chapter 9 Flashcards
encoding phase
The transformation of information from one form to another.
information is acquired and processed into a neural code that the brain can use.
storage
The retention of encoded information (from a moment or even lifetime).
retrieval
The recovery or recall of stored information when we need it.
multi-store model of memory
They proposed that memory consisted of three stores: a sensory register, short-term memory (STM) and long-term memory (LTM).
sensory memory
The first stage of the Atkinson–Shiffrin model that holds large amounts of incoming data for brief amounts of time.
- memory for sensory information that only lasts for an extremely brief time.
-not consciously aware of it
iconic memory
Sensory memory for visual information.
echoic memory
Sensory memory for auditory information.
short term memory
The second stage of the Atkinson–Shiffrin model that holds a small amount of information for a limited time.
- immediate memory
- memory will remain for only seconds, unless you actively think about it
- limited capacity
- individual differences
chunking
The process of grouping or organizing similar or meaningful information together to make it easier to remember.
working memory
An extension of the concept of short-term memory that includes the active manipulation of multiple types of information simultaneously.
- refers to the structures and processes used to temporarily store and manipulate information in short term memory
central executive
control centre, directs attention to relevant information
visuospatial sketchpad
visual information
phonological loop
auditory and verbal information
episodic buffer
integrates information, links to long term memory
maintenance rehearsal
Repeating information over and over again in order to keep it in working memory. Also known as rote rehearsal.
elaborative rehearsal
Making connections between new information that you are trying to remember and already existing information.
levels of processing theory
The depth (shallow to deep) of processing applied to information that predicts its ease of retrieval.
long term memory (LTM)
The final stage of the Atkinson–Shiffrin model that is the location of permanent memories.
basic distinction we can make is between explicit and implicit memories
declarative (explicit) memory
A consciously retrieved memory that is easy to verbalize, including semantic, episodic, and autobiographical information; also known as explicit memory.
-process involved when people remember specific information
-information we are consciously aware of
nondeclarative (implicit) memory
An unconsciously and effortlessly retrieved memory that is difficult to verbalize, such as a memory for classical conditioning, procedural learning, and priming; also known as implicit memory.
-system of underlying unconscious memories
- memories we acquire and use without awareness or intention
episodic memory
A memory for personal experience.
-memory of your personal past experiences that includes information about the time and place the experiences occurred
semantic memory
A general knowledge memory.
- memory for knowledge about the world
- things you know even though you may not remember where or when you learned it
autobiographical memory
Semantic or episodic memories that reference the self.
highly superior autobiographical memory (HSAM)
people to be able to remember an abnormally large number of their life experiences in vivid detail.
procedural memory
A nondeclarative or implicit memory for how to carry out skilled movement.
- motor skills, habits and other behaviors that we remember how to do without thinking about it
priming
A change in a response to a stimulus as a result of exposure to a previous stimulus.
- improvement in identifying or processing a stimulus that has been experienced previously
retrieval cue
anything that helps someone recall information from memory. (encoding specificity principle)
encoding specificity principle
A process in which memories incorporate unique combinations of information when encoded.
context dependent memory
The improvement in memory that occurs when the external context present at encoding and retrieval are the same.
- memory enhancement that occurs when the recall situation is similar to the encoding situation
state dependent memory
The improvement in memory that occurs when the internal state of the individual is the same at encoding and retrieval.
- memory enhancement that occurs when ones internal state during the recall situation is similar to the encoding situation
spreading activation model
A connectionist theory proposing that people organize general knowledge based on their individual experiences.
schemas
A set of expectations about objects and situations.
- hypothetical cognitive structures that help us perceive, organize, process and use information
- can lead to biases
serial position effect
Serial-position effect is the tendency of a person to recall the first and last items in a series best, and the middle items worst.
primary effect
rehearsing items until they enter long term memory
recency effect
tendency to remember the most recently presented information best.
decay (transience)
A reduction in ability to retrieve rarely used information over time.
proactive interference
when old (prior) information inhibits the ability to remember new information
retroactive interference
when new information inhibits the ability to remember old information
mnemonics
Memory aids that link new information to well-known information.
method of loci
The method of loci is a mnemonic device commonly used for improving memory and learning. It involves picturing objects within a familiar physical space or mental image and using this to recall information more easily.
interference
Competition between newer and older information in memory.
invisible gorilla
watch a video of people passing around basketballs. In the middle of the video, a person in a gorilla suit walked through the circle momentarily
50% missed the gorilla
inattentional blindness
what a memory is
memory is a reconstruction
classical conditioning
automatic conditioned response to a stimulus
distinct memory systems
memories are stored in multiple regions of the brain and linked through memory circuits
medial temporal lobe
includes hippocampus
- critical for episodic and spatial memory; encoding, consolidation and retrieval
memory organization
memories are mental representations, stored in networks of neurons in the brain (organized by meaning and function)
elizabeth loftus and the fallibility of memory
absentmindedness
shallow encoding
spaced practice
- distributed practice
- opposite of cramming
- massed practice
