ch. 6 Flashcards
memory
the process by which we encode, store, and retrieve information
encoding
recording info in a form usable to memory
storage
the maintenance of material saved in memory
retrieval
locating material and bringing it into awareness so that it can be used
repetitive rehearsal
short term mem
elaborative rehearsal
long term mem
organzied
sensory memory
the initial, momentary storage of information, lasting only an instant
iconic memory
reflects info from visual system
echoic memory
stores auditory info
short term memory
holds info for 15-25 secs
*** 7 +/- 2
hold avg of 7 chunks
variations of plus/minus 2 chunks
chunk
group together related info
single unit in short term mem
rehearsal
the repetition of info that has entered short term mem
illusion of competence
sounds familiar so you think you know it
but you do not :(
mnemonics
strategies for organizing info in a way that makes it more likely to be remembered
long term memory
stores info on a relatively permanent basis, can be difficult to retrieve
unlimited capacity
primacy effect
best remembered are items that come early
recency effect
best remembered are items presented late
declarative memory
(explicit mem) factual info
semantic memory
for general knowledge
episodic memory
for events that occur in a particular time, place, or context
procedural memory
memory for skills and habits
semantic networks
mental reps of clusters of interconnected info
spreading activation
activating one memory triggers that activation of related memories
tip of the tongue phenomenon
inability to recall info that one realizes one knows
retrieval cues
stimuli that allow us to more easily recall info that is in long term memory
recall
memory task in which specific info must be retrieved
recognition
memory task in which individuals are presented w a stimulus and asked whether they have been exposed to it in the past or to identify it from a list of alternatives
levels-of-processing theory
a theory of memory that emphasizes the degree to which new material is mentally analyzed
explicit memory
intentional or conscious recollection of info
implicit memory
memories of which people are not consciously aware
priming
occurs when exposure to a word/concept later makes it easier to recall related info
flashbulb memory
memory of specific, important, significant event that are recalled easily w vivid imagery
source amenesia
occurs when an individual has a memory for some material but cannot recall where they encountered it
autobiographical memory
our recollection of our own life experiences
memory failure
is essential to remembering important information
decay
loss of info through non use
memory traces
physical changes when new material is learned
interference
info in memory disrupts the recall of other info
cue-dependent forgetting
occurs when there are insufficient retrieval cues to rekindle info in memory
proactive interference
info learned earlier disrupts the recall of newer material and progresses in time
retroactive interference
material that was learned later disrupts the retrieval of info that was learned earlier
