Memory Flashcards
define encoding
turning sensory input into an electrochemical memory trace that can be stored in the brain
what are the 3 main types of encoding?
acoustic, visual, and semantic
what is acoustic encoding
Holding sound information
what is semantic encoding
Holding the meaning of information
what is visual encoding
Holding the visual information
define processing
The operations that are performed on sensory
information in the brain
define input
The sensory information that is received from the environment
define storage
The retention of information in the memory storage system (in the brain)
define capacity
The amount of information that can be stored
define duration
The length of time information can be held in the memory store
what are the two main types of memory store for information within the brain?
long-term memory (LTM) & short-term memory (STM)
what is the LTM
a (potentially) permanent store of information.
what is the STM
a temporary store of information.
What is the capacity of STM
Miller suggested 7+/-2 pieces of information (means 5-9 pieces of information where most can hold about 7).
what is the capacity of LTM
is potentially unlimited - it would be impossible to test.
what is the duration of STM, without rehearsal
lasts for about 20 seconds
what is the duration of LTM
can last anywhere from a few minutes to a lifetime.
define rehearsal
When information is repeated over and over to keep it in the memory.
what type of encoding does STM usually use
acoustic
what type of encoding does LTM usually use
semantically - This is a deeper form of encoding.
what is displacement
where new information pushes out (displaces) old information when the limited capacity of STM is exceeded
how do people forget in LTM
Some memories may decay if the memory is never used. Others may be overwritten or changed by new information. This is called interference