique properties and is involved in social memory and the encoding of novel experiences.
Experts keep saying (it is well known) that Hippocampus plays the most crucial roles in the memory process. With all the technical adances and creative ideas(sometimes looking like pure science fiction), you may ask 'Can we make any silicon chipset or computer program that can emulate/simulate Hippocampus ?'.
Motivation
Why we want to duplicate Hippocampus instead of trying to duplicate other area of brain cortex ?
The hippocampus is relatively well-understood in terms of its structure and function, particularly in relation to memory formation, compared to the more complex and less localized functions of the broader cerebral cortex. It is one of the most studied areas of the brain in neuroscience due to its clear involvement in the formation of new memories and its relatively distinct anatomy. The hippocampus' processes are somewhat more defined and discrete, making it a more approachable target for replication
and prosthetic development. In contrast, memories are believed to be stored diffusely across the cerebral cortex, which makes the replication of those cortical areas a more complex and less defined task.
Here goes a list of possible motivation behind this idea
- Restoring memory functions lost due to diseases or injuries.
- Understanding and modeling brain functions to advance neuroscientific knowledge.
- Developing prosthetic devices that can bypass damaged neural areas.
- Creating systems to simulate and predict brain behavior for research purposes.
- Contributing to the development of artificial intelligence by mimicking biological processes.
- The hippocampus is the most ordered and structured part of the brain, and one of the most studied. Importantly, it is also relatively easy to test its function.
Case Stories
- Duplicating CA3 with VLSI : This is based on VLSI Implementation of a Nonlinear Neuronal Model: A “Neural Prosthesis” to Restore Hippocampal Trisynaptic Dynamics
- The research aims to substitute the biological function of the CA3 region in the hippocampus of a rat with a VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) chip to restore memory function potentially lost due to diseases like Alzheimer's.
- The project involves surgically removing CA3 function and using a multi-site electrode array to transmit signals from the dentate gyrus (DG) to the VLSI chip and then to the CA1 region, effectively bypassing the damaged CA3.
- The results demonstrated that the VLSI chip could replicate the biological propagation of signals in the hippocampus, showing promise for this type of neural prosthesis in memory restoration.
- World's first brain prosthesis : This is based on World's first brain prosthesis revealed
- Model, build, interface
- Creating a mathematical model of the hippocampus's function under various conditions. : Studying rat hippocampus slices, observing their response to electrical stimulation and Developing a model from these observations.
- Programming this model onto a silicon chip.
- Interfacing the chip with the brain via electrode arrays : Placing the chip on the skull, connected to electrodes on either side of the damaged area.
- Testing
- Initial tests will be on rat brain slices in cerebrospinal fluid.
- If successful with rats, live rat and monkey tests are planned, focusing on memory tasks.
Image Source : World's first brain prosthesis revealed
I heard a scientists say it would be a sort of infinite. How to prove it ? I don't think it would be possible to prove it clearly in scientific way and the conclusion would also vary depending on how you define the term 'infinite'. But I think we can find some cases showing the infinite-like memory for a certain type. Note that I said 'a certain type'. As far as I have been collecting
cases, I see some people showing almost infinite amount of memory for a certain types but I haven't seen any cases who shows the infinite capacity for every type of memory. Followings are some of the examples :
Jill Price :She shows almost inifinite amount of memory capacity for autobiographic memory.
Stephen Wiltshire : He shows the almost inifite capacity with infinite details for the scenes coming through vision system (visual memory ?). Check out @3:33 of this video.
Many people (including me to be honest) would wish to have such a memory that never disappear. But would this be a blessing ? Hard to say. The only way to get the answer to this would be to interview many people who has this kind of memory, but we don't have enough cases of these that would reach any common conclusion. But in my personal opinion after watching / reading
interviews with a few people (e.g, this, this), such a person seems to have a little bit different opinion about such a capability. It seems the opinion varies depending on how much control they have over such a memory. If we can keep everything in our memory and can recall (retrieve) it ONLY when we want, it would be considered as blessing, but if not it wouldn't
be considered as anything desirable. In many cases, those memory pops up spontaneously regardless of whether they like it or not giving them harsh feeling or interfering with other thought processes. At least, Jill explicitely mentions that she does not like it, but some other persons shows a little bit varying opinion(Watch this)
Individuals with highly superior autobiographical memory, also known as hyperthymesia, or an unusually precise and detailed memory, can experience various challenges and problems. Although a great memory seems helpful, it can cause various issues as listed below :
- Emotional pain: These people may have trouble forgetting bad experiences, leading to anxiety or sadness.
- Trouble living in the present: They might think too much about the past and not focus on what is happening now. This can hurt their relationships and work.
- Too much information: A strong memory can make it hard to focus on important things because there is too much information to think about.
- Social problems: They might remember small details that others forget and it can make others feel uncomfortable and create awkward situations.
- Privacy issues: They may remember private information about others, causing ethical problems and trust issues.
- Overthinking and worrying: These individuals might think too much about past events, causing anxiety and making it hard to make decisions.
What is forgetting ? Is it some unwanted problem which everybody suffer from ? or Are we MADE to forget ?
Following statement from a Nature article would be the clear and simple answer to this question.
Long thought to be a glitch of memory, researchers are coming to realize that the ability to forget is crucial to how the brain works.
Really ? If the forgetting is a crucial function, there might be some biological reason why we evolved the feature (forgetting), what is it ?
