MNEMIC HYPOTHESIS Meaning and
Definition
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The mnemic hypothesis refers to a theory in psychology and neuroscience that suggests memories are stored and retrieved through the activation of neural networks. It proposes that memories are represented by specific patterns of activity in the brain, forming "mnemic imprints" or engrams. These engrams are thought to be encoded in neural circuits, which can be reactivated to retrieve memories.
According to the mnemic hypothesis, memories are not localized in specific regions of the brain but are distributed across various neural connections. This means that when a memory is formed, it creates a unique pattern of interconnected neurons, which can be reactivated to recall that memory.
Furthermore, the mnemic hypothesis suggests that memory storage is a dynamic process that involves synaptic plasticity – the ability of synapses (connections between neurons) to modify their strength. It proposes that memory formation and consolidation occur through the strengthening and weakening of synapses, allowing for long-term memory storage.
The mnemic hypothesis was initially proposed by the psychologist Richard Semon in 1904. While it has been influential in shaping our understanding of memory, it has been subject to ongoing debates and modifications as newer research and theories have emerged.
In summary, the mnemic hypothesis posits that memories are stored in distributed neural networks and retrieval involves reactivating those networks. It emphasizes synaptic plasticity as a crucial mechanism for memory formation and consolidation.
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Semon-Hering hypothesis, mnemism; the theory that stimuli or irritants leave definite traces (engrams) on the protoplasm of the animal or plant, and when these stimuli are regularly repeated they induce a habit which persists after the stimuli cease; assuming that the germ cells share with the nerve cells in the possession of engrams, acquired habits may thus be transmitted to the descendants.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MNEMIC HYPOTHESIS
- nnemic hypothesis
- knemic hypothesis
- jnemic hypothesis
- mbemic hypothesis
- mmemic hypothesis
- mjemic hypothesis
- mhemic hypothesis
- mnwmic hypothesis
- mnsmic hypothesis
- mndmic hypothesis
- mnrmic hypothesis
- mn4mic hypothesis
- mn3mic hypothesis
- mnenic hypothesis
- mnekic hypothesis
- mnejic hypothesis
- mnemuc hypothesis
- mnemjc hypothesis
- mnemkc hypothesis
- mnemoc hypothesis
Etymology of MNEMIC HYPOTHESIS
The word "mnemic hypothesis" is derived from the Greek word "mneme", which means memory or recollection. The term was coined by the British evolutionary biologist Samuel Butler in his book "Life and Habit" published in 1877. Butler used the word to describe his theory that acquired characteristics or experiences could be inherited by future generations through a process similar to memory. The word "hypothesis" is added to indicate that this concept is a proposed explanation or theory.
