Chapter 6 Flashcards
memory
- the ability to store and retrieve information over time
- 3 key functions of memory: encoding, storage, retrieval
- influenced by type of encoding regardless if we consciously intend to remember an event or not
encoding
- the process of transforming what we perceive, think, or feel into an enduring memory
- most instances of memory performance reflect encoding strategies rather than photographic memory
- semantic, visual imagery, and organizational encoding all increase memory but use different parts of the brain
storage
the process of maintaining information in memory over time
- 3 kinds of memory storage: sensory, short-term, long-term
- depends on changes in synapses
retrieval
the process of bringing to mind information that has been previously encoded and stored
semantic encoding
the process of relating new information in a meaningful way to knowledge that is already stored in memory
visual imagery encoding
- the process of storing new information by converting it into mental pictures
- can substantially improve memory
organizational encoding
the process of categorizing information according to the relationships among a series of items
sensory memory
a type of storage that holds sensory information for a few seconds or less
iconic memory
a fast-decaying store of VISUAL information
echoic memory
a fast-decaying store of AUDITORY information
short-term memory
a type of storage that holds nonsensory information for more than a few seconds but less than a minute (~15-20 sec)
rehearsal
the process of keeping information in short-term memory by mentally repeating it
chunking
combining small pieces of information into larger clusters or chunks that are more easily held in short-term memory
working memory
active maintenance of information in short-term storage
long-term memory
- a type of memory that holds information for hours, days, weeks, or years
- not everyone is able to store long-term memory
- hippocampal region of brain is critical for putting new information into the long-term storage
anterograde amnesia
- the inability to transfer new information from the short-term store into the long-term store
- result when hippocampal region is damaged
retrograde amnesia
the inability to retrieve information that was acquired before a particular date, usually the date of an injury or surgery
consolidation
- the process by which memories become stable in the brain
- these memories are more resistant to disruption
- sleep contributes to memory consolidation
reconsolidation
memories can become vulnerable to disruption when they are recalled, requiring them to become consolidated again
long-term potentiation (LTP)
- a process whereby communication across the synapse between neurons strengthens the connection, making further communication easier
- increases synaptic connections
retrieval cue
- external information that is associated with stored information and helps bring it to mind
- effective when they are given in the same context as when we encoded an experience
ex. moods and inner states
encoding specificity principle
the idea that a retrieval cue can serve as an effective reminder when it helps re-create the specific way in which information was initially encoded