- Every species that has memory forgets without exception.==> If every species evolved this way, there must be some biology reason for it. Whatever the reason is.
- Person with highly superior autobiographical memory (HSAM) reports various problems and have difficulties to achieve accomplishment they are hoping for (See what I mentioned in Is unforgetable memory a blessing ?)
- Various psycological problems like anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is from the lack of forgetting certain memories.
- People with SDAM(severy deficient autobiographical memory) are unable to vividly recall specific events in their lives. As a result, they have trouble imagining what might happen in the future. However, they tend to do particularly well in jobs that require abstract thinking.==> Less worries, more success :). I am not trying to say we all need to have
SDAM to be successful, but just trying to say there would be some important reasons why we need to forget.
If forgetting is a certain biological feature that are built into the species, there must be some biological mechanism which are involved in the process of forgetting. What is it ?
- One example is from the research on AMPA receptor in a rodent brain. In mammalian brain, memories are econded when the strength of connection between neurons increase. The connection strength is determined by presence of a special receptor called AMPA receptor. In normal situation, the AMPA receptors are very unstable and in-and-out of the synapse constantaly leading
to a certain rate of forgetting. When researchers blocked the removal of AMPA, the rats were prevented from forgetting the location of objects. This implies that the rat brain had to proactively destroy connections at the synapse (refer to this Nature article).
Is it that the memory (information stored in the brain) disappeared ? ot Is it that the memory is still there but we just failed to retrieve (recall) it ?
How do we forget ? On other words, how 'forgetting' works ? A few types of forgetting mechanism are proposed (refer to this video)
- Passive Oblivescence : This is a type of forgetting process in which we forget things without any active effort. We just forget things as time goes. In other words, it just fades out. It may happen because the synapses forming a specific memory gets weeken or the triggers to remember/recall the memory
gets weeken or some of the neurons related to the memory is rewired to other memory that causes the loss or interference to the existing memory.
- Targeted Forgetting : This is a type of forgetting process that our brain perform mostly during sleep. Brain rearrange / reconsoslidate various information stored in the memory and clean up (purge out) those information/memory which are not worth keeping.
- Motivated Forgetting : This is a type of forgetting process that we actively perform, like trying to forget some unpleasant memory.
The term Amnesia came from Greek αμνησία (amnēsía) which mean “forgetfulness”. In many english dictionary, it is defined as a total or partial loss of memories. But this definition may mislead you in terms of modern definition of Amnesia. When we say 'loss of memory', you would think of it as something related to the past because the term 'memory' tend to give impression
of 'some event happened in the past'. However Amnesia is not only about the past but also about the future. We can define the term Amnesia in two parts as below.
- Total or partial loss of memory : this refers to the loss of the memory formed at some point in the past. This type of Amnesia is calledRetrograde Amnesia.
- Loss of capability of forming a new memory : this refers to inability to form a new memory, especiall to form a new long term memory. This type of Amnesia is calledAntrograde Amnesia.
Is our memory reliable ? Are you sure what you remember in your brain is 100% correct ?
Unfortunately there are hundreds of hundreds of research shows that our memory is not 100% accurate and memory changes in many different ways.
What ??? Then how come most of investigation by law enforcers and even legal testimoney relies on the memory of persons ?
Why we still spend days and nights trying to memorizing so many things out of textbook / lecture note preparing for exam if the memory is not accurate.
I think the reliability of memory is still in active debate.
It seems true that it is not 100% reliable. However it would not be as bad as we should ignore all the witness's testimony or give up studying testbook/lecture note for exam.
What I am trying to say in this section is that memory is not like a tape recorder that plays back the exact the same thing whenever you hit the play button. The memory is constructive and reconstructive. It mean that the memory can be modified in various ways and even the complete false memory that never happened to you can be planted in your brain. Even if memory is still ciritical
/ vital part of our brain activity and of maintaining our normal life, still it would be good to understand about the vulnerability of memory.
There are so many researches and papers/articles about unreliable aspect of memory, but I would to introduce a few famous cases from early / milestone cases. The cases introduced here from How reliable is your memory?- TEDtalks. If you want to get the full transcript (if you
prefer reading), you may check out How Reliable Is Anyone’s Memory?
Case 1 : a Victim Report
- There was a man who raped a female hitchhiker
- Later another man named Titus was pulled over by a police. He was kind of resembled that rapist
- So the police took a picture of Titus and put in in a photo lineup
- Those pictures were showed up to the victim and she pointed to Titus' photo and said 'That one's the closest"
- The police and the prosecution proceeded with a trial, when Titus was put on trial for rape and the raped person got on the stand, she said "I'm absolutely positive that's the main".
- Titus was convicted.
- Later the actual rapist was found and confessed to commit the rape
Case 2 : Car accident report
- Researcher showed two group of people a simulated accident (let's call them Group [A] and [B] for convenience). Exactly same scene were shown to both groups
- Asked [A] how fast were the cars going when they hit each other ? ==> they reported the avarage of 34 mph
- Asked [B] how fast were the cars going when they smashed into each other ? ==> they reported the avarage of 41 mph
- Asked [A] if they saw broken glass in the accidenty when they hit each other ? ==> 14%
of them said YES
- Asked [B] if they saw broken glass in the accidenty when they smashed each other ? ==> 32%
of them said YES
NOTE : You would notice what people recall (from memory) differs by some leading keyword : 'hit', 'smash'.
