Chapter 7 Flashcards
encoding
processing of information so that it can be stored
consolidation
neural process by which encoded information becomes stored in memory
retrieval
act of recalling stored information
long term potentiation
strengthening of a connection between neurons
reconsolidation
memories are recalled and then stored again, can change
3 stages of memory
encoding, storage, and retrieval
sensory memory
very brief memory system tied to senses (aka iconic memory for visual or echoic for audial)
short term memory/working memory
briefly holds a limited amount of information and keeps it available for use
chunking
breaking down information into meaningful units
long term memory
relatively permanent storage of information
serial position effect
items presented early (primacy effect) or late (recency effect) are easier to remember
schemas
structures in long term memory that help us sort and use information
spreading activation model
stimuli in working memory activate specific ideas in long term memory, making retrieval easier for related terms
retrieval cue
anything that helps a person recall a memory
encoding specificity principle
any stimulus encoded along with an experience can later trigger a memory of it
mnemonics
learning aids that improve recall through use of retrieval cues (mind palace
different kinds of long term memory
explicit -episodic -semantic implicit -classical conditioning -procedural
prospective memory
remembering to do something at some time in the future
memory transience
forgetting something over time, usually because we don’t use it and it gets pushed out by other information
proactive vs. retroactive interference
proactive: old information inhibits the ability to remember new things
retroactive: new information inhibits ability to remember old
blocking
temporarily blanking out on the name of a song
absentmindedness
inattentive encoding of events because you’re not paying attention
amnesia
vast deficit in long term memory
-can be retrograde (Jason Bourne) or anterograde (Memento)
persistence
continual recurrence of unwanted memories
memory bias
changing of memories over time so that they become consistent with current beliefs
flashbulb memories
vivid memories of an arousing event
