Introduction to Psychology 1/IPSY102/Memory functions/Overview

“	Life is all memory, except for the one present moment that goes by you so quickly you hardly catch it going.	”
—Tennessee Williams

What do you mean when you use the words remember or memorize? In this pathway you will learn about the scientific study of memory, including the biological basis for memory formation. As you make your way through this learning pathway, consider how different the common understanding of memory is from its scientific study. Also consider the similarities and differences between human memory and the memory of a computer or a smartphone.

Orientation

Rajiv Jhangiani provides a brief orientation to this learning pathway on neuroanatomy and the functions of memory.

Video signpost: Memory: Functions and neuroanatomy

Objectives

By the end of this learning pathway you should be able to:

• Discuss the three basic functions of memory
• Describe the three stages of memory storage
• Describe and distinguish between procedural and declarative memory and semantic and episodic memory
• Explain the brain functions involved in memory
• Recognize the roles of the hippocampus, amygdala, and cerebellum