Chapter 8 Flashcards
Memory
the persistence of learning over time through the encoding, storage, and retrieval of information
Memory
A measure of memory in which the person must retrieve information learned earlier, as on a fill-in-the-blank test.
Recall
a measure of memory in which the person need only identify items previously learned, as on a multiple-choice test
Recognition
a measure of memory that assesses the amount of time saved when learning material again
Relearning
the processing of information into the memory system—for example, by extracting meaning.
Encoding
the process of retaining encoded information over time
Storage
the process of getting information out of memory storage
Retrieval
the processing of many aspects of a problem simultaneously; the brain’s natural mode of information processing for many functions, including vision.
Parallel Processing
the immediate, very brief recording of sensory information in the memory system
Sensory Memory
activated memory that holds a few items briefly, such as the seven digits of a phone number while dialing, before the information is stored or forgotten
Short Term Memory
the relatively permanent and limitless storehouse of the memory system. Includes knowledge, skills, and experiences.
Long Term Memory
a newer understanding of short-term memory that focuses on conscious, active processing of incoming auditory and visual-spatial information, and of information retrieved from long-term memory
Working Memory
memory of facts and experiences that one can consciously know and “declare”
Explicit memory
encoding that requires attention and conscious effort
Effortful Processing
unconscious encoding of incidental information, such as space, time, and frequency, and of well-learned information, such as word meanings
Automatic Processing
retention of learned skills or classically conditioned associations independent of conscious recollection
Implicit Memory
a momentary sensory memory of visual stimuli; a photographic or picture-image memory lasting no more than a few tenths of a second
Iconic Memory
a momentary sensory memory of auditory stimuli; if attention is elsewhere, sounds and words can still be recalled within 3 or 4 seconds
Echoic Memory
organizing items into familiar, manageable units; often occurs automatically
Chunking
memory aids, especially those techniques that use vivid imagery and organizational devices
Mnemonics
the tendency for distributed study or practice to yield better long-term retention than is achieved through massed study or practice
Spacing Effect
enhanced memory after retrieving, rather than simply rereading, information
Testing Effect
encoding on a basic level based on the structure or appearance of words
Shallow Processing
encoding semantically, based on the meaning of the words; tends to yield the best retention
Deep Processing
explicit memory of facts and general knowledge
Semantic Memory
explicit memory for personal experiences
Episodic Memory
a neural center located in the limbic system; helps process explicit memories for storage
Hippocampus
the neural storage of a long-term memory
Memory Consolidation
a clear memory of an emotionally significant moment or event
Flashbulb Memory
an increase in a cell’s firing potential after brief, rapid stimulation. Believed to be a neural basis for learning and memory
Long Term Potentiation
the activation, often unconsciously, of particular associations in memory
Priming
the idea that cues and contexts specific to a particular memory will be most effective in helping us recall it
Encoding Specificity Principle
the tendency to recall experiences that are consistent with one’s current good or bad mood
Mood Congruent Memory
our tendency to recall best the last (a recency effect) and first items (a primacy effect) in a list
Serial Position Effect
an inability to form new memories
Anterograde Amnesia
an inability to retrieve information from one’s past
Retrograde Amnesia
the forward-acting disruptive effect of prior learning on the recall of new information
Proactive Interference
the backward-acting disruptive effect of new learning on the recall of old information
Retroactive Interference
in psychoanalytic theory, the basic defense mechanism that banishes from consciousness anxiety-arousing thoughts, feelings, and memories
Repression
a process in which previously stored memories, when retrieved, are potentially altered before being stored again
Reconsolidation
occurs when misleading information is incorporated into one’s memory after an event
MIsinformation Effect
faulty memory for how, when, or where information was learned or imagined; heart of many false memories
Source Amnesia
that eerie sense that “I’ve experienced this before.” Cues from the current situation may subconsciously trigger retrieval of an earlier experience.
Deja Vu
