Abstract This study discusses the question of whether caffeine actually does stimulate the nervous system in such as way that it improves short-term memory. More specifically, the study supports the hypothesis that a group of male students who drank caffeinated coffee prior to taking a short-term memory test will perform better in terms of accuracy and speed than a group of male students that drank decaffeinated coffee before the test. The focus of the study is on a single research question: "Does caffeine improve the short term memory in male college students?" The paper concludes with an evaluation of the efficacy of the study, noting that, from the results obtained in the study, one cannot determine that caffeine improves short-term memory.
Outline:
Introduction
Understanding Memory Significance of Study
Hypothesis and Research Questions
Literature Review
Methodology
Results
Conclusion
From the Paper "Memory refers to the way in which humans store information for retrieval at a later time. Memory is the key to learning. Memory begins with a stimulus that is received through the five senses. The brain receives the message and sorts the data according to similarities and differences to other information that it already has in storage. It categorizes the information and places it in a location so that the information can be retrieved at a later date.
"We have several types of memory, one is short-term memory and the other is long-term memory. Short-term memory might only last for a few minutes. A piece of information must enter short-term memory before it can enter long-term memory (Singleton, 2006). Working memory acts as the central processing hub for short-term memory. A stimulus might involve several types of information coming in. Working memory collects them and integrates them so that they can be forwarded to the proper locations in the brain. One example of working memory might be when a person smells smoke, feels heat, and hears a crackling noise. These pieces of information all come from different sensory organs. The working memory integrates them and sends them to the area of the brain where they will be interpreted (Singleton, 2006). These pieces of information might not mean danger when taken individually, but taken together; they will most likely be interpreted as danger."
Abstract This paper explains how the human memory works and includes detailed information about the complexity and the exact organs of the brain and how these organs affect memory. Included are the differences between long term and short term memory and tips on how to remember information more efficiently.
From the Paper "Perhaps the most important thing scientists have found is that there is no single memory system in the brain. Instead, human memory is divided into at least two broad categories. These can be affected by disease, injury or aging. The first on is explicit memory. Explicit memory is the system that stores concrete knowledge like faces, names, and multiplication facts. This is the knowledge that a person can call up consciously. Implicit memory is the way the brain stores information that isn?t assimilated or called up consciously.(Colliers Encyclopedia CD-ROM) Examples of this are shooting a basketball or stopping a car."
Abstract This paper is a research study focusing on the short-term memory skills of 4th and 5th grade special education students who eat breakfast regularly, as compared to those who eat no breakfast or only occasionally eat breakfast before attending school in the morning. The author provides a comprehensive overview of all aspects relating to the study and states that the findings of this research could promote the implementation of school breakfast programs in elementary schools, or encourage schools to continue the program they may have already established. The author has also included seven appendices relevant to the work.
Outline:
Title Page
Table of Contents
Abstract
Chapter 1
Introduction
Background of Study
Statement of the problem
Purpose
Significance of Study
Research Question
Assumptions
Delimitations
Definitions
Summary
Chapter 2
Review of Literature
Introduction
Effects Of Missing Breakfast
Breakfast Before School
Summary
Chapter 3
Methodology
Action Research Plan
Site Setting
Participation
Data Gathering Methods and Procedures
Measurement Methods
Procedure
Ethical Considerations
Data Analysis
Summary
Chapter 4
Data Analysis and Discussion
Findings
Discussion
Limitations
Chapter 5
Summary and Conclusions
Conclusions
Implications for Teaching Practices
Implications for Further ResearchReferences
Appendices
Appendix A Student Breakfast Log
Appendix B Principal School Site Consent Form
Appendix C Notice to Fifth Grade Teachers
Appendix D Parental Consent Form
Appendix E Questionnaire for Students
Appendix F Time Line
Appendix G Tables
From the Paper "A small sample of 4th and 5th grade Special Education students at three area public schools will participate in a mixed qualitative-quantitative study to see if there is a direct relationship between regularly eating breakfast before school and short-term memory performance. Students will complete surveys regarding their ability to attention and focus after eating breakfast. The findings of this research could promote the implementation of school breakfast programs in elementary schools, or encourage schools to continue the program they may have already established."
Abstract This paper examines the different types and causes of stress and looks at their impact on the body. In particular, it reviews the literature and proposes a study to investigate the effects of physical and mental stress on both short and long-term memory.
Outline:
What is Stress?
