Question

The brief traces of a touch or a smell left by the firing of neurons in the brain are examples of a. perceptual memory. b. long-term potentiation. c. implicit memory. d. sensory memory.

Short answer

The correct answer is d. sensory memory.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Key Concept

To solve this exercise, first identify the main topic being discussed. The question refers to traces left by neurons in the brain relating to sensory experiences, such as touch or smell.

Understand Each Option

Review each of the answer choices to understand what they mean: a. Perceptual memory relates to visual identification and categorizing objects. b. Long-term potentiation is a process related to strengthening synapses based on patterns of activity. c. Implicit memory involves unconscious skills and actions. d. Sensory memory relates to very short-term memory of sensory experiences.

Match Key Concept with the Correct Option

Consider the brief, sensory nature of the memory described. The key concept is how the brain briefly retains traces of sensory information, such as touch or smell, even after the initial perception.

Select the Best Answer

Based on understanding, the correct answer is the one that aligns with brief, sensory traces. This matches with option d, sensory memory, which is responsible for short-term sensory information retention.

Key concepts

Sensory Memory

Sensory memory is the type of memory that captures the initial details of what we see, hear, feel, taste, or smell. It's the first step in the memory process and represents how sensory information is briefly stored in the brain. This short-term memory allows us to process sensory experiences just after they occur.
For example:

• When you see a flash of lightning, sensory memory allows you to retain the image fractionally longer than the actual flash lasts.
• Smelling a flower might leave a lingering scent trace in your mind, even after you move away.

Sensory memory serves as a temporary note pad for your senses. It is fleeting, lasting only a few milliseconds to a couple of seconds. However, it plays a crucial role in how we experience and process the world around us. This type of memory is quick to fade, but it is essential because it gives your brain time to determine if the sensory information should be passed on to short-term memory or be discarded.

Implicit Memory

Implicit memory is the part of long-term memory that is responsible for knowledge of how to do things. These are the memories that happen without conscious awareness. We don't have to actively remember these types of skills or habits—they just come naturally.
Here are some examples of how implicit memory works:

• Riding a bicycle, where your body remembers how to balance and pedal without you having to think about it.
• Typing on a keyboard without looking at the keys.
• Playing a musical instrument once you've mastered the necessary movements.

Implicit memory is sometimes referred to as procedural memory because it involves learning new tasks and procedures through repetition. It's incredibly vital for everyday functioning, allowing us to perform tasks automatically. This unconscious memory is stored differently than explicit, or declarative, memory, which involves recalling facts or events.

Long-Term Potentiation

Long-term potentiation (LTP) is a fascinating concept in neuroscience that demonstrates how the brain's neurons communicate more effectively over time. This process is crucial for learning and memory because it strengthens the synapses, or connections, between neurons when they're frequently activated.
Key aspects of LTP include:

• LTP occurs when repeated stimulation of neurons leads to an increase in the synaptic strength.
• It involves chemical changes in the neurons, allowing them to communicate more efficiently.
• This strengthening acts like a "memory booster," making it easier for neurons to pass information along.

LTP is foundational to understanding how learning and memory work at the neurological level. It explains why practice can enhance performance and retention, such as how studying over time helps solidify knowledge. LTP illustrates the brain's remarkable ability to adapt and change, known as neural plasticity, making it a pivotal concept in cognitive psychology.