: As introduced above, Numerous studies have demonstrated the fallibility of human memory, focusing on aspects such as false memories, memory distortions, and the effects of suggestion. However, it is important to recognize that human memory is not entirely unreliable. If our memory is completely unreliable we (human being) would have not survived for such a long period.
There may not be as many studies explicitly focusing on the reliability of memory, as it is often taken for granted that memory functions accurately in most situations.
However, there are some researches and studies that highlights the accuracy and reliability of memory and followings are some of the examples.
- In a study of the long-term retention of foreign language vocabulary. it is found that participants were able to accurately recall a significant portion of their foreign language vocabulary even after 3 to 50 years without practice.
- In some studies for for demonstrating the creation of false memories, it is noted that participants in those experiments accurately recalled the majority of words that were actually presented in the lists. This finding indicates that memory is generally reliable, even though it is susceptible to errors and distortions.
- In a study on flashbulb memories. it was found that people's recollections of the Challenger disaster were subject to distortions over time, the study also revealed that many participants maintained accurate memories of several key aspects of the event. This demonstrates that, although memory can be imperfect, it still retains a degree of reliability.
A false memory feels like a real memory, but it's either partly or completely made up. This can happen for many reasons, such as being older, feeling stressed, not getting enough sleep, or hearing wrong information.
Understanding how false memories happen in the brain is tricky and we don't know everything yet. But we do know that making a memory involves different parts of the brain. The hippocampus helps store memories and the prefrontal cortex helps us recall or remember them
Basically, falsification (or fabrication) of memory can happen at every stages of memory process (encoding, storage, retrieval) :
- Encoding: When you see or experience something, your brain turns this information into a memory. Different parts of your brain help with this. The hippocampus is like your brain's filing system—it helps store memories. The amygdala deals with your feelings and emotions related to the memory.
- Storage: Your brain then keeps this memory. As time goes on, you might not remember every detail correctly. Your brain also keeps other details that might get mixed with the memory.
- Retrieval: When you try to remember something, your brain rebuilds the memory. Your current thoughts or feelings can affect this process. The prefrontal cortex, a part of your brain that helps with making decisions, is involved in this step.
Sometimes, things can mess up these steps. For example, if someone gives you wrong information about a past event, your brain might include that wrong detail in the memory. This is how a "false memory" can be created.
False memories might feel very real because similar parts of your brain are active when you remember real or false memories. But false memories aren't always totally made up. Sometimes, they are just real memories that have been changed a bit.
NOTE: Similar but different. False Memory, Confabulation, Lie
False memory, confabulation, and lies are all related to the concept of truth, but they each have different characteristics.
- False Memory: This is when you remember something that didn't happen or remember it differently from how it really happened. You aren't lying—you really believe your memory is true, even if it's not.
- Confabulation: This is when your brain creates a memory that's not real, often to fill in gaps in your memory. You aren't aware that this memory is made up. People with certain brain problems, like Korsakoff's syndrome or brain injuries, often do this.
- Lie: This is when you say something that you know is not true. You're doing it on purpose to trick or deceive someone. It's different from a false memory or confabulation, where you believe that what you're saying is true.
So, the main differences between these terms are about whether you know the information is false and whether you're trying to trick someone. With a false memory or confabulation, you believe what you're saying is true. But when you lie, you know it's false and you're saying it anyway to deceive others.
You may or may not heard of this term 'schema' in terms of neuroscience or psyhcology, but I think this would be the term that you can easily agree with and associate it with your own experience. In this section, I am going to talk about a few important aspect of Schema.
It is not easy to define the concept of Schema in short and easy-to-understanding manner. Whenever I come across with any concept which is hard to grasp, I usually survey about many different definitions from many different sources. At the beginning, it may be even more confusing to see too many different ways of expression but as time goes on you will notice (have a kind of feeling in your mind) that you are getting 'some kind of essence' of it. I am trying to approach the concept
of Schema in the same way.
Following is the list of definitions by pioneering researchers in this area quoted from Naïve to expert: Considering the role of previous knowledge in memory ,
- active organisation of past reactions or experiences (Bartlett (1932))
- pre-existing network of interconnected neocortical representations that affect the processing of new information.(Van Kesteren et al. (2012))
- an associative network structure, which is based on multiple similar experiences (Ghosh and Gilboa (2014) )
- framework of acquired knowledge, skills or attitudes implemented within a network of connected neurons in which the memory traces of associated information have been stored (Fernández and Morris (2018))
NOTE : If the definition listed above does not make clear sense to you, don't be disappointed. It is not that clear to me either. But I quoted this because it is always good to have some technical background.
Probably following definition would sound clearer and practical. At least to me, it sounds clearer.
What I ask the definition of schema to an AI (ChatGPT) , I got following :
A memory schema isa mental structure or framework that organizes and integrates information about a particular topic or event. It is a way of organizing and storing information in memory that makes it easier to understand and remember. Memory schemas help us to categorize and make sense of new information, and they also allow us to retrieve information from memory
more easily.
Memory schemas can be thought of as"mental shortcuts" that allow us to make connections between new information and what we already know, making it easier to understand and retain the new information. They can also help us to fill in gaps in our knowledge and make inferences about related topics.
NOTE : If the concept is still not clear to you, try to google a few more documents and read them. Everytime you read new definition, you will feel that your brain gets more and more familiar with the concept.
Schema is important because it affects on us to interpret or process anything around us regardless of whether you realize it or not. When we perceive on any new things, we try to understand it based on some set of previous knowledge or experience that we is already in our mind. In some case we try to understand new things based on previous knowledge structure (this knowledge structure is called 'schema') even when there is no direct relationship between the new thing and the schema.
