Cognition & memory Flashcards
memory
the persistence of learning over time through the encod- ing, storage, and retrieval of information.
shallow processing
encoding on a basic level based on the structure or appearance of words
encoding
the processing of information into the memory system, for example, by extracting meaning.
deep processing
encoding semantically, based on the meaning of the words; tends to yield the best retention.
storage
the process of retaining encoded information over time
hippocampus
a neural center located in the limbic system; helps
process explicit memories for storage.
retrieval
the process of getting information out of memory storage.
flashbulb memory
a clear memory of an emotionally significant moment or event.
parallel processing
the processing of many aspects of a problem simultaneously; the brain’s natural mode of information processing for many functions, including vision. Contrasts with the step-by- step (serial) processing of most computers and of conscious prob- lem solving.
long term potentiation (LTP)
an increase in a cell’s firing potential after brief, rapid stimulation. Believed to be a neural basis for learning and memory.
sensory memory
the immediate, very brief recording of sensory in- formation in the memory system.
recall
a measure of memory in which the person must retrieve in- formation learned earlier, as on a fill-in-the-blank test.
short term memory
short-term memory activated memory that holds a few items briefly, such as the seven digits of a phone number while dialing, before the information is stored or forgotten.
recognition
a measure of memory in which the person need only identify items previously learned, as on a multiple-choice test.
long term memory
the relatively permanent and limitless storehouse of the memory system. Includes knowledge, skills, and experiences.
relearning
a measure of memory that assesses the amount of time saved when learning material again.
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.
priming
the activation, often unconsciously, of certain associa- tions, thus predisposing one’s perception, memory, or response.
effortful processing
encoding that requires attention and con- scious effort.
mood congruent memory
the tendency to recall experiences that are consistent with one’s current good or bad mood.
automatic processing
unconscious encoding of incidental infor- mation, such as space, time, and frequency, and of well-learned in- formation, such as word meanings.
serial positioning effect
our tendency to recall best the last (a recency effect) and first items (a primacy effect) in a list.
anterograde amnesia
an inability to form new memories.
implicit memory
retention independent of conscious recollection. (Also called nondeclarative memory.)
retrograde amnesia
an inability to retrieve information from one’s past.
iconic memory
a momentary sensory memory of visual stimuli; a photographic or picture-image memory lasting no more than a few tenths of a second.
proactive interefrene
the disruptive effect of prior learning on the recall of new information.
echoic memory
a momentary sensory memory of auditory stim- uli; if attention is elsewhere, sounds and words can still be recalled within 3 or 4 seconds.
repression
in psychoanalytic theory, the basic defense mechanism that banishes from consciousness anxiety-arousing thoughts, feelings, and memories.
chunking
organizing items into familiar, manageable units; often occurs automatically.
misinformation effect
incorporating misleading information into one’s memory of an event.
mnemonics
any device or technique used to assist memory, usually by forging a link or association between the new information to be remembered and information previously encoded. For instance, one might remember the numbers in a password by associating them with familiar birth dates, addresses, or room numbers.
source amnesia
attributing to the wrong source an event we have experienced, heard about, read about, or imagined. (Also called source misattribution.) Source amnesia, along with the misinformation effect, is at the heart of many false memories.
spacing effect
the tendency for distributed study or practice to yield better long-term retention than is achieved through massed study or practice.
deja vu
that eerie sense that “I’ve experienced this before.” Cues from the current situation may unconsciously trigger retrieval of an earlier experience.
testing effect
enhanced memory after retrieving, rather than simply rereading, information. Also sometimes referred to as a retrieval practice effect or test-enhanced learning.
