Memory Flashcards
Encoding
The processing of memory into the memory system
Storage
The retention of encoded material over time
Access + Retrieval
The process of getting memory out of memory storage
Sensory memory
The immediate, very brief recording of sensory information in the memory system
Short term/
Working memory
Activated memory that holds a few items briefly before the information is stored or forgotten
Long term
The relatively permanent and limitless storehouse of the memory systems that include knowledge, skills, and experiences
Effortful processing/
Effortful encoding
Encoding that requires attention and conscious effort
Rehearsal or
Maintenance 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 mass study or practice
Serial position effect
Our tendency to recall best the last and the first items in a list
Chunking
Organizing items into familiar, manageable units, often occurs automatically
(Memory only holds 5-9 pieces of info at a time)
Mnemonic
A memory aid or trick
Explicit or
Declarative memory
Memories of facts and experiences that one can consciously know and “declare”
Semantic memories
Memory for general facts (sequences of events) that are usually personal
Episodic memories
Information relative to experiences (sequences of events) that are usually personal
Implicit or
Nondeclarative memory
Retention independent of conscious recollection
Procedural memory
How things are done; skills, both motor and cognitive
- Body memories, like how to ride a bike, open a window, swim; anything that is easier to show than tell is usually stored as a procedural memory
Remembering
Retrieval of memories, getting information out
Recall
A measure of memory in which one must retrieve information learned earlier
( Essay tests, fill in the blank without a word bank)
Recognition
A measure of memory in which the person need only identify items previously learned
(Multiple choice tests)
Relearning
A measure of memory that assesses the amount of time saved when learning material for a second time
(College Elementary Algebra class)
