Long-Term Memory Neural Circuits, Fast and Precise - Brain Theory from a Circuits and Systems Perspective - page 135

Table 8.4 Example
of memorized attributes

Cell 1 x1 ¼ red (true)

Call 2 x2 ¼ green (false)

Cell 3 x3 ¼ little black spots (true)

Cell 4 x4 ¼ six legs (false)

Table 8.5 Tracing a
memory search

There is a cue x1 for red and a subconscious memory of red
There is no cue x2 for green and also no subconscious memory
of green
There is a cue x3 for spots and a subconscious memory of spots
There is a no cue x4 for legs but there is a subconscious memory
of legs

some but not all features of the little creature. Say the transmitted cues are the color
red, and a texture of little black spots as in Table 8.4 .
Example signals in the above figures can be traced as in Table 8.5 .
Rout moving from left to right of each cell appears on the right side of the word.
Meanwhile, a similar signal has worked its way across the word from the right to the
left side of the word, so a match has been found. Both Lout and Rout are true.
When Rout on the very right goes true, other possible matches are blocked. Also,
a toggle is set to prevent this word from being returned again for this search. The
features y1, y3, y4 are sent up to STM via the y-outputs. Note that there is no
subconscious memory of green (y2) and it is not sent up to STM. STM now has
a sought after image. What is imagined is a red, spotted little creature with six legs,
a ladybug.

Models for Memorizing

A memory model must incorporate the intuitive knowledge that memories are
formed practically instantly, and cannot be erased easily, nor can they be
overwritten. New memories require available memory, referred to as blank words
of memory. So it is reasonable to assume that blank memory elements are available,
ready to be used, since otherwise new memories would be rare.
Memorizing is not the same as learning. Learning involves neural redirection
and synaptic formation, which takes time. Learning new sequences, for example,
may involve inteneurons and synapses that go from one word of long-term memory
to another in a controlled way without conscious involvement. Redirection and
growth take rehearsal time.
In contrast, memorization of details seems to occur practically immediately, as is
common experience during emotional events such as shocking deaths, horrible
losses of life and property, and intense moments in relationships. Beyond this, it
is known that those gifted with photographic memory instantly accomplish massive