Logo
    Search

    From the Vault: Tip of the Tongue

    enMarch 10, 2018

    Podcast Summary

    • Exploring the Role of AI in Various Industries and Everyday Life through PodcastsAI is revolutionizing industries like healthcare, retail, entertainment, and personal computing. Podcasts like Technically Speaking and Conversations with UNK provide insights, while How Rude and Stuff to Blow Your Mind offer advice and entertainment.

      Artificial intelligence will play a significant role in shaping the future, and various industries such as health care, retail, entertainment, and personal computing are already being transformed by AI. Graham Klass, in Technically Speaking, an Intel podcast, explores this topic further by interviewing experts in these fields. Meanwhile, in everyday life, podcasts like Conversations with UNK and How Rude offer advice, encouragement, and entertainment. Jody Sweetin from How Rude shares her experience of traveling with her family using the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe, which has enough space for her family and pets, as well as features like available all-wheel drive and dual wireless charging pads. Additionally, when our brains struggle to recall a specific word or memory, it's a normal phenomenon known as the tip of the tongue phenomenon. Stuff to Blow Your Mind podcast discusses this phenomenon and offers strategies to help recall the elusive word. In essence, technology, whether it's AI or everyday gadgets, and podcasts that offer advice, entertainment, and knowledge are all part of the ongoing evolution of our world, making it more accessible and connected.

    • Tip of the Tongue Phenomenon: Knowing but ForgettingThe Tip of the Tongue Phenomenon is the experience of knowing a word or fact is known but unable to recall it, often accompanied by a sense of its first letter or number of syllables. It's a normal part of memory retrieval and can be frustrating, but names of lesser-known actors or characters can make for an enjoyable weekly game for movie enthusiasts.

      The tip of the tongue phenomenon (TOT) refers to the experience of knowing that you know a word or a fact, but being unable to recall it despite feeling that it's on the tip of your tongue. This experience is common when trying to remember proper names, especially of actors or characters from movies. The feeling of knowing the word can be accompanied by a sense of its first letter or number of syllables, but these guesses may not be accurate. The experience can be frustrating, but it's a normal part of memory retrieval. The actor John Cazale, who played Fredo in The Godfather, is an example of a name that might be on the tip of one's tongue. Cazale was a character actor with a notable filmography, but he died young, which may explain why his name is not as widely known as it could be. The phenomenon of TOT can be a weekly game for movie enthusiasts, who may encounter these names frequently but not easily recall them.

    • The Tip of the Tongue Phenomenon: The Mystery of Unretrieved InformationThe Tip of the Tongue phenomenon is a unique experience of knowing a word or name is just out of reach, leading to a 'gap in consciousness' that negates wrong answers and guides us towards the correct one.

      Our minds can be filled with intriguing gaps, known as the Tip of the Tongue (TOT) phenomenon. This experience occurs when we're certain we know a word or a name, but it eludes us. It's a unique sensation of not knowing and yet feeling close, a phantom limb of memory reaching out towards the unretrieved information. The TOT phenomenon is more likely to occur with less frequently used words and names, especially for those who don't frequently encounter them in their day-to-day lives. William James, a renowned psychologist and philosopher, was one of the first to explore this phenomenon. He described it as a "gap in consciousness" that is "intensely active" and "singularly definite," filled with a "wraith of the name" that beckons us closer. This negative space, the gap between what we know and what we can't recall, acts as an entity in our minds, negating wrong answers and guiding us towards the correct one. Understanding the Tip of the Tongue phenomenon offers fascinating insights into the intricacies of our memory and information retrieval processes. It's a reminder that our minds are complex, dynamic systems, filled with both familiarity and mystery.

    • Universal experience described through tongue metaphor in languagesThe sensation of forgetting a word or memory is a universal experience described through the tongue metaphor in most languages, offering insights into cultural and linguistic nuances.

