Chapter 8: Memory Flashcards
Memory
The persistence of learning over time through storage retrieval of information
Recall
A measure of memory in which a person must retrieve information learned earlier as on a fill-in-the-blank test
Recognition
A measure of memory in which a person need only identify items previously learned, such as a multiple-choice test
Relearning
A measure of memory that assesses the amount of time saved when learning material again
Encoding
Processing of information into the memory system
Storage
Retention of encoded information over time
Retrieval
Process of getting information out of memory storage
Sensory Memory
Immediate very brief recording of sensory information in the memory system
Short-Term Memory
Activated memory that holds a few items briefly … before the information is stored or forgotten
Long-Term Memory
Relatively permanent and limitless storehouse of the memory system. Includes knowledge, skills, and experiences
Working 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
Explicit Memory
Encoding that requires attention and conscious thought
Effortful Processing
Memory of facts and experiences that one can consciously now and declare (declarative memory)
Automatic Processing
Unconscious encoding of incidental information, such as space, time, frequency, and of well-learned information
Implicit Memory
Retention independent of conscious recollection (non-declarative memory)
Iconic Memory
Momentary sensory memory of visual stimuli or picture-image memory lasting no longer than a few tenths of a second
Ecohic Memory
Momentary sensory memory of auditory stimuli; if attention is elsewhere, sounds and words can be recalled in 3-4 seconds
Chunking
Organizing items into familiar, manageable units; often occurs automatically
Mnemonics
Memory aids, especially those techniques that use vivid imagery and organizational devices
Spacing Effect
Phenomenon whereby animals more easily remembering learning when they are studied a few times spaced over a long time span
Hippocampus
Neural center located in the limbic system; helps process explicit memories for storage
Flashbulb Memory
Clear memory of an emotionally significant moment or event
Long-Term Potentiation
An increase in cell’s potential after brief, rapid stimulation. Believed to be a neural basis for learning and memory
Priming
Activation, often unconsciously, of particular associations in memory
Proactive Interference
Disruption effect of prior learning on the recall of new information
Retroactive Interference
Disruption effect of new learning on the recall of old information
Repression
In psychoanalytic theory, the basic defense mechanism that banishes from consciousness anxiety-inducing thoughts, feelings, and memories
Source Amnesia
Attributing the wrong source to an event we have experienced etc. Source amnesia, along with the misinformation effect, may impact false memories
Deja Vu
Eerie sense that I’ve experienced this before (from current understanding, it is most likely a subconscious trigger that causes the retrieval of earlier experiences
Mood-Congruent Memory
Tendency to recall experiences that are consistent with one’s current good or bad mood
Three-Stage Memory Model
See page 301
Parallel Processing
Ability of the brain to simultaneously process incoming stimuli of differing quality
Rehearsal
Cognitive process in which information is repeated over and over as a possible way of learning and remembering it
Overlearning
Theory that practicing newly acquired skills will lead to the initial mastery of the skill
Next-in-Line Effect
People not remembering what other people said because they were too busy with rehearsing their own part
Serial-Position Effect
Tendency of a person to recall 1st and last items in a series best, and the middle worst
Visual Encoding
Another name for iconic memory, remembering things that you’ve seen
Acoustic Encoding
Another name for ecohic memory, it is the memory of things you have heard
Semantic Encoding
Processing and encoding of sensory input that has particular meaning or can be applied to a concept
Self Reference Effect
A tendency for people to encode information differently depending on the level on which the self is implicated in the information
Imagery
Pictures in the mind or a visual representation in the absence of environment input
Hierarchies
Broad concepts divided, then subdivided, until it is down to a narrow fact/ide
Amnesia
Loss of memory (can be parts or ability to remember itself)
Three Sins of Forgetting
- Absent Mindedness 2. Trans-science (use it or lose it) 3. Blocking (it was on the tip of my tongue
Three Sins of Distortion
- Mis-attribution 2. Suggestibility 3. Bias
Forgetting
Losing an already encoded memory or altering it so it is not the original memory
Storage Decay
Edward Thorndike- use it or lose it, applied to memory
Misinformation Efect
Incorporating misleading information into one’s memory of an event
Rosy Retrospection
Past events are viewed as good despite being mundane at the time
