What you will learn

  • Explain the brain functions involved in memory

  • Discuss the three basic functions of memory

  • Recognize the roles of the hippocampus, amygdala, and cerebellum

  • Describe the three stages of memory storage

  • Describe and distinguish between procedural and declarative memory and semantic and episodic memory

  • Discuss the unreliability of eyewitness testimony

  • Compare and contrast the types of amnesia

  • Discuss encoding failure

  • Discuss the various memory errors

  • Compare and contrast the two types of interference

Human Memory

Clinically Oriented

  • Clear, Concise

    This course aims to teach the most important concepts and processes in human memory in a clear-to-understand, concise language.

  • Clinically Relevant

    It focuses heavily on the clinical implications and applications of the processes and concepts of human memory.

  • Practice Quizzes

    To help you deepen your understanding, the course tests you with hundreds of C2 and C3 questions

Human Memory

Some concepts

Memory is the faculty of the brain by which data or information is encoded, stored, and retrieved when needed. It is the retention of information over time for the purpose of influencing future action.  If past events could not be remembered, it would be impossible for language, relationships, or personal identity to develop.  Memory loss is usually described as forgetfulness or amnesia.  

Information processing model of memory

Memory is often understood as an informational processing system with explicit and implicit functioning that is made up of a sensory processor, short-term (or working) memory, and long-term memory.  This can be related to the neuron. The sensory processor allows information from the outside world to be sensed in the form of chemical and physical stimuli and attended to various levels of focus and intent. Working memory serves as an encoding and retrieval processor. Information in the form of stimuli is encoded per explicit or implicit functions by the working memory processor. The working memory also retrieves information from previously stored material. Finally, the function of long-term memory is to store data through various categorical models or systems. 

Levels of processing 

The levels-of-processing theory has described three levels of processing. Structural processing occurs when people try to put meaningless symbols into memory. This is the shallowest level of processing and we lose the memories rapidly.

Semantic processing occurs when people comprehend what they are trying to memorize. These memories are retained for longer. 

Phonemic encoding comes middle-way between the two extremes. 


Enriching Encoding

Enhancing Longterm Potentiation

Visual imagery, making information self-referent, elaboration of information, and motivation to remember enhances encoding. You can now pre-enroll for this module, coming soon.
Pre-Enroll
Enriching encoding

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Introduction

    • Introduction
  • 2

    How Memory Functions

    • Learning Objectives

    • Introduction

    • Models of memory

    • Encoding

    • Storage

    • Retrieval

    • Personal Application Questions
  • 3

    Neurobiology

    • Learning Objectives

    • Neuroanatomy

    • Neurotransmitters

    • Summary
  • 4

    Problems with memory

    • Learning Objectives

    • Amnesia

    • Memory Construction and Reconstruction

    • Forgetting
  • 5

    Practical Applications

    • Learning Objectives

    • Enhancing Memory

    • How to Study Effectively
  • 6

    Summary

    • Summary

    • Key Terms

    • References
  • 7

    Exit Exam

    • Introduction

    • Exam

Additional products