      Our brains use metaphors, specifically the tongue metaphor, to describe the sensation of temporarily not being able to recall a word or memory. This phenomenon, known as the tip of the tongue phenomenon, was first described by William James but wasn't given its name until later. This sensation is a universal experience, with over 90% of languages using the tongue metaphor to describe it. Some languages, such as American Sign Language, Icelandic, and Indonesian, do not use the tongue metaphor and instead use other metaphors. The use of specific metaphors can provide insight into the cultural and linguistic nuances of different languages. For example, the French language uses both "tip of the tongue" and "hole in my head" metaphors to describe this sensation. Understanding these linguistic differences can broaden our perspective on language and culture. Additionally, Astepro, a nasal spray sponsor, provided free samples to help treat allergies, and Rob, the local host, reported positive results from using the product.

    • Innovative solutions for common problemsAstepro offers fast-acting allergy relief, Bartesian Cocktail Maker provides mess-free cocktails, Symbionica delivers effective supplements, and AT&T's In-Car Wi-Fi ensures reliable internet connection.

      There are innovative solutions available for common problems. Astepro, a 24-hour, steroid-free allergy spray, offers fast-acting relief from nasal allergy symptoms. Meanwhile, the Bartesian Cocktail Maker allows for premium, mess-free cocktails on demand. For those seeking effective supplements, Symbionica's all-natural products deliver noticeable results. Lastly, AT&T's In-Car Wi-Fi provides reliable high-speed internet connectivity on the road. During the discussion, Roger Brown and David McNeil's 1966 paper on the Tip of the Tongue Phenomenon was mentioned. This research highlighted the distinction between stages of knowledge and the significance of a failure to recall a word despite having prior knowledge. While it's debatable whether someone in a tip of the tongue state truly has knowledge of the word, observable behaviors such as self-resolution or recognition of incorrect answers suggest that it's not just an illusion.

    • The mystery of language retrievalThe tip of the tongue phenomenon reveals the complex, unconscious process of retrieving words from our memory

      The tip of the tongue phenomenon, a common experience of struggling to recall a word, sheds light on the mysterious process of language retrieval in the brain. This state is characterized by an inability to recall a word or phrase, accompanied by the subjective sensation that recall is imminent. While we often take the fluidity of language for granted, the tip of the tongue state highlights the strange and obscure nature of how words come out of us when we speak. Unlike written language, where we have the opportunity to revise and edit our words, spoken language feels more mysterious and unconscious. It's as if the words come out of us like torpedoes from a submarine, with little conscious control over the process. The tip of the tongue state serves as a reminder of the intricacies of language processing and the limitations of our conscious awareness.

    • The struggle to recall a familiar word or nameDespite being a common experience, the Tip of the Tongue phenomenon can be resolved only about half the time and is more frequent with age, proper names, and contexts. Instant technology access can help, but the decision to use it is personal.

      The Tip of the Tongue experience, a common phenomenon where one struggles to recall a familiar word or name, has been a subject of scientific interest for decades. This experience, which is nearly universal and occurs on average once a week for individuals, is more frequently elicited by proper names and increases with age. During these moments, related words or contexts often come to mind, and the experience can be resolved about half of the time. The advent of smartphones and constant internet connection has changed the scenario, allowing for instant access to information, but the decision to use technology or persevere in recalling the information is a personal one. The Tip of the Tongue experience can be frustrating, but it also highlights the intricacies of our memory and the power of context in recall.

    • Theories explaining Tip-of-the-Tongue statesSeveral theories propose explanations for why we experience Tip-of-the-Tongue states, including the well-trodden path, incomplete activation, transmission deficit, and inferential theories like cue familiarity.

      There are multiple theories explaining the phenomenon of tip-of-the-tongue states (TOTs), where we know the meaning or context of a word but cannot recall its exact sound or form. One theory is the well-trodden path, which suggests that we follow a strongly ingrained memory path even when it leads us astray from the target word. Another theory is the incomplete activation hypothesis, which posits that we have the word in memory but cannot fully activate it due to fatigue or other factors. The transmission deficit model explains TOTs as a retrieval failure where we can recall the image and semantics of a word but not its sound. Inferential theories, on the other hand, propose that TOTs arise from an assessment of the level of recognition of a particular cue or question. The first inferential theory is cue familiarity theory, which suggests that TOTs occur when we are uncertain about the familiarity of a cue or question, making it difficult to retrieve the associated word. Overall, these theories highlight the complex nature of memory retrieval and the various factors that can influence our ability to recall specific words. While the exact cause of TOTs remains elusive, ongoing research continues to shed light on the underlying mechanisms and potential solutions.

