Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026
15:57
Brain Imaging Investigation of the Memory-Enhancing Effect of Emotion
Published on: May 4, 2011
Factors that influence the relative use of multiple memory systems
Mark G Packard1, Jarid Goodman
1Department of Psychology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas.
Hippocampus
|August 10, 2013
Summary
The brain has distinct memory systems, one in the hippocampus for cognitive tasks and another in the striatum for habits. Factors like training and environment influence which memory system is used, suggesting competitive interactions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Mammalian brains possess at least two distinct memory systems: hippocampal (cognitive) and dorsolateral striatal (habit).
- These systems, though anatomically separate, can interact cooperatively or competitively depending on the learning context.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the neural mechanisms of memory system interaction.
- To investigate how various factors influence the relative engagement of hippocampal and dorsolateral striatal memory systems.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing neurobehavioral evidence.
- Examination of factors influencing memory system selection, including information compatibility, training parameters, sensory environment, reinforcement, arousal, and modulatory systems.
Main Results:
- Specific experimental factors can selectively enhance hippocampal or dorsolateral striatal memory.
- These factors can bias animals towards using cognitive or habit memory in tasks solvable by either system.
- Altered use of memory systems often reflects competitive interactions between them.
Conclusions:
- Understanding how experimental factors modulate memory system use is key to investigating their interaction mechanisms.
- This research approach offers insights into the dynamic interplay between cognitive and habit memory systems.
Related Concept Videos
01:23System of Memory
Memory is categorized into three major systems: sensory memory, short-term memory (STM), and long-term memory (LTM). These systems differ in their capacity and the duration for which they can hold information. Sensory memory captures raw sensory input from the environment, holding it for just a few seconds or less. For example, on hearing a brief, loud sound, like a car horn honking, the sound seems to linger in the mind for a moment even after it stops. This is an instance of sensory memory...
01:19Understanding Memory
Memory is the retention of information or experiences over time, facilitated through three main processes: encoding, storage, and retrieval. Encoding is the process of inputting information into the memory system. For instance, when listening to a lecture, watching a play, reading a book, or having a conversation, the brain is actively encoding information. This initial stage involves transforming sensory input into a form that can be processed and stored by the brain. Various factors, such as...
01:23Storage
A schema is a mental framework that helps individuals organize and interpret information. Schemata, formed from previous experiences, influence how we process new information: how we encode it, the inferences we make, and how we retrieve it. For instance, a schema for what a typical classroom looks like might include desks, a teacher's desk, a whiteboard, and students in such an environment. This expectation helps us quickly understand and navigate new classrooms without needing to analyze each...
01:24Working Memory
Working memory refers to a combination of components, including short-term memory and attention, that allow an individual to hold information temporarily as we perform cognitive tasks. It is an essential cognitive function that enables the execution of complex tasks such as problem-solving, comprehension, and reasoning. Unlike short-term memory, which simply involves the storage of information for a brief period, working memory involves the active manipulation and processing of this information.
01:23Mnemonic Devices
Mnemonic devices are cognitive tools that facilitate memory retention by linking new information to familiar patterns or organizational strategies. These techniques are beneficial for remembering complex or lengthy sets of information by simplifying and structuring them in easily retrievable ways.
Acronyms
Acronyms are created by using the initial letters of a series of words to form a new word or phrase. This approach condenses complex information into a single, memorable entity. For example,...
Acronyms
Acronyms are created by using the initial letters of a series of words to form a new word or phrase. This approach condenses complex information into a single, memorable entity. For example,...
01:30Impact of Schemas
Schemas are cognitive structures that provide a framework for interpreting and organizing social information. They help individuals navigate complex environments by offering expectations about people, events, and behaviors. Schemas influence attention, encoding, and retrieval processes, thereby shaping the entire trajectory of information processing in social contexts.Attention and Cognitive LoadDuring initial attention, schemas function as filters that prioritize schema-consistent information,...