For example, if you are talking about something to somebody who has always been crazy about baseball and likes to talk about such a tiny details of baseball game or baseball player etc, you would notice that he often (actually very often) likes to make an analogy between the baseball and whatever you are trying to talk about. In this case, he is taking in the things (even a completely new things) within the schema of baseball.
For sure this thing (percieving things based on a schema) would happen to yourself as well. Just think about what is happening in your mind when your friend or teacher talk about something.
Sometimes this kind of perceiving or understanding things based on an existing schema would cause problem like distorting the real meaning of the new thing, but it is almost impossible to prevent any schema from getting involved in your mental process.
But don't worry I think schema facilitate the process of memorizing and learning new things in most cases rather than causing any problem. I personally try to build my own schema as much as possible since I think it is so helpful to facilitate my learning process and extend knowlege.
What is knowledge ? A simple definition by Oxford diction is as follows :
Knowlege is facts, information, and skills acquired by a person through experience or education; the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject.
In other words, Knowledge is sets of facts, information and skills aquired by experinece and education. I think you would agree with this generic defintion. But I want to look a little bit further into several different aspects of knowledge.
Memory and Knowledge may sound similar (interchangeable) but they are not the samething even if it is not each to clearly explain about the differences between them. Let me start with simple definition of these two concept first.
- Memory is a mental function or process that stores something in your brain and recall.
- Knowledge refers to familiarity or understanding about a subject (facts, information or skills about the subject).
These two are related but not the same. I would say memory is a key part of learning process. A set of information organized for a specific topic is called knowledge. So the overall impression about the relationship between these concept is as follows.
NOTE : Even though it is hard to clearly distinquish between memory and knowledge, you may find the difference intuitively based on your own experience. In many cases, person who has great knowledge tend to have good memory but it would not always be the case. You might have seen some people (directly or indirectly) who has extrememly good memory, but does not look knowledgeable. Even thought it would not be common case you might have seen some people with huge amount of knowledge does
not seem to have good memory.
Explicit knowledge is the form of knowledge that you can express it easily in verbal, writing etc and transfer (teach) it to other relatively easily. This would be the most of the knowledge you can obtain or provide via textbook, lectures, user-mannual etc. Also most of the knowledge you can get by googling can be considered as a explicit knowlege.
Tacit(Implicit) knowledge is the kind of understanding we have but find hard to explain or write down. We often get this knowledge from our own experiences and lots of practice. Many times, we might not even know we have this knowledge until we use it in a real situation.
It's not easy to say exactly what tacit knowledge is, but you'll start to understand it as you work more in your job and talk with others.
Think about talking to two engineers: one who has worked for a year and another who has worked for ten years in the same field. At first, they might seem to explain things in a similar way. You might even think that the engineer with less experience explains things better. But as you work with them more, you'll see that the engineer with ten years of experience can do some things easily that the other engineer finds hard. If you ask the more experienced engineer how he did it, he might just
say, "It was easy. I just did it." This is a good example of tacit knowledge.
NOTE: I want to make it clear that I'm not saying young workers don't have tacit knowledge or that just getting older gives you this knowledge. What I'm saying is that people who work hard and learn throughout their careers often have this kind of knowledge. I always try to learn this kind of knowledge from others. It takes time and effort, and you need to work with them for a long time. You often learn more from watching what they do than from what they say. Sometimes, after
talking
with them for hours, you might catch only one or two keywords that gives you huge insight.
This has been my personal question for long time. I know there are two types of knowledge explicit and implicit as mentioned aboved. I personally thought that implicit knowledge is more solid form know knowledge in me and I wanted to know the mechanism by which the tacit knowledge is formed and how to facilitate the process of converting the explicit knowledge into tacit knowledge.
For this question, I asked ChatGPT with the question : "how is explicit knowledge converted to tacit knowledge ?". I personally like the answer from the chatbot... what an amazing technology !!!
There are several ways that explicit knowledge can be converted to tacit knowledge, which is knowledge that is more difficult to express or communicate formally:
- Experience: One way to convert explicit knowledge to tacit knowledge is to gain practical experience with the subject matter. By actually doing something, rather than just reading about it or being told about it, you can develop a deeper understanding and a greater intuitive sense of how things work.
- Practice: Repetitive practice can also help to convert explicit knowledge to tacit knowledge. By repeatedly performing a task or skill, you can develop a better sense of how to do it effectively and efficiently, and you may start to develop a "feel" for the right way to approach the task.
- Training: Training programs and courses can also be helpful in converting explicit knowledge to tacit knowledge. By actively participating in hands-on exercises, simulations, and other interactive learning activities, you can develop a more intuitive understanding of the subject matter and how to apply it in practice.
Overall, converting explicit knowledge to tacit knowledge requires a process of learning through experience and practice. It can be a slow process, but it can also be a valuable one, as it can help you to develop a deeper understanding and a greater intuitive sense of the subject matter.
Personally I agree with this answer and I realize this process is frequently happening in myself. When I learn a new thing as an hobby or as a job, I start gaining knowledge in explitict form (explicit knowlege) at the beginning. As I read more and have more hands-on whenever I get chances, I feel myself that the knowledge is getting internalized (aborbed) into myself. But ironically the deeper the knowledge get internalized into myself, the little I can express it verbally or written form
even if I am getting more and more proficient with the specific area. However, don't get disappointed because the difficulties in expressing it out is a nature of tacit knowledge. You still have the knowledge in you more deeply imprinted in you.
