Chapter 9 Part 1 Flashcards
Flashbulb Memories
A clear memory of an emotionally significant moment or event
Memory
The persistence of learning over time through the storage and retrieval of information
Encoding
The processing of information into the memory system
Storage
The retention of encoded information over time
Retrieval
The process of getting information out of memory storage
Sensory memory
The 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
The relatively permanent and limitless storehouse of the memory system (knowledge, skills, and experiences)
Working memory
Involves conscious active processing of incoming auditory and visual-spatial information, and of information retrieved from long-term memory (A newer understanding of short term memory)
Automatic processing
Unconscious encoding of identical information, such as space, time, and frequency, and of well-learned information, such as word meanings
Effortful processing
Encoding that requires attention and conscious effort
Rehearsal
The conscious repetition of information, either to maintain it in consciousness or to encode it for storage
Spacing effect
The tendency for distributed study or practice to yield better long-term retention than is achieved through massed study or practice
Serial position effect
Our tendency to recall best the last and first items in a list
Visual encoding
The encoding of picture images
Acoustic encoding
The encoding of sound, especially the sound of words
Semantic encoding
The encoding of meaning, including the meaning of words
Self-reference effect
Finding personal meaning
Imagery
Mental pictures; a powerful aid to effortful processing; especially when combined with semantic encoding
Rosy retrospection
Recalling the high points while forgetting the the everyday moments
Mnemonic devices
Memory aids, especially those techniques that use vivid imagery and organizational devices
Method of Loci
A memory aid in which a person imagines them self moving through familiar locations and associates the location with a topic that needs to be remembered
Chunking
Organizing items into familiar, manageable units; often occurs automatically
Hierarchies
Broad concepts divided and subdivided into narrower concepts and facts