    • The tip of the tongue state: a complex memory phenomenonThe tip of the tongue state is a feeling of knowing you should remember something but being unable to recall it. Strategies like looking away or using mnemonic devices can help improve recall. It's different from simply not knowing something, which is a complete blank.

      The tip of the tongue state, or the feeling of knowing that you should remember something but being unable to recall it, is a complex phenomenon with various explanations. One theory suggests that it's related to inferential views and accessing related information in your brain. Another theory proposes that it's due to the amount and intensity of partial information that is retrieved when you cannot recall a target answer. However, it's important to note that spending more time in this state can actually make it harder to remember the word the next time. Therefore, it's recommended to avoid dwelling on it and instead use strategies like looking away or distracting yourself briefly before trying to recall the information again. Additionally, using mnemonic devices or associating the word with something memorable can help improve recall. Another interesting point discussed was the difference between the tip of the tongue state and simply not knowing something. The former is characterized by the presence of related information that you can't quite access, while the latter is a complete blank. Overall, the tip of the tongue state is a common experience that many people have, and while it can be frustrating, there are strategies that can help improve recall and reduce the likelihood of getting stuck in this state for extended periods of time.

    • The longer you fail to recall a memory, the stronger the neural pathways for that mistake become.Prolonged struggle to remember can strengthen incorrect responses, hindering future recall.

      The more you fail to recall a memory or answer a question, the stronger the neural pathways for that mistake become, making it even harder to remember correctly in the future. This is according to a study by Warriner and Humphreys called "Learning to Fail: Reoccurring Tip of the Tongue States." The study found that participants who spent longer in a state of not being able to recall a word were more likely to make the same mistake again in the future. This is due to an "implicit learning mechanism" where the brain learns the incorrect response and makes it easier to access. This concept can be applied beyond memory recall, suggesting that not all practice is beneficial and that practicing the wrong way can lead to worsening performance over time.

    • Self-resolution of tip-of-the-tongue states can prevent future occurrencesSelf-resolving tip-of-the-tongue states can improve memory and reduce future instances, while hints from others can also aid in resolution without negating benefits.

      Experiencing tip-of-the-tongue states (TOTs) can be detrimental to memory if not resolved, but self-resolution can help prevent future occurrences. In a study published in 2015, Karen Humphries and Maria C. D'Angelo expanded on earlier research that found speakers tend to exhibit taught states for the same words. They conducted six experiments and found that remaining in the taught state without resolving it can worsen memory, but self-resolution can decrease the likelihood of future TOTs. The authors suggest that finding the answer on your own, without cheating, is the most effective way to avoid future TOTs. However, they also found that experimenters can help without negating the corrective effect of self-resolution by providing hints related to the spelling or sound of the word. This research reinforces the idea that the language production system is continually learning from experience, even when that experience involves errors. So, the next time you encounter a TOT, try to resolve it on your own or seek hints from others before looking up the answer. This approach can help improve memory and prevent future TOTs.

    • The complexities of the tip of the tongue phenomenonThe tip of the tongue phenomenon is a complex issue with various factors at play, including caffeine, drugs, and semantics, and while there are suggestions for potential solutions, the evidence is not always clear.

      The tip of the tongue phenomenon, where you know the meaning of a word but can't recall its name, is a complex issue with various factors at play. Siri and unlocked iPhones, caffeine, and drugs like lorazepam have been suggested as potential solutions or contributors to this phenomenon, but the evidence is not clear-cut. One study found that caffeine can both increase and decrease the number of tip of the tongue states depending on the experiment. While some research suggests that caffeine can help prevent tip of the tongue states, other studies indicate that it might hinder short-term recall. As for drugs, taking lorazepam might help you avoid tip of the tongue states by reducing the sense of knowing the answer is imminent. However, it's essential to note that this drug doesn't actually improve performance or help you recall the word earlier. Another interesting observation is the existence of a tip of the fingers phenomenon in American Sign Language (ASL). This phenomenon parallels the tip of the tongue phenomenon but involves hand motions and finger placements instead of sounds. In summary, the tip of the tongue phenomenon is a complex issue with various contributing factors, and while there are suggestions for potential solutions, the evidence is not always clear. The phenomenon highlights the intricacies of language processing and the disconnect between semantics and phonology.