Everybody would want to put things into their long term memory and we all know that repetition would help convert the short term memory to long term memory as mentioned before. But when you are studying new things and trying to put them into long term memory, the 'repetition' is not an easy things to do.
Based on my personal experience (i.e, observing myslef) with learning new things, I think reading ten books on the similar topic once for each book is better than reading one book ten times. It may applies only to me and you may have different opinion. It is perfectly OK if you have different opinion.
But I think I can explain why reading ten books one time for each is better than one book ten times at least applying to myself only.
Reading a book does not start directly from short term memory. It starts from Sensory input(visual memory in case of reading a book). So those information should go to short term memory first before it gets transferred to long term memory. The trigger for the sensory input to short term memory is 'Attention'. I found it very difficult to maintain the high level of attention for
every reading when I am reaing the same thing over and over. I soon lose attention and my brain seems to filter out the input as a kind of background noise and didn't even put it into short term memory. So even if my eyes and primary visual cortex process what comes into the retina (i.e, text on the book in this case) and it tend not to be converted into memory by hippocampus.
However if I read the ten books one for each book, for every reading I am getting a little bit of different variants of the same topic comes into the sensory system. Since each of those input has a certain portions of novelty, my brain tend to pay pretty high attention to every input. In addition, because I am reading books with the same topics most of those inputs are similar. So if
I read the ten different books, it is like repeating the same things ten times which helps to get converted to long term memory.
The only problem (personally to me) with reading ten books once for each comparing to reading the same book ten times is cost. That is, I need to spend more money to buy 10 books.
Maybe we can find easy solution for this thanks to technology. Learning from YouTube has been my solution for long time. You don't need to pay any extra money for watching however many YouTube you get.
This would be the reason why you see a long list of YouTube reference in all of my notes.
Memory Decline refer to various form of reduced functionalities in the memory process. It is often known as age-related memory loss, is a natural part of aging that can cause difficulties with recalling recent events, names, or details. Memory decline can affect many aspects of daily life, including work, social interactions, and personal relationships.
As we age, changes occur in the brain that can affect memory. The hippocampus shrinks with age and synapses weaken with age as well. These changes in the brain can make it more difficult to form new memories and to recall previously learned information.
NOTE : It's worth noting that memory decline can be caused by many different factors, not just aging, such as stress, depression, lack of sleep, poor nutrition, and certain medical conditions. It's also important to note that memory decline is a normal part of aging, but it doesn't mean that is an inevitable part of getting older
Other factors that can contribute to memory decline include stress, depression, lack of sleep, poor nutrition, and certain medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Here goes some examples of typical memory decline you may experience.
- Difficulty remembering recent events, such as appointments or conversations.
- Forgetting names of familiar people or objects.
- Difficulty remembering details of a story or article that was just read.
- Losing track of the conversation or losing one's train of thought.
- Difficulty remembering the steps involved in completing a task, such as a recipe or a project at work.
- Forgetting where you placed your keys, wallet or phone.
- Difficulty remembering phone numbers or addresses.
- Difficulty remembering appointments or birthdays.
- Difficulty remembering the names of new acquaintances or friends.
- Difficulty remembering what you did or where you went yesterday.
If somebody ask you this question, most of you would say 'No' since most of us was educated this way. Several reasons why we are educated to think 'Memory itself is not inherited to next generation'. Some of the reason behind this would be as follows :
- Memory is based on individual experiences: A person's memories are unique and based on their own experiences, which cannot be passed down genetically to their offspring.
- Inheritance involves genetic material: Inheritance primarily involves the passing down of genetic material (DNA) from parents to offspring. Memory is not encoded in DNA but is stored and processed in the brain.
- Memory formation is a complex process : Memory formation involves multiple brain processes, such as encoding, storage, and retrieval. These processes are not directly linked to genetic inheritance.
- Memory is stored in brain : Memory is widely believed to be stored in brain in the form of neural network or changes in synaptic strength. It is hard to think of how this kind of structural / chemical properties can be passed onto next generation.
- Memory is malleable and subject to change: Memories are not fixed entities and can be altered over time due to various factors such as new experiences, emotional states, and cognitive biases. This further emphasizes that memories are personal and distinct to each individual.
However, what we consider as 'Scientific common sense' changes over time. There are some recent studies that imply that 'Some' memories (of course, not all memory) seems to be able to get passed to another generation. Some research examples supporting this theory are : (I noticed that a lot of research papers were out since 2010 related to this subject. At initial researches, I found most of those researches was about inheritiance of stress response / fear and then it gradually expanded to
other types of memory or behvior).
- Fear conditioning in mice: In this study, researchers exposed mice to a specific odor (acetophenone) and simultaneously induced a mild electric shock, creating a fear response associated with the odor. They found that the offspring of these mice displayed an increased sensitivity and fear response to the same odor, despite having no direct experience with it. The researchers concluded that the observed effect was due to epigenetic changes, specifically DNA methylation,
that
were transmitted across generations.
NOTE : Most of the researches use epigenetic mechanism as a mechanism of passing this kind of aquired memory or behavior to next generation.
For many years, scientists have worked hard to learn about the complex ways our brains remember and learn things. They have used many new and different methods to do this. In this section, I will talk about important moments in the study of memory and learning. We will focus on big discoveries and new ways of studying that have helped us understand these important brain functions better.
