Chapter 8 - Memory Flashcards
memory
the set of processes used to encode, store, and retrieve information over different periods of time
encoding
- the input of information into the memory system
- organize the information with other similar information and connect new concepts to existing concepts
automatic processing
encoding of details without any conscious awareness
effortful processing
requiring a lot of work and attention in order to encode information
semantic encoding
The encoding of words and their meaning
visual encoding
the encoding of images
acoustic encoding
the encoding of sounds, words in particular
self-reference effect
the tendency for an individual to have better memory for information that relates to oneself in comparison to material that’s less personal
storage
- the creation of a permanent record of information
- i.e. long term memory
sensory memory
- storage of brief sensory events, such as sights, sounds, and tastes
- very brief storage (a few secs)
short-term memory (STM)
- a temporary storage system that processes incoming sensory memory
- lasts 15-30 sec
rehearsal
- moves information from short-term memory to long-term memory
- Active rehearsal is a way of transferring info, will go to long term if repeated enough
long-term memory (LTM)
- the continuous storage of information
- believed to have unlimited capacity
explicit memories
- those we consciously try to remember, recall, and report
- ex. material on test you’re studying for
episodic memory
- information about events we have personally experienced
- recollection of visual imagery, often a story
semantic memory
- knowledge about words, concepts, and language-based knowledge and facts
- typically facts
implicit memories
- long-term memories that are not part of our consciousness
- demonstrated in the performance of some task, usually not consciously recalled
procedural memory
- stores information about the way to do something, and is the memory for skilled actions
- type of implicit memory, studied w/observable behavior
engram
the group of neurons that serve as the “physical representation of memory”
equipotentiality hypothesis
guess that if part of one area of the brain involved in memory is damaged, another part of the same area can take over that memory function
amygdala in memory formation
- plays a part in how memories are stored because storage is influenced by stress hormones
- main job of the amygdala is to regulate emotions
hippocampus and memory
- is involved in memory, specifically normal recognition memory and spatial memory (when the memory tasks are like recall tests)
- project information that give memories meaning and connect them w/memories
- transfers new learning to long term memory
cerebellum and prefrontal cortex
cereb: part of creating implicit memory
pref cort: part of how people process and retain information
neurotransmitter
- communication among neurons via neurotransmitters is critical for developing new memories
- helps strengthen memory
arousal theory
- believed that strong emotions trigger the formation of strong memories, and weaker emotional experiences form weaker memories
- releases neurotransmitters and hormones, strengthen memory
flashbulb memory
- an exceptionally clear recollection of an important event
- can be less accurate overtime
- ex. where you were during 9/11
amnesia
- the loss of long-term memory that occurs as the result of disease, physical trauma, or psychological trauma
anterograde amnesia
cannot remember new information, although you can remember information and events that happened prior to your injury
retrograde amnesia
loss of memory for events that occurred prior to the trauma (some or all of their past)
construction
The formulation of new memories
reconstruction
- the process of bringing up old memories
- tend to be altered and modified
suggestibility
the effects of misinformation from external sources that leads to the creation of false memories
eyewitness misidentification
eyewitnesses are often relied on heavily in court testimony even though it’s easy for them to have false memories
misinformation effect paradigm
after exposure to additional and possibly inaccurate information, a person may misremember the original event
false memory syndrome
Recall of false autobiographical memories
forgetting
loss of information from long-term memory
encoding failure
- when memory loss happens before the actual memory process begins
- ex. not accurately knowing the face of the penny
transience
concept that memories can fade over time
absentmindedness
- lapses in memory caused by breaks in attention or our focus being somewhere else
- ex. forgetting where your phone is
misattribution
when you confuse the source of your information
bias
your feelings and view of the world can actually distort your memory of past events
persistance
- when you keep remembering something and it interferes with your ability to concentrate on other things
- ex. song stuck in head
proactive interference
- when old information hinders the recall of newly learned information
- ex. telling people wrong age after just having a birthday
retroactive interference
- when information learned more recently hinders the recall of older information
- ex. can’t remember personal email because just got school one
memory-enhancing strategies
- helps make sure information goes from short-term memory to long-term memory
- ex. chunking, rehearsing something over and over
chunking
- organize information into manageable bits or chunks
- ex. phone numbers
elaborative rehearsal
technique in which you think about the meaning of new information and its relation to knowledge already stored in your memory
Mnemonic device
- memory aids that help us organize information for encoding
- good for large pieces of info
- ex. PEMDAS
priming
- type of implicit memory
- exposure to a stimulus affects the response (view) of a later stimulus
retrieval
The act of getting information out of memory storage and back into conscious awareness
recall
means you can access/retrieve information without cues
recognition
- when you identify information that you have previously learned after encountering it again
- part of retrieval
relearning
- learning information that you previously learned
- part of retrieval
blocking
- when you can’t access stored information
- “tip of the tongue” effect
suggestibility
when the false memory of something comes from someone else (intentionally or unintentionally)