    • The gap between signs and concepts in languageDeaf signers' errors reveal the intriguing gap between signs and concepts, highlighting the complex relationship between meaning, language, and our brains

      Our brains create associations between signs and concepts, but these associations can sometimes fail us, leading to intriguing insights into the nature of language and our cognitive processes. For instance, deaf signers experience similar phenomena when trying to recall signs based on their initial letter. This phenomenon, studied in "Tip of the Fingers" in Psychological Science in 2005, highlights the gap between the signifier (the sign) and the signified (the concept) that we often overlook. This gap is a fundamental aspect of language and semiotics, and these everyday errors serve as reminders that our experiences, whether in the physical world or in language, are constructed by our brains and are not inherently real. These moments of confusion can be likened to encountering glitches in a computer game, which can provide valuable insights into the underlying systems and mechanics. By acknowledging and exploring these errors, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between meaning, language, and our brains in the universe.

    • Travel, Wireless, Streaming, and Automotive PerksAmerican Express Platinum card offers travel perks, Visible provides affordable wireless, Zumo Play offers free streaming, and Toyota introduces electrified vehicle options

      The American Express Platinum card offers impressive travel perks, including complimentary Wi-Fi access and exclusive entrances, making the experience more enjoyable and convenient for card members. Additionally, Visible, a wireless company, provides a transparent and affordable wireless plan with unlimited 5G data for only $25 a month. Zumo Play is another free streaming platform with a diverse range of live channels, movies, and TV series, making entertainment easily accessible. Toyota is also embracing the trend towards electrified vehicles with various options, including hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and fully electric vehicles, as part of their Beyond 0 vision for the future. Overall, these companies are providing valuable services and products that cater to the needs and desires of consumers in innovative ways.

    Recent Episodes from Stuff To Blow Your Mind

    Smart Talks with IBM: AI & the Productivity Paradox

    Smart Talks with IBM: AI & the Productivity Paradox

    In a rapidly evolving world, we need to balance the fear surrounding AI and its role in the workplace with its potential to drive productivity growth. In this special live episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Malcolm Gladwell is joined onstage by Rob Thomas, senior vice president of software and chief commercial officer at IBM, during NY Tech Week. They discuss “the productivity paradox,” the importance of open-source AI, and a future where AI will touch every industry.

    This is a paid advertisement from IBM. The conversations on this podcast don't necessarily represent IBM's positions, strategies or opinions.

    Visit us at ibm.com/smarttalks

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Weirdhouse Cinema: The Dungeonmaster

    Weirdhouse Cinema: The Dungeonmaster

    In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe return to the glorious world of 80s Charles Band productions with 1984’s “The Dungeonmaster,” a supernatural dreamscape with eight directors starring Jeffrey Byron, Richard Moll and Leslie Wing. It’s time to reject the devil’s reality and substitute your own! 

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Related Episodes

    How A.I. Artificial Intelligence is Saving Languages

    How A.I. Artificial Intelligence is Saving Languages

    Everyone talks about different species going extinct. And for good reason. Anytime a species goes extinct, something unique and unrepeatable has been lost. While most don’t stop to think of it, the same is true for languages. 

    Over the course of human history, a great many languages have been lost to the sands of time. When a language disappears, it takes away more than just a few words or sounds, it takes with it a way of thinking, of seeing the world and expressing thoughts about it. When a language is lost, we lose the most important tool for understanding a culture. In fact, you could say that when a language dies, a culture dies with it. That’s because every culture has certain concepts or ways of putting thoughts together that are simply lacking in others. Just as an example, German has a feature that lets people string multiple words together to create one new word that represents a new concept. 