He was an American and is widely known as H.M and may be the most famous and well-known patients. If you have been interested in neuroscience and read some of documents (books, megazines or articles in the internet) or watch lectures, I am pretty sure you might have heard of him, at least the name H.M. Since he has been mentioned in so many documents and lectures, it would be good
if you have some background information about him to follow along with those documents and lectures.
He had been a patient who greatly contributed to nuerosience, especially learning and memory process, but it was not intentional at all. He just got a brain surgery just to reduce the symptom of epilepsy, but a serious memory related problem is observed after the surgery. This unintended problem led to findings where Hipocampus plays key roles in long term memory formation and memory
may be localized (i.e, associated with a specific part of brain not associated with the all across the brain). Watch this video for the importance of findings from H.M
Image Source : Wikipedia
He had a bilateral medial temporal lobectomy in 1953. With this surgery, he got about two thirds of anterior hippocampus removed. The removed area were parahippocampal cortices, entorhinal cortices, piriform cortices, and amygdalae. The purpose of this surgery was to cure his epilepsy.
More detailed information of the brain lesion (damage) found from the autopsy were as follows : See this if you are interested in further details.
- the medial temporopolar cortex,
- piriform cortex,
- virtually all of the entorhinal cortex,
- most of the perirhinal cortex and subiculum,
- the amygdala (except parts of the dorsal-most nuclei—central and medial),
- anterior half of the hippocampus,
- and the dentate gyrus (posterior head and body).
- The posterior parahippocampal gyrus and medial temporal stem were partially damaged.
- Spared medial temporal lobe tissue included the dorsal-most amygdala,
- the hippocampal-amygdalotransition- area,
- ~2 cm of the tail of the hippocampus,
- a small part of perirhinal cortex,
- a small portion of medial hippocampal tissue,
- ~2 cm of posterior parahippocampal gyrus
What happened after this surgery ?
- In short, he lost the capability of form any new long term memory(this symptom is called 'Anterograde Amnesia). His skills and momery he aquired before seemed pretty intact (strictly speaking he failed to recall any memory for the 3 years of past period. this is called 'retrograde amnesia), but forming a new long term memory was impossible.
- So the doctor doing research on him had to reintroduce herself everytime they meet each other since he does not remember that he met her before.
- However his procedural memory formation (e.g, reading words in mirror(i.e, backward reading)) seems intact (@45:00 this lecture)
I was not able to find YouTube video showing his symptom directly (he passed away before sharing video over internet is so common), but I found some videos explaining about him like this, this
Clive Wearing is a British former musicologist, conductor, tenor and keyboardist. He had similar brain lesion as H.M (i.e, lesion in Hipocampus) but he got this from his illness not by any physical surgery or accidents. He lost the functionality of large portions of Hippocampus and temporal lobe which plays crtical
function in memory process.
Image Source : Alchetron
After the illness, he has been suffering serious Amnesial.
- He lost most of his his past episodic memory(retrograde amnesia) and is not able to form new long term memory (anterograde amnesia).
- He had around 20 years period of retrograde amnesia meaning his memory about past 20 years has gone (@53:40 this lecture).
- His new memory goes only around 20~30 seconds and then reset. He is like waking up fresh every 20~30 seconds.
- His non-declaritive memory (e.g, procedural memory like playing piano) was intact.
Personally Clive Wearing is more familiar to me than H.M because I got several YouTubes (watch this , this) showing / describing details of the problem he is suffering, whereas I was not able to find any video about H.M showing the live
behavior of H.M.
Jill is famous as a person who never forget (more specifically, never forget about her episodic memory). autobiographical memory is a type of memory from her direct or indirect experience. Indirect experience in this context mean something she learned from TV, news paper, books that she watched / read.
If you give her any specific events (some events memorized in her brain) she recalls the exact date for the event. Or if you give her any specific date, she recalls every details of what she did or learned in that specific date. Watch the video linked below to get a better sense of what this mean. Her case lead to a lot of fundamental questions in learning / memory but as far as
I know it is still in mystery on how such a memory works.
Image Source : YouTube
NOTE : you can see the similar case with a few other people. check out this video. This is a documentary showing more details of the symptom and some effort to figure out the mechanism.
This (a sea snail) would one of the most famous animal that lead to the opening of research on learning and memory at synaptic level and molecular level. This animal has very simple architecture of nervous system with much less number of neurons comparing to higher animal (this animal has only 20,000 neurons whereas a human has 100,000,000,000 neurons), but still
capable of 'learning' and 'remembering'. The size of a nerve cell is huge (in mm scale in diameter) that you can see it with naked eyes. Only small numbers of neurons (only a few hundreds) get involved in a certain behavior of the animal (Watch @11:25 of this lecture if you want further details).
Scientists was able to train this animial with a certain behavior and direct observe the changes of synaptic networks and molecular composition changes before and after the learning. You can get a pretty clear idea on how the research has been done from this short
video. If you are willing to tackle the far more details on this research, check out this lecture : Memories are Made of This.
Image Souce : Wiley Online Library
Image Source : (@13:27 of this lecture )
While you are burried with a lot of text and lecture videos, you may think almost everything about memory and learning process have already found, but unfortunately it is not the case at all.
Just try to check if what the text book and lectures can explain exactly what is happening in your brain while you are reading/watching such a complicated topics like neuroscience ? Is just understanding all the books/lecture video can give you the best way to study and learn a new topics / skills ? I don't think so.
What we know about the memory and learning is still at too early stages to explain the whole process of memory and learning.
