Chapter 6 Flashcards
What are the 3 key functions of memory
Encoding
Storage
Retrieval
Define memory
The ability to store and retrieve information over time
Define encoding
The process by which we transform what we perceive, think, or feel into an enduring memory.
Define storage
The process of maintaining information in memory over time
Define retrieval
The process of bringing to mind information that has been previously encoded and stored.
Define Elaborative encoding
The process of actively relating new information to knowledge that is already in memory
Define visual imagery encoding
The process of storing new information by converting it into mental pictures
Organizational encoding
The process of categorizing information according to the relationship among a series of items
Define memory storage and name the 3 types
The process of maintaining information in memory over time.
Sensory
Short-term
Long-term
Define sensory memory
Holds sensory information for a few seconds or less.
Define iconic memory
Fast decaying store of visual memory
Define echoic memory
Fast decaying store of auditory information
Define short term memory
Holds non sensory information for more than a few seconds but less than a minute
Define rehearsal
The process of keeping information in short term memory by mentally repeating it
define chunking
Combining small pieces of information into larger clusters or chunks.
Define working memory
Active maintenance of information in short term storage
Define central executive
Part of working memory that coordinates subsystems (frontal lobe)
Define long term memory
Holds information for hours, days, weeks or years
Define anterograde amnesia
Inability to transfer new information from the short term store into the long term store
Define Retrograde amnesia
Inability to retrieve information that was acquired before a particular date, usually the date of an injury or operation. Hippocampal region is critical for putting info into long term.
Define consolidation
A process by which memories become stable in the brain
What do beta blockers do
Prevent consolidation of memories
Define reconsolidation
Consolidated memories can again become vulnerable to disruption when they are recalled, thus requiring them to be consolidated again.
What is PTSD treatment
Have people recall emotional memory, before reconsolidation can occur administer beta blockers. Which will lead to disruption of the emotional component of memory.
Define retrieval
The process of bringing to mind information that has been previously encoded and stored.
Define retrieval cue
External information that is associated with stored information and helps bring it to mind
Define the Encoding specialty principle
A retrieval cue can serve as an effective reminder when it helps re-create the specific way in which information was initially encoded
Define State dependant retrieval
The tendency for information to be better recalled when the person is in the same state during encoding and retrieval
Define Transfer appropriate processing
Memory is likely to transfer from one situation to another when the encoding context of the situations match.
Define retrieval induced forgetting
A process by which retrieving select items from long term memory impairs subsequent recall of related items
Where does trying to retrieve take place
Left frontal lobe
Where does successful retrieval take place
The hippocampus
Where does recalling sounds happen
Auditory cortex
Where does recalling pictures take place
The occipital lobe
Define explicit memory
Occurs when people consciously or intentionally retrieve past experiences
Define implicit memory
Occurs when past experiences influence later behaviour and performance, even though people are not trying to recollect them and are not aware that they are remembering them.
Define procedural memory
The gradual acquisition of skills as a result of practice or “knowing how” to do things.
Define conceptual priming
Reflects implicit memory for the meaning of a word or how you would use and object.
Define perceptual priming
Reflects implicit memory for the sensory features of an item
Define semantic memory
A network of associated facts and concepts that make up our general knowledge of the world
Define episodic memory
The collection of past personal experiences that occurred at a particular time and place.
Define transience
forgetting what occurs with the passage of time
Define retroactive interference
Later learning impairs memory for information acquired earlier
Define proactive interference
Earlier learning impairs memory for information acquired later
Define primacy effect
People have a good memory for items at the beginning of the list. Reflects long term memory
Define recency effect
People have a good memory for the items at the end of a list. Reflects working memory
Define absentmindedness
Lapse in attention that results in memory failure.
Prospective memory
Remembering to do things on the future
Define memory blocking
Failure to retrieve information that is available in memory even though you are trying to produce it. Typically occurs with names and places
Define memory misattribution
Assigning a recollection or an idea to the wrong source
Define source memory
Recall of when, where and how information was acquired
Define destination memory
Remembering who we have told something before
Define false recognition
Feeling of familiarity about something that hasn’t been encountered before. (Misattribution error)
Deja vecu
Mistaken belief that one has already lived through an experience and remember the details of what happened
Define suggestibility
The tendency to incorporate misleading information from external sources into personal recollections
Define bias
The distorting influences of present knowledge, beliefs, and feelings on recollection of previous experiences.
Define consistency bias
The bias to reconstruct the past to fit the present
Define Change bias
After an investment of effort in producing change, remembering ones past performance as consistent with the change
Define egocentric bias
The tendency to exaggerate the change between present and past in order to make ourselves look good in retrospect
Define persistence
The intrusive recollection of events that we wish we could forget
Define flashbulb memories
Detailed recollections of when and and where we heard about shocking events
Persistence is caused by
Activation of the amygdala
What are the seven sins of memory
Transience Absentmindedness Blocking Memory misattribution Suggestibility Bias Persistence
