Exam 3 Study Guide Flashcards
Define encoding
process of acquiring information and transferring it to LTM
Define retrieval
process of bringing info to consciousness by transferring it from LTM to WM
Define consolidation
the process of changing memories from a fragile state to a permanent state
What is levels of processing theory?
theorizes that encoding and retrieval of information depends on the depth of processing that info receives
Contrast shallow and deep processing.
shallow - processing of info involves little attention to meaning and focuses on superficial aspects like physical features
deep - processing of info that involves close attention to meaning and connections to other things
What is the self-reference effect?
memory for information is better if you relate it to yourself
What is the generation effect?
generating information yourself enhances learning and retention rather than receiving it yourself
What is the testing effect?
practicing retrieval results in better memory for that information
What is the tip of the tongue phenomenon?
experience of knowing something but unable to access it from memory
What is a retrieval cue?
stimulus that help remember other info
ex: location, smell, sound
What is the difference between a free recall and cued recall procedure? What typically results in better recall?
free recall asks participants to remember as many words as possible without help
cued recall asks participants to remember as many words but were given a retrieval cue
-results in better recall
What is encoding specificity?
can retrieve info better when we’re in similar conditions as when it is encoded
What is context dependent learning?
retrieval is better when physical surroundings match the external context during encoding
What is state-dependent learning?
retrieval is better when internal state is similar to that when it was encoded
What is transfer-appropriate processing?
retrieval better when cognitive processes for encoding match cognitive processes for retrieval
What is synaptic consolidation?
happens over a short timescale, occurs at the level of synapses between individual neurons
What is systems consolidation?
happens over a long timescale, basically involves transferring information from the hippocampus to the cortex
Why is sleep important for consolidation?
sleeping eliminates environmental stimuli that may disrupt consolidation
What is reconsolidation?
when memory is retrieved it is fragile and must be consolidated again
-can be modified or eliminated
What is the reminiscence bump?
typically have the most amount of autobiographical memories from 15-30 years old
3 Hypotheses meant to explain the reminiscence bump
self image hypothesis - enhanced memory for events that formed self identity
cognitive hypothesis - encoding better for rapid change, followed by stability
cultural life script hypothesis - personal events easier to recall when they fit cultural lifescript
What is the area of the brain most closely associated w/ emotional aspects of memory?
amygdala
Why is memory considered constructive?
What is source monitoring?
problem of determining the origins of memories, knowledge, and beliefs