So if you are interested in the efficient memory and learning, I think you may need to take a little bit different approach from just reading/watching neuroscience book/lectures.
My suggestion is to read/watch books and lectures provided by those who has been learning new things for their whole life in systematic ways and have skills/willingness to share their learning method/experience with others.
Personally I don't like some magical ways for learning (at least it seems magic to me)... like listening a specific type of music, practicing meditation etc. I am not saying that these method does not have any use. I am just trying to say I haven't personally practiced these techniques and they don't sound appealing to me either.
I prefer those skills/methods that can be linked to some neuroscience background even though they cannot be clearly explained by neuroscience alone.
I am trying to find those texts and lectures in YouTube and Reference section. Of course, this is completely my personal choice and you may or may not like them.
This is purely based on my personal experience (i.e, my own observation on myself) and I chatted with chatGPT. Following contents are purely from my chat with chatGPT(GPT 4, paid option) and I haven't surveyed any other article or academic paper.
[Sharetechnote] When I study something, learning by watching YouTube or any other visually well presented material is much more efficient comparing to reading books or relying on my own writing/drawing etc, but it seems I forget much faster about what I learned from YouTube or any other visual/audio material. Why ?
[chatGPT] Your experience with learning and retaining information from different sources like YouTube videos versus books or your own notes is not uncommon, and there are several reasons why this might be happening:
- Active vs. Passive Learning: Watching videos is often a passive learning activity. You receive information without actively engaging with it, which can make it harder to retain. In contrast, reading or writing requires active participation, which can lead to better memory retention. Active learning involves activities like taking notes, asking questions, or teaching the material to someone else.
- Depth of Processing: The 'depth of processing' theory suggests that information we process more deeply (i.e., think about in a more detailed and meaningful way) is more likely to be remembered. Watching videos might not always encourage deep processing, whereas reading or writing might require more in-depth engagement with the material.
- Multisensory Integration: When you read or write, you're typically engaging multiple senses (sight, touch) and motor skills, which can create a richer memory trace. Videos primarily engage sight and hearing, which might not create as strong a memory trace.
- Distractions and Attention Span: Videos, especially those online, often come with distractions (like ads, suggested videos, etc.) that can interrupt your focus. Reading a book or writing notes typically involves fewer distractions, allowing for more focused attention.
- Repetition and Review: When you write notes, you are essentially repeating the information, which can aid in memory. In contrast, watching a video doesn’t inherently involve repetition unless you deliberately rewatch it.
- Cognitive Load: Videos can sometimes present too much information at once (visual, auditory, textual), leading to cognitive overload. This overload can make it difficult for your brain to effectively process and store information.
- Lack of Control Over Pace: With videos, the pace is set by the video itself. In contrast, with reading or writing, you can control the pace, allowing more time to understand and absorb complex concepts.
Note-Taking and Personalization: Writing your own notes allows for personalization and organization of information in a way that makes sense to you. This process can aid in understanding and memory retention.
- To improve your retention from videos, consider:
- Taking notes while watching.
- Pausing and reflecting on the content.
- Discussing the content with others.
- Rewatching important parts.
- Relating the content to what you already know.
Remember, different learning styles work better for different individuals, and often a combination of methods is most effective.
[Sharetechnote]Can you explain further with focus on memory retention ? (I think watching video is more efficient for understanding and memory creation... but not good for retention. Just my impression) When I study something, learning by watching YouTube or any other visually well presented material is much more efficient comparing to reading books or relying on my own writing/drawing etc, but it seems I forget much faster about what I learned from YouTube or any other
visual/audio
material. Why ?
[chatGPT] Your impression that watching videos may be more efficient for understanding and memory creation, but not as effective for long-term retention, is a nuanced observation that aligns with several aspects of how our memory works. Let's delve deeper into this, focusing specifically on memory retention:
- Encoding and Consolidation: Memory formation involves two key processes: encoding (initial learning or experiencing) and consolidation (the process of stabilizing a memory after it is initially encoded). Videos can be very effective at encoding because they provide rich, multisensory input that can make initial learning engaging and comprehensive. However, for consolidation to occur effectively, additional steps like reflection, repetition, and application are often required.
These
steps are less inherently integrated into video watching.
- Active Engagement: Active engagement is crucial for memory retention. When you watch a video, the information is presented to you, and unless you take extra steps, there's little requirement for active processing. On the other hand, reading or writing about a subject forces you to engage more actively with the material. This active engagement promotes deeper cognitive processing, making the information more likely to be transferred into long-term memory.
- Retrieval Practice: One of the most powerful tools for memory retention is the practice of retrieving information from memory. When you study by reading or writing, especially if you test yourself on the material afterward, you are practicing retrieval. Watching a video does not typically involve this element unless you make a conscious effort to recall the information afterward.
- Elaborative Rehearsal: This is a technique where you relate new information to things you already know. When you read or write, there’s more scope to pause and connect new concepts with existing knowledge. Videos can convey a lot of information quickly without giving viewers time to make these connections, which can be detrimental to long-term retention.
- Attention and Focus: The format of videos can sometimes lead to divided attention, especially if they are rich in visual and auditory stimuli. While this can make learning initially more engaging, it can also scatter focus, making it harder for the brain to form strong memories. Reading or note-taking tends to command more focused attention, which is beneficial for memory retention.
