This physical trace of memory is known as the ________.

**Correct Answer:** engram

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An engram is the theoretical physical trace or representation of a memory within the brain. Early researchers like Karl Lashley did not find evidence of the engram, which led him to formulate the equipotentiality hypothesis. However, modern psychologists are making progress in locating these physical memory traces, particularly by investigating the role of synapses in neural circuits.

Engram

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

Analyze the results from the following neuroscience experiment and explain the most logical conclusion about how the memory is physically stored in the brain.

Interpreting Experimental Results on Memory Storage

In an early attempt to physically locate the engram, Karl Lashley conducted experiments in which he created brain lesions in rats after they had learned to navigate a maze. He found that the rats retained the ability to find their way through the maze regardless of the size or specific location of the brain damage, demonstrating a lack of evidence for a localized memory trace.

Karl Lashley's Lesion Experiments

Eric Kandel is a modern psychologist who has made significant progress in locating the physical traces of memory. He has spent decades studying the synapse and its critical role in controlling the flow of information through the neural circuits that are needed to store memories.

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