Chapter 8 Definitions

Question 1

Sensory memory

Answer 1

According to the multi-store model of memory, the sensory memory is the store for incoming, fleeting sensory information.

Question 2

Long-term memory

Answer 2

Like the hard-drive in your computer, the information is encoded and stored, and as long as you know enough about the information then it can be retrieved.

Question 3

Memory

Answer 3

The mental capacity for retaining an image, concept or knowledge when the stimuli which created it no longer exists in consciousness. Memory may also refer to the storage system which retains such images/knowledge.

Question 4

Working memory

Answer 4

The mental work that is occurring at any one time, including retrieving information, problem-solving, and comprehending sounds and visions. Working memory draws on information from you sensory and long-term memories.

Question 5

Levels-of-processing

Answer 5

A model of memory storage suggests that memory does not comprise any specific number of separate memory states but instead comprises a continuous dimension in which memory is encoded. It is related to the ease with which it can be retrieved: the deeper the processing of information, the greater the chance it can be retrieved.

Question 6

Encoding

Answer 6

The process of putting information into a form which will allow it to fit in with your personal storage system.

Question 7

Storage

Answer 7

Maintaining encoded information in a memory store.

Question 8

Retrieval

Answer 8

The process of getting information back from long-term memory to be used in working memory.

Question 9

Echoing memory

Answer 9

Auditory memory in the sensory memory register.

Question 10

Iconic memory

Answer 10

A sensory register for the fleeting storage of visual information. It lasts about 0.3 seconds. It explains why we can see a moving picture from a series of still photos.

Question 11

Duration of memory

Answer 11

Amount of time that information remains in either sensory, short-term or long-term memory.

Question 12

Capacity of memory

Answer 12

Amount of information which is stored in either sensory, short-term or long-term memory.

Question 13

Chunking

Answer 13

The process of grouping items together to improve mental capacity - especially of short-term memory, and of committing to long-term memory.

Question 14

Interference

Answer 14

Difficulties in retrieving information from memory, caused by other material learned either previously (pro-active interference) or subsequently (retro-active interference).

Question 15

Maintenance rehearsal

Answer 15

A strategy of keeping information in short-term memory or for moving it into long-term memory by simply repeating information over and over, but not trying to form meaningful connections between the new information and other information which is already in memory.

Question 16

Short-term memory

Answer 16

According to the multi-store model of memory, the short-term memory is a store which receives information from the long-term and sensory stores; it has a limited capacity of 7+-2 pieces of information, and a duration of approximately 12-20 seconds.