Verified Document

Human Memory Organization Has Been Term Paper

Additionally, subjects were asked whether or not the test stimuli and the study stimuli were the same or different in location, which tested their spatial memory organization. Interference and non-interference tasks were combined with the memory tasks. The study showed that while memory for temporal information was impaired by some interference tasks, the spatial organization task was not. The conclusion of the data supported the idea that temporal and spatial memory organization are different, in that each task is made more difficult through the use of different interference. This data suggests that the memory organizational structures are different (Halbig, 1998). Another study by Smith (2001) showed similar results, using brain imaging information. In this study, subjects were asked to perform a memory tasks while simultaneously verifying equations. While the subjects performed the tasks, positron emission tomography scans were taken. When the two tasks were done simultaneously, the researchers found that some subjects were impaired, in that they were unable to correctly complete both tasks. The brain activation scans were examined in these subjects, and showed results similar to those found by other researchers. Regions in the prefrontal cortex were active in the dual-task procedures, but were not active during the single tasks. In subjects who showed ability to do both tasks, there were no prefrontal regions active during the dual task. Again, these results imply that, in some cases and in some patients, memory organization skills differ...

This implies that each task uses different areas in the brain, resulting in possible dissociation (Smith, 2001).
While more research in this area needs to be done, it is clear that, at least in some cases, brain functions in memory organization use different areas of the brain, and a combination of more than one type of task may result in an ability to complete either task. The result, in some cases, can be dissociation or double dissociation, in which one or more of the activities operate completely independent of one another. The importance of this information could be far reaching, in that as researchers know more of how the non-injured brain organizes memory information, there are potentials to apply that information to injured patients to enable them to better organize memory information.

References

Westen, D. (2002). Psychology. Boston, M.A.: Boston University.

Wilson, B.A., Clare, L., Young, A.W., Hodges, J.R. (1997). Knowing where and knowing what: a double dissociation. Cortex, 33, 529-541.

Halbig, T., Mecklinger, A. Schriefers, H.J. And Friederici, A.D. (1998). Double dissociation in the processing of temporal and spatial information in working memory of intact human subjects. Neuropsychologia, 36 (4), 305-312.

Smith, E.E., Jonides, G.A., Miller, A. Reuter-lorenz, P., Koeppe, R.A. (2001). The neural basis of task switching in working memory: effects of performance and aging. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 98, 2095-2100.

Sources used in this document:
References

Westen, D. (2002). Psychology. Boston, M.A.: Boston University.

Wilson, B.A., Clare, L., Young, A.W., Hodges, J.R. (1997). Knowing where and knowing what: a double dissociation. Cortex, 33, 529-541.

Halbig, T., Mecklinger, A. Schriefers, H.J. And Friederici, A.D. (1998). Double dissociation in the processing of temporal and spatial information in working memory of intact human subjects. Neuropsychologia, 36 (4), 305-312.

Smith, E.E., Jonides, G.A., Miller, A. Reuter-lorenz, P., Koeppe, R.A. (2001). The neural basis of task switching in working memory: effects of performance and aging. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 98, 2095-2100.
Cite this Document:
Copy Bibliography Citation

Related Documents

Human Memory if a Person Behaves in
Words: 599 Length: 2 Document Type: Essay

Human Memory If a person behaves in a confused or agitated way, I would begin to suspect that all is not well. Drowsiness, abnormal eye movements, and a staggering gait are also symptoms that, together with the undesirable emotional and cognitive states, are symptoms that generally appear for Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (Heath Grades Inc., 2011). The idea of "activation" concerns the frequency of memory use. The more a memory is used, the more

Psychological Research of the 21st Century: Human Memory
Words: 7275 Length: 25 Document Type: Literature Review Chapter

Human Memory Psychology This literature review upon human memory will cover a fairly wide spectrum of ideas regarding the subject. While there will be a number of connections among the divisions or categories of this literature review, there will certainly be several distinctions or differences among them. The psychological research a part of the review will span, roughly, the duration of the 21st century thus far, with a few sources of

Stress on Human Memory and Cognitive Capabilities
Words: 880 Length: 2 Document Type: Annotated Bibliography

Stress on Human Memory and Cognitive Capabilities Types of Stresses on Short-Term Memory Symptoms of Short-Term Memory Stress weakens a human's ability to be able to pass proper chemicals through the blood-brain barrier. The blood-brain barrier is an assemblage of blood vessels that defends the brain from toxins that circulate through one's body (Franklin Institute, 2004). Evidence of stress on the short-term memory includes difficulty to learn new things, dizziness, headaches, and nausea

Memory Models and Assessment the
Words: 851 Length: 2 Document Type: Research Paper

More generalized assessments include the Wechsler Memory Scale, created by the founder of the IQ test of that name, which offers a generalized assessment of different memory types (sensory, short, and long-term) and is most appropriate for adults. In general, two basic types of neuropsychological memory tests exist. "In almost all objective tests, quantitative results are compared with some normative standard, including data from groups of non-brain injured persons and

Organizational Theories As a Product
Words: 1428 Length: 5 Document Type: Term Paper

McGregor's Theory X and Theory Y, Open Systems Theory, and in general a recognition of the complexities of what fosters and supports greater productivity on the part of people. At this point the evolution of organizational theories begins looking at how the factors of the distribution of knowledge, the integration of process for knowledge management, and in general the recognition of personal productivity as the basis of competitive advantage. This

Memory in the Late 1960s,
Words: 841 Length: 2 Document Type: Research Paper

One factor that can enhance information flow in memory is whether or not we are paying attention to stimuli around us. If we are paying attention to our environment, we are much more likely to remember distinct things occurring. Distractions can greatly impede information flow. These factors have to do with the step of acquiring information. Another factor that can impede memory would be an error in the way we

Sign Up for Unlimited Study Help

Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.

Get Started Now