Chapter 8 Flashcards
What is memory?
Processes that allow us to record and retrieve experiences and information.
What are the three main processes of memory?
Encoding, Storage, Retrieval.
What is encoding?
Getting information in by translating it into a neural code that your brain can process.
What is storage?
Retaining the information over time.
What is retrieval?
Getting information back out of storage when we want to use it.
What is the Atkinson-Shiffrin Model (1968)?
A model that describes memory as a multistage process involving sensory, short-term, and long-term memory.
What is sensory memory?
A brief memory store that holds sensory information for a short time (iconic memory for visual, echoic memory for auditory).
What is short-term memory (STM)?
A temporary memory store with limited capacity (7 ± 2 items) and short duration.
What is working memory?
A modification of short-term memory, describing a mental workspace for actively processing information.
What is chunking?
Combining individual items into larger units to increase STM capacity.
What is maintenance rehearsal?
Repeating information to keep it in short-term memory.
What is elaborative rehearsal?
Focusing on meaning, making connections to improve long-term retention.
What is long-term memory (LTM)?
A storage system with unlimited capacity that can endure for a lifetime.
What are the types of long-term memory?
Explicit (declarative) and Implicit (non-declarative) memory.
What is explicit memory?
Conscious, intentional recollection of facts and experiences.
What is implicit memory?
Unconscious memory for skills and habits.
What is the difference between episodic and semantic memory?
Episodic memory is personal experiences, semantic memory is general knowledge.
What is procedural memory?
A type of implicit memory related to motor skills and habits.
What is the serial position effect?
The tendency to recall first (primacy effect) and last items (recency effect) best.
What is the misinformation effect?
Distortion of memory by misleading post-event information.
What is retrieval failure?
When a memory is stored but cannot be accessed due to weak associations or cues.
What is proactive interference?
Old information interferes with new learning.
What is retroactive interference?
New information interferes with recalling old information.
What is retrograde amnesia?
The inability to retrieve past memories.
What is anterograde amnesia?
The inability to form new long-term explicit memories.
What is the role of the hippocampus in memory?
Converts short-term memories into long-term memories.
What is the role of the amygdala in memory?
Processes emotional aspects of memory, strengthens emotionally significant memories.
What is the role of the cerebellum in memory?
Stores procedural and conditioned memory.
What is the role of the prefrontal cortex in memory?
Involved in working memory and deep processing.
What is the role of the thalamus in memory?
Damage results in anterograde and retrograde amnesia.
What are flashbulb memories?
Emotionally intense memories that feel vivid but may not be accurate.
What is dual coding theory?
Memory is enhanced by using multiple types of coding, such as visual and phonological.
What are mnemonic devices?
Techniques for improving memory (e.g., acronyms, method of loci, peg word system).