- Repetition and Spaced Learning: Videos often present information in a linear, one-time flow. In contrast, when you read or write, you’re more likely to go over the material multiple times, which is a form of repetition that strengthens memory. Also, spaced repetition (reviewing material over increasing intervals of time) is easier to implement with reading and note-taking.
This is from my dialog with chatGPT and I have not confirmed the details with other articles or academic papers, but I think the most of the idea provided by chatGPT sounds reasonable to me. I also did the similar chat with other AIs : Claude.ai and perflexity ai just to check. Most of the replies matches pretty well with my personal experience (i.e, observation of myself), so I didn't try much for double checking with other academic documents.
The dialog started with following question, but I went through a series of additional questions until I get the final version that is shared here.
- Emotional Impact: Highly emotional events are more likely to be remembered than neutral ones. This is due to the activation of the amygdala, which processes emotions and enhances memory consolidation by interacting with the hippocampus. Emotional arousal leads to the release of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, further strengthening memory encoding.
- Example : A person vividly remembers their wedding day, filled with intense joy and happiness, or the day they received news of a loved one's passing, marked by profound sorrow. These strong emotions enhance the memory's encoding.
- Novelty and Uniqueness: Novel or unique experiences are more memorable because they activate the brain's reward system, including dopamine release in regions like the substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area. The hippocampus is also engaged in encoding these novel stimuli, recognizing the need to integrate new information with existing memories.
- Example : Someone visits a foreign country for the first time and remembers distinctly the unique architecture, unfamiliar sounds of the local language, and the taste of exotic food. The novelty of these experiences makes them memorable.
- Personal Relevance: Events that are personally relevant engage the prefrontal cortex, which processes higher-order cognitive functions and helps integrate new experiences with existing knowledge and personal context, thereby enhancing memory encoding and retrieval.
- Example : A student vividly recalls the moment they found out they were accepted into their dream university, as this event holds significant personal importance and aligns with their aspirations and self-identity.
- Context and Sensory Details: Strong sensory experiences and contextual details activate specific cortical areas responsible for processing different types of sensory information. The hippocampus and surrounding areas integrate these inputs, aiding in the formation of a cohesive and vivid memory.
- Example : A person remembers the specific song playing during their first dance with their partner. The sensory details (the melody and lyrics) and the emotional context (the setting of the dance) create a strong, lasting memory.
- Stress and Trauma: Stressful or traumatic events trigger the release of stress hormones, affecting the amygdala and hippocampus. While this can lead to strong memory formation, excessive stress can impair the hippocampus, resulting in fragmented or inaccurate memories.
- Example : An individual recalls every detail of a car accident they were in, such as the sound of the crash, the feeling of shock, and the sight of the damaged vehicles. The stressful and traumatic nature of the event engrains it in their memory.
- Attention and Focus: Focused attention involves the prefrontal cortex and parietal lobes, responsible for executive functions and attentional control. This heightened attention allows for more effective processing and encoding of information, leading to better memory storage.
- Example : During a crucial job interview, a candidate remembers the specific questions asked and their responses, as they were highly focused and attentive to the situation, knowing its importance for their career path.
- Repetition and Practice: Repeated exposure to information or experiences strengthens synaptic connections between neurons (synaptic plasticity), particularly involving the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. This repeated firing of neurons enhances the neural pathways for recalling information, making retrieval easier and more efficient.
- Example : A pianist can recall and play a complex musical piece from memory, having practiced it numerous times. The repeated practice has strengthened the neural pathways associated with playing the piece.
NOTE : Attention/Focus and Repetition/Practice are definitely important to memory solidification, but I don't think these are much relavent to my question because my question is focused on 'Single (or only a few) exposure' even without intentional focus or repetition.
When I learn or try to memorize something, it seems easier to start with a questions to describe things. It this only for me ? or common to most of the people ?
Starting with questions when you learn or memorize can help a lot of people, not just you. This way of learning is called "question-based learning" or "inquiry-based learning." It uses our brain's natural curiosity, making us actively think about and understand the material instead of just reading or hearing it without much thought.
Studies on education show that learning by asking questions works well. It helps people understand better(better comprehension), remember more(longer retentio), and use what they learn in many different areas and for all ages(better application). This method fits with the idea that people learn best when they are actively involved in the learning process, building their own understanding.
- Active Learning: By formulating or answering questions, you actively engage with the material, which facilitates deeper understanding and retention compared to passive reading or listening.
- Identifying Gaps: Questions can help identify gaps in your knowledge, directing your learning efforts more efficiently by focusing on what you don't know.
- Enhanced Memory: The process of seeking answers to questions can create stronger associations and memory cues, making it easier to recall information later.
- Critical Thinking: This method encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills as you explore and answer questions, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
- Motivation: Questions can stimulate interest and motivation, making the learning process more enjoyable and engaging.
- Contextual Learning: By framing information within the context of a question, it can help to situate knowledge within a larger framework, making it more relevant and meaningful.
YouTube
- Milestone Research / Observation
- Process of Memory/Learning
- Place / Navigation
- Reliability of Memory
- Inheritance of Memory
- Lectures
- Efficient Learning
- Pioneering Researches
- Further Watching
- World Science Festival
Reference
- Well-known persons
- Memory Process
- Type of Memory
- Reliability Of Memory
- Mechanism of False Memory / Confabulation / Lie
- Inheritance of Memory
- Spatial learning / Navigation
- Place / Grid Cells involving in Non spatial cognitive processing
- Schema
- Cognitive Load
- Dual process theory
- Knowledge
- Anatomy
- Pioneering Researches
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