Cognition Flashcards
memory
the persistence of learning over time through the encoding, storage, and retrieval of info
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 the person identifies items previously learned, as on a multiple choice test
relearning
a measure of memory that lessens the amount of time saved when learning material again, as on a final exam or engaging in a language used in early childhood
encoding
process of getting memory into our brain, by extracting meaning
storage
process of retaining encoded info over time
retrieval
process of getting info out of storage
parallel processing
processing many aspects of a problem simutaneously
sensory memory
immediate, very brief recording of sensory info
short-term memory
activated memory that briefly holds a few items, such as digits of a cell phone number, before it is stored or forgotten
long-term memory
the relatively permanent and limitless storehouse of memory. includes knowledge and skills
working memory
short-term memory that adds conscious, active processing of incoming info, and info retrieved from long-term memory
explicit memory
retention of facts and experiences that one can consciously know
effortful processing
encoding that requires attention and conscious effort
automatic processing
unconscious encoding of info such as word meanings, time, and space
implicit memory
retention of learned skills or classically conditioned associations
iconic memory
a momentary memory of visual stimuli, lasts no more than a few tenths of a second
echoic memory
a momentary memory of audio stimuli; if attention is elsewhere, sounds can still be recalled with 3-4 seconds
chunking
organizing items into units
mnemonics
memory aids; techniques that use imagery and organizational devices
spacing effect
the tendency for distributed study to yield better long-term retention instead of massed study
testing effect
enhanced memory after retrieving
shallow processing
encoding on a basic level, based on the structure or appearance of words
deep processing
encoding semantically, based on the meaning of the words
semantic memory
explicit memory of facts and general knowledge; one of two conscious memory systems
episodic memory
explicit memory of personally experienced events
memory consolidation
the neural storage of a long-term memory
flashbulb memory
a clear, sustained memory of an emotionally significant event
long-term potentiation
an increase in a cell’s firing potential after brief, rapid stimulation; a neural basis for learning and memory
priming
the activation of particular associations in memory
encoding specificity principle
the idea that cues and contexts specific to a particular memory will be most effective in heling us recall it
mood-congruent memory
the tendency to recall memories that are consistent with one’s current mood
serial position effect
our tendency to recall best the last and first items on a list
anterograde amnesia
inability to form new memories
retrograde amnesia
inability to retrieve memories from the past
proactive interference
the forward-acting disruptive effect of older learning on the recall of new information
retroactive interference
the backward-acting disruptive effect of newer learning on the recall of old information
repression
the basic defense mechanism that banishes from consciousness anxiety-arousing thoughts and memories
reconsolidation
a process in which previously stored memories, when retrieved, are potentially altered before being stored again
misinformation effect
occurs when misleading information has distorted one’s memory of an event
source amnesia
faulty memory for how, when, or where information was learned
