Exam 2 Flashcards
What is encoding?
Process involves initial formation of a memory code
Three types of encoding
• Structural - physical structure (e.g., how a word looks)
• Phonemic – sounds (e.g., how a word sounds)
• Semantic – meaning (e.g., what the word means)
Type of encoding results in the deepest level of processing
Semantic encoding
What is the basic idea of dual coding theory?
memory is enhanced by
forming coinciding semantic and visual codes
What is storage?
maintaining encoded information in memory over time
Sensory memory
preserves
information in its original
sensory form for a brief time
Short-term memory
limited-capacity store that can
maintain unrehearsed information for about 20 seconds
Rehearsal
repeatedly verbalizing or thinking about
information
Chunking
grouping stimuli into meaningful chunks (e.g.,
grouping similar stimuli as a single unit)
Long-term memory
Unlimited capacity store that can
hold information over lengthy periods of time
Flashbulb memories
unusually vivid and detailed
recollections of the circumstances in which one learned of
momentous public events
Declarative memory
handles factual information
Non-declarative (procedural) memory
houses memory for actions,
skills, conditioned responses and emotional memories
• Ex: Remembering how to ride a bike or tie your shoes
Schema
organized cluster of knowledge about a particular
object or event abstracted from previous experience with the
object or event
Semantic networks
nodes
representing concepts, joined
together by pathways that
link related concepts
How many items does recent research suggest we can store in our short-term memory?
Research suggests that we can store 4 ± 1 (between
3 and 5) items in our short-term memory without
rehearsal.
We often refer to short-term memory as short-term _________ memory. This is because researchers have discovered that we can store and _____________ information in short-term memory.
Working and manipulate
Name and define the four components of working memory.
- Central executive system –
controls deployment of
attention.
• Phonological loop – allows
us to temporarily hold verbal
information; rehearsal
• Visuospatial sketchpad –
allows us to temporarily hold
and manipulate visual images
• Episodic buffer – allows the
components to integrate
information
What is retrieval?
recovering information from memory stores
Retrieval cues –
stimuli that help us gain access to memories
Tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon – temporary
temporary inability
to remember
something you
know
Define retention –
The proportion of material retained (remembered)
Name, describe, and identify examples of three methods for measuring retention –
-Recall measure – Requires one to reproduce information on their own
without any cues
• Recognition measure – Requires one to select previously learned
information from an array of options
• Relearning measure – Requires one to memorize information a
second time to determine how much time or effort is saved by having
learned it before
Retrieval failure
forgetting may be due to breakdowns in the
process of retrieval
Motivated forgetting
idea that people can block out , forget upsetting or traumatic memories because there is motivation to do so
Decay theory
forgetting occurs because memory traces fade
with time
Interference theory
people forget information because of
competition from other material
Ineffective encoding –
people forget when information is not
properly encoded (often attributable to lack of attention)
Know the difference between:
Retrospective and prospective memory
-Retrospective memory - involves remembering events from
the past or previously learned information
• Prospective memory - involves remembering to perform
actions in the future
Proactive and retroactive interference
Proactive interference – Old information interferes with the
retention of new information
• Ex: Calling your new partner by your old partner’s name.
Retroactive interference – New information impairs the
retention of old information
• Ex: Getting a new phone number and forgetting your old phone
number.
