#Context dependent memory series

Will these factors help you or hold you back when you are trying to recall that information later? Context-Dependent Memory Pay attention to the state that you are in and the place you are located while you are learning. This information can help you when you’re studying for a test or trying to learn information for any reason. The neurotransmitters that influence our mood also create the neural pathways in our brain. These theories are controversial, but it’s not hard to make the connection between how “training” the neural pathways in our brain could create these types of memories. Researchers are continuing to look at how mood and internal pain may play a part in state-dependent memory. However, people do not have to have controlled substances in their bodies to encode state-dependent memory.

Nicotine also has some research that it provides a powerful state-dependent effect. Other studies involving caffeine and Ritalin have also supported the idea of state-dependent memory. Mice who learned the tasks while on morphine were more likely to recall the tasks while on morphine – and were more likely to forget the tasks when they were sober. Mice who learned tasks sober were more likely to recall the tasks while sober. In 2004, Iranian psychologists conducted a similar study on mice using morphine. In fact we can see state dependent learning in goldfish, mice, rabbits, cats, dogs, and even some types of invertebrates.

This phenomenon isn’t just localized to humans. You’d be much more likely to remember their name the second time if you were in the same state that you learned their name (drunk). The same happens if you learn someone’s name at a party and you’re drunk. As time passes and the test comes, he will be much more likely to remember those facts if he takes Adderall before the test. While he is studying the subject, he takes some unprescribed Adderall. Other substances, as well as other internal factors, can play a part in memory retrieval.Ĭommon factors that influence the “state” you are in include:įor a simple example of state-dependent memory, let’s assume an aspiring psychology student learns some simple facts about biopsychology. If people were under the influence of alcohol while they encoded memories, they were more likely to recall those memories while under the influence of alcohol.īut state-dependent memory involves more than just booze. Yes, and it involves more than just alcohol! The most commonly discussed studies on state-dependent memory have dealt with alcohol usage. When it comes to State-Dependent memory, there is no model or theory other than the fact that it works and can be replicated. However, we can describe it using models and theories.

#Context dependent memory series

I’ve read a ton about memory developing this series and one thing is for sure: Nobody really knows how memory works. The cells recognize that the chemical conditions are the same now that we are drunk, using medication, etc., and will send out the communication necessary to recall memories. If cells have been “trained” to communicate while our brains were in a specific state, they are also more likely to communicate when we are back in that state. The cells can then communicate, which helps us to recall information that we had learned as we created those pathways. When we learn something new, we create a neural pathway that connects brain cells. How does this happen? It has to do with the way that we “train” our brains. For example, if you learned something while drunk, you will have a higher chance of remembering it if you are also drunk. State-dependent memory is a phenomenon where people are more likely to retrieve memories that were created in similar states of consciousness. This is just one of the wacky ways that state-dependent memory works in the brain.

The only way you’ll have a clue about what horrendous things you might’ve said on your big night out is if someone tells you.īut did you know that some people can retrieve memories they made while they were drunk…by drinking? Too much alcohol can cause something called a “blackout,” in which your memories seem to be completely wiped forever. It’s no secret that alcohol can have a big effect on our memories. If you’re here because you Googled “State Dependent Memory” and are wanting to learn more about this interesting new concept, you’ve came to the right place!