    There are numerous old fishing villages in Ireland. In many ways, these villages are the last vestiges of the old Irish language. Not only are there still those who speak the language of their ancestors, there are words and concepts used that are unique to each village, words for the different waves and for different tools that might not exist anywhere else. 

    There are a lot of different ways languages are lost. Sometimes, a language evolves so much that it becomes an entirely new one for all intents and purposes. Just try to read a copy of Beowulf in the original Old English. In the past, it was not unheard of for conquering power to outlaw the language of their defeated enemy in order to destroy their culture and assimilate them into that of the victor. Other times, the loss of language is a function of trade. As an upstart company or industry to move in, people will adopt the language that opens up the most economic opportunity. Coupled with the fact that shifting economics can do away with the need for certain concepts, it’s easy to understand how people might unconsciously let the old words and concepts disappear.           

    What can be done to preserve languages that are on the verge of being lost? There must be something behind finding the couple of villages that are still speaking Gaelic and putting them in an isolated biosphere. What if we could actually use machine learning to help us preserve at-risk languages?  

    These old words can be collected into databases, like giant digital dictionaries. Not only the words and their meanings but the concepts and histories of them can be stored in an easily searchable format. Not only that, but (as has been previously discussed here) machine learning is very good at recognizing patterns. As such, it can be used to help fill holes in the language. To determine the meaning of words whose definition no one recalls, or even point the direction towards whole words that have gone missing. Even better, machine learning can help researchers determine how words were pronounced or how entire sentences might have been put together and so not only preserve a dying language but resurrect one already dead. 

    Why, though? Why is any of this important? Because these languages, these cultures are a part of our past and anyone with a hint of historical knowledge will tell you that if you want to know where we are heading, we need to know where we have been. If we want to preserve anything of our own culture, we had best learn why others disappeared in order to prevent ours from taking the same route. 

    What’s your data worth? www.tartle.co

     

    Tcast is brought to you by TARTLE. A global personal data marketplace that allows users to sell their personal information anonymously when they want to, while allowing buyers to access clean ready to analyze data sets on digital identities from all across the globe.

     

    The show is hosted by Co-Founder and Source Data Pioneer Alexander McCaig and Head of Conscious Marketing Jason Rigby.

     

    What's your data worth?

     

    Find out at: https://tartle.co/

     

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TARTLE

     

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TARTLEofficial/

     

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tartle_official/

     

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/TARTLEofficial

     

    Spread the word!

    Harnessing the Power of Inclusive Language

    Harnessing the Power of Inclusive Language

    Jenifer Clausell-Tormos is on a mission to close the gender and diversity gap at speed. Her company Develop Diverse is achieving staggering results with its technology that leverages language to increase the diversity of the talent pipeline and more besides.

    If you want to build a more inclusive workplace that you can be proud of please visit our website to learn more.

    Google AI and Machine Learning with Dr. Karina Montilla Edmonds

    Google AI and Machine Learning with Dr. Karina Montilla Edmonds

    Today we take a look at Google's work in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.

    My guest is Dr. Karina Montilla Edmonds. Karina works at Google Cloud AI & Machine Learning as the bridge between the Google Cloud AI team and leading university research labs in artificial Intelligence. Prior to this she worked at Caltech as the Executive Director of Corporate Partnerships. She has a PhD in Aeronautics from Caltech, and worked for many years at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

    We explore the various Artificial Intelligence divisions at Google, what it means for the company to be focused on "AI First", and how artificial intelligence can transform our world.

    More at: https://www.MindAndMachine.io

    The Tech behind Voice Assistants

    The Tech behind Voice Assistants

    Peggy zooms out and talks about AI (artificial intelligence)—the technology behind voice assistants. She explains how the technology works, saying natural language processing is kind of like magic. Looking to the future, she says tasks will become more complex for voice assistants and we need to be aware that there are going to be some ethical questions that arise.

    peggysmedleyshow.com

    (02.18.20 - #655)

    IoT, Internet of Things, Peggy Smedley, machine learning, big data, digital transformation, cybersecurity, blockchain, 5G cloud, sustainability, future of work, podcast