Types of Stress
Symptoms of Stress
Stress and Memory Analysis of Questionnaire
Analysis of Pulse Rate
Analysis of Blood Pressure
Analysis of Salivary Cortisol Levels
Results of Memory Clinic Tests
Limitations of the Study
Suggestions For Additional Research
Conclusion
From the Paper "On a lighter note, research has found that the Cortisol induced inhibition of short-term memory is reversible. Elzinga documented that though working memory was inhibited in the Stress State, the rats returned to normal functioning after only ten days of non-stress situations (2005). Signifying with appropriate coping and managing stress individuals can ensure their health. There are a number of ways in which individuals can reduce the effects of stress in their lives. Exercise, proper diet and relaxation techniques can help with releases for built up tension and stress for individuals. Exercise has proven very effective in stress reduction."
Abstract This paper examines the nature of temporal memory, visual perception, and attention shifts through eye movement prove intriguing subject matter. The paper looks into two particular experimental designs used to investigate these issues. The first investigates how eye movement and visual short-term memory are related to pedestrian traffic behavior. The second experimental design tests the correlation between television viewing and the ability to read stereograms. Both television viewing and comprehension of stereograms require a long period of looking at once spot and taking in visual information, though one involves absorption of moving information and the other involves absorption of still information. The paper explains that both designs observe eyeball movement and visual focus in terms of competency tasks and that one involves the real-life scenario of pedestrian behavior, while the other involves the ability to detect hidden geometric patterns using visual focus. The paper concludes that the first experiment is an important test to implement because pedestrian traffic fatalities prove to be a dominant and historical problem, while the second test is interesting because the ability to glimpse the hidden images in stereograms is still an unsolved mystery.
From the Paper "The problem is how to test the hypotheses in an ethical fashion. Restricting the potential eye movement and scope of vision of pedestrians as they walk through real-life traffic would be very ethically wrong. Instead, a simulation needs to be developed whereby the safety of subjects is not compromised. In this case, the simulation can come either via reconstruction of a traffic scenario (difficult to enact) or in terms of a computer simulation (which poses no safety risk). A number of computer games already exist in which traffic and pedestrian behavior are a major part of the game. An obvious example is Grand Theft Auto, though as this game is controversial (violence, bad language) it may not be appropriate. The game "City Life" would be better, as it is visually very realistic and easy to maneuver. Other Sims games may be also appropriate and are readily available. However, in order to eliminate the chance of video prowess of being an extraneous variable, the game should be very simple and easy for computer game "beginners" to maneuver. A pedestrian street version of city life, or a fairly "clean" part of Grand Theft Auto, may be appropriate. The scene selection is one whereby intersecting traffic is a consideration and the A to B point of pedestrian travel is a fairly straight, easy-to-monitor course."
Abstract This paper discusses the movie "Memento", which focuses on the world of Leonard Shelby, a man who suffers from short-term memory loss following the traumatic death of his wife. The paper discusses the issues associated with short-term memory loss and how it effects the individual who suffers from it. It then discusses the issue in relation to the character in the film.
From the Paper "Memory and Memento The movie Memento focuses on the world of Leonard Shelby, a man who suffers from short-term memory loss following the traumatic death of his wife. This short-term memory loss in the film prevents the leading character from recalling new memories. Leonard does, however, recall events from his life, although those memories are shown in the film without connections to one another, or the action that is taking place at any particular point in time. This technique is accomplished, according to the filmmakers, to demonstrate what it is actually like when an individual has a short-term memory loss. Technically short-term memory loss allows the individual to recall brief passages of information for short periods of time. Short-term memory can be transferred to long-term memory, however. In the film, Memento, it is contended that because Leonard has short term memory loss that he cannot create new memories."
Abstract This paper intends to determine whether semantic representations of words with HI or LI are retained better in short term memory loss when presented visually. For many years imagery was regarded as questionable area of study for experimental cognitive psychology because individual's visual imagination is inherently private and cannot serve as unbiased observable behavioral data. The paper refers to recent research, which suggests that word imageability greatly influences recognition and recall. The memory task was conducted in a form of immediate serial recall of HI and LI item lists. General prediction and experimental hypothesis were supported by the data. Potential implications of the study and proposed further research are considered in detail.
From the Paper "In the theoretical framework of traditional short-term (working) memory, mechanisms of retrieval of information generated a lot of interest in the area of cognitive psychology. A variety of evidence that has accumulated in the past few years suggests that short-term memory processes may be influenced by a number of phonological, orthographical and semantic factors. Researchers designed standard procedures to study memory performance by presenting a list of unrelated items to require reproduction with either immediate free recall or serial recall after some interpolated activity."
