Memory Flashcards
involves forming a memory code
encoding
maintaining encoded information in memory over time
storage
recovering information from memory stores
retrieval
deeper levels of processing result in longer-lasting memory codes
levels-of-processing theory
the linking of a stimulus to other information at the time of encoding
elaboration
memory is enhanced by forming both semantic and visual codes since either can lead to recall
dual-coding theory
preserves information in its original sensory form for a brief time, usually only a fraction of a second
sensory memory
a limited-capacity store that can maintain unrehearsed information for up to about 20 seconds
short-term memory
the process of repetitively verbalizing or thinking about information
rehearsal
a group of familiar stimuli stored as a single unit
chunk
a modular system for temporary storage and manipulation of information
working memory
one’s ability to hold and manipulate information in conscious attention
working memory capacity
an unlimited capacity store that can hold information over lengthy periods of time
long-term memory
thought to be unusually vivid and detailed recollections of the circumstances in which one learned of momentous public events
flashbulb memories
a multilevel classification system based on common properties among items
conceptual hierarchy
an organized cluster of knowledge about a particular object or event abstracted from previous experience with the object or event
schema
consists of nodes representing concepts, joined together by pathways that link related concepts
semantic networks
the temporary inability to remember something you know, accompanied by a feeling that it’s just out of reach
tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon
when participants’ recall of an event they witnessed is altered by introducing misleading post-event information
misinformation effect
the process of making inferences about the origins of memories
source monitoring
when a memory derived from one source is misattributed to another source
source-monitoring
consonant-vowel-consonant arrangements that do not correspond to words
nonsense syllables
graphs retention and forgetting over time
forgetting curve
portion of material retained
retention
requires participants to reproduce information on their own without any cues
recall measure
requires participants to select previously learned information from an array of options
recognition measure
requires a participant to memorize information a second time to determine how much time or effort is saved by having learned it before
relearning measure
forgetting occurs because memory traces fade with time
decay theory
people forget information because of competition from other material
interference theory
occurs when new information impairs the retention of previously learned information
retroactive interference
occurs when previously learned information interferes with the retention of new information
proactive interference
the value of a retrieval cue depends on how well it corresponds to the memory code
encoding specificity
keeping distressing thoughts and feelings buried in the unconscious
repression
a person loses memories for events that occurred prior to the injury
retrograde amnesia
a person loses memories for events that occur after the injury
anterograde amnesia
a hypothetical process involving the gradual conversion of new, unstable memories into stable, durable memory codes stored in long-term memory
consolidation
handles factual information
declarative memory system
houses memory for actions, skills, conditioned responses, and emotional memories
nondeclarative memory system
chronological, or temporarily dated, recollections of personal experiences
episodic memory
general knowledge that is not tied to the time when the information was learned
semantic memory
remembering events from the pact or previously learned information
retrospective memory
remembering to perform actions in the future
prospective memory