Abstract This paper analyzes the literature regarding long term and short term memory in infants, focusing on infants aged 6-12 months. The paper hypothesizes that short and long term memory is evident in infants and that evidence of this will exist in some infants, while it will not exist in others. The paper also looks at the role that environment plays in determining the retention of memory.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Methodology
Literature Review
From the Paper "Bergman, Mahler and Pine (2000) conducted research in relation to infant memory and have concluded that the events that occur within an infant's life not only can be recalled, but are the basis for personality development throughout life (p. 6). This information is based on a theory of the infant-mother relationship in which Bergman, Mahler and Pine (2000) stipulate serves as the foundation of all memory in infancy and supports cognitive development consistently (p. 6). The researchers have concluded that it is this relationship that will indicate whether or not the person has later psychological issues that must be addressed and this relationship that affects how the person will ultimately function in the world. This research, however, is limited because it only provides for a comparison of theories that are then evaluated to support the research concept and it draws conclusions about infant memory that are not based on actual data from the observation of participants."
Abstract Alcoholism is one of the largest public health problems in the United States, yet the percentage is extremely low compared to France, Israel or the Soviet Union. However, what would constitute specific effects from long-term drinking? Researchers have battled the integrity to localize the culprit through long-term studies as well as short-term comprehension. Specifically, long-term alcoholism may cause physical pains, mental depression, lower metabolism and possible mental impairments. In this research paper, specific factors are analyzed to show evidence that long-term effect of alcoholism contributes to memory loss through evidence of blackouts, withdrawals and retrievals.
From the Paper "According to a research studied by Aaron White, "Alcohol primarily interferes with the ability to form new long-term memories, leaving intact previously established long-term memories and the ability to keep new information active in memory for brief periods" (White, 2003, p. 185). In other words, long-term alcohol drinking may impede the knack of memory impairments or the modal model such as sensory memory, short-term memory and long-term memory however it depends upon how active the specific memory proceeds within a storage capacity. Alcohol consumed in excessive amounts will decrease metabolism and/or activities due to disruptions within the brain, which contributes to memory impairments."
Abstract The paper offers the psychological and neurological definitions of stress and memory and explains how men and women handle stress in different ways. The paper looks at how teenagers of both genders may be especially vulnerable to stress. The paper studies the effect acute stress has on the short term memory and how chronic stress can negatively impact both short and long term memory of a sufferer in a permanent fashion. The paper provides suggestions on how to reduce stress and considers areas of future research.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
What is Memory?
What is Stress?
Gender, Age and Various Stressors
Acute Stress and Memory Chronic Stress and Memory How to Reduce Stress?
Conclusion
From the Paper "A memory is a kind of neurological activity of imprinting or retrieval. Different areas of the brain coordinate different areas of memory, such as phonological, or acoustic and linguistic memory, as opposed to visual and spatial memory. These different types of memory stimulate different areas of the brain. Intense personal memories appear to affect a particular structure of the limbic system of the brain, in addition to the hippocampus. This structure is called the amygdala and regulates human reactions to fearful situations."
Abstract This paper explains human memory and discusses how it is formed. It explores the mysteries the mechanisms of memory, the different levels of memory, and its reliability.
From the Paper "According to the article by Dr. Helen Silvia, the temporal lobe is a region of the brain that presents a significant involvement with memory. It is localized under the temporal bone (above the ears) so named because hair in this region frequently is the first ones to become gray with time. There is considerable evidence pointing to this region as being particularly important for the storage of past events. The temporal lobe includes the temporal neocortex, which could potentially be the region involved with long-term memory."
This paper is a research proposal providing an extensive review of literature about the ability to read and describing a research methodology to evaluate the predictor effects of short-term memory and language ability.
Abstract This paper explains in detail the process of reading and the many factors that can contribute to problems in learning to read. The paper details evaluating the predictor effects of short-term memory and language ability by testing children of low socioeconomic status between the ages of three and four years on reading skills. The author points out that, if the relationship of short-term memory and language ability is predictive, this knowledge might be helpful to the clinician in deciding which children to refer to intervention programs.
Table of Contents
The Meaning of Reading
Proper Reading Development
Decompose Reading
Alphabetic Principle
Passage Comprehension
Normal Reading Ability in Children Ages 6-10
Early Development to Promote Reading
Language and Reading Ability
Dyslexia, a Common, Worldwide Phenomenon
Hyperlexia
Receptive and Expressive Language
Short Term Memory and Reading Ability
Dyslexia and Memory Correlated
Types of Attention
Short-term Memory and Environmental Factors
Purpose of the Study
Rationale
From the Paper "Genetic factors also play an important role in future reading and learning disabilities. Though the specific genetic influences such as identification of a phonological awareness gene have yet to be identified, certain lingual characteristics are inherited. Bishop studied a cohort of children from 86 families. The children presented with language impairments. The hereditary problems could be identified through a test of non-word repetition. Such a hereditary relationship was not found among respondents among respondents from the general population. The study concluded, that non-word repetition, inherited or not, is indicative of potential reading and learning disabilities."
Abstract This paper looks closely at a chapter describing the inner workings of our human memory, and the three component system that we utilize to retail information. Using sensory memory, working memory and long-term memory we can learn to better encode information in order to be more successful students. The more meaning we can attach to our memories, the stronger memories they become.
From the Paper "Memories can seem to be fleeting moments, shocking us when we can not seem to recall the most standard pieces of information, or surprisingly dense, as when details one thought completely unimportant rise clearly into our thoughts. Understanding the processes behind memory can aid our quests to recall specific information similarly to how an information processing system such as a computer or database works. Through a clear understanding of the three component model of memory--sensory memory, working or short term memory and long term memory--one can apply this awareness towards creating specific rehearsal and encoding cues which will be more likely to remain stable in our long term memory. While the processes of memory have been speculated upon for centuries, a current model describes memory utilizing technological imagery. "
Abstract This well-researched paper reviews and analyzes the latest published research and relevant results pertaining to the nature and dynamics of human memory. The writer of this paper explores the significance of sleep on the formation of memory as well as the impact of menopause and its tendency to affect a woman's memory. This paper details the results of various studies which clearly explain the three distinct stages of memory while also delving into how and why memories either linger on or vanish. This paper presents the findings of studies done on babies and their capacity to remember which greatly increases between 8 and 12 months while long-term memory is not fully developed until after the first year of life. This paper also details the author's results to a particular experiment conducted on 11 students which focused on recognition and delayed recall as they pertained to names and numbers.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Discussion
Psychological Laboratory Report
Bibliography
From the Paper "Findings of a new research unravel the three distinct stages of a memory, how memories endure or vanish. These stages are the stabilizing, the enhancing and the modifying of a memory. In the first stage, the memory or experience is created in the brain, stabilized and then saved like computer files but, unlike computer files, the memory needs six waking hours to become stabilized. The second stage happens during a full night's sleep, on which the enhancement of memory is absolutely dependent, and underscores the significance of sleep to the learning process. And the third stage is the recall phase, wherein the memory that has been stabilized and enhanced can be modified. These findings were drawn from a new research conducted with 100 young subjects, aged 18 to 27 in several finger-tapping sequences at various intervals and points in the sleep-wake cycle. The research, conducted at the Massachusetts Mental Health Center, focused on procedural skill memory, the type that enables the learning of coordination-based skills, like driving, sports, playing musical instruments and surgical procedure."
Abstract The paper examines the extensive research which has been completed on the physiological effects of nicotine - the addictive substance found in cigarettes - on the human body. The paper discusses the findings of this research which shows that nicotine, although addictive, may have some properties that could be considered beneficial in regards to learning and memory, particularly some tasks involving the consumption of nicotine before the completion of a specific memory/learning task.
Subtitles:
Nicotine Metabolites and the Neuropharmacological Effects of Nicotine
Is Nicotine Beneficial in Cognitive Functions?
Nicotine Interactions: Possible Improvement of Working Memory in Rats Environmental Influence, Nicotine, and Short-Term Memory
From the Paper "The study by Crooks and Dwoskin (1997) say that many people that smoke cigarettes because of the immediate stimulation on the CNS that elevates mood and arousal. Smoking cigarettes causes the tobacco to release nicotine metabolites, which are probably responsible for the main effects on the CNS. Nicotine metabolites are thought to effect dopaminergic neurotransmission, and thus creating pleasurable feelings and an increased state of arousal. Different subtypes of nicotine metabolites could be present in different types of tabacco, therefore yielding many different feelings and reactions by the CNS. The reaction by the CNS is thought to be caused primarily by the nicotine metabolites, and not the nicotine itself. (Crooks & Dwoskin, 1997)."
