Memory Flashcards
The persistence of learning over time through the encoding, storage, and retrieval of information
Memory
A measure of memory in which the person must retrieve information learned earlier, as on a fill-in-the-blank test.
Recall
A measure of memory in which the person identifies items previously learned, as on a multiple-choice test.
Recognition
A measure of memory that assesses the amount of time saved when learning material again.
Relearning
The process of getting information into the memory system—for example, by extracting meaning.
Encoding
The process of retaining encoded information over time.
Storage
The process of getting information out of memory storage.
Retrieval
Processing many aspects of a stimulus or problem simultaneously.
Parallel Processing
The immediate, very brief recording of sensory information in the memory system.
Sensory Memory
Briefly activated memory of a few items (such as digits of a phone number while calling) that is later stored or forgotten.
Short term memory
The relatively permanent and limitless archive of the memory system. Includes knowledge, skills, and experiences.
Long term memory
A newer understanding of short-term memory; conscious, active processing of both incoming sensory information, and information retrieved from long-term memory
Working memory
Retention of facts and experiences that we can consciously know and “declare.” (Also called declarative memory.)
Explicit memory
Encoding that requires attention and conscious effort.
Effortful processing
Unconscious encoding of incidental information, such as space, time, and frequency, and of familiar or well-learned information, such as sounds, smells, and word meanings.
Automatic Processing
Retention of learned skills or classically conditioned associations independent of conscious recollection. (Also called nondeclarative memory.)
Implicit Memory
A momentary sensory memory of visual stimuli; a photographic or picture-image memory lasting no more than a few tenths of a second.
Iconic Memory
A momentary sensory memory of auditory stimuli; if attention is elsewhere, sounds and words can still be recalled within 3 or 4 seconds.
Echoic Memory
Organizing items into familiar, manageable units; often occurs automatically.
Chunking
Memory aids, especially those techniques that use vivid imagery and organizational devices
Mnemonics
The tendency for distributed study or practice to yield better long-term retention than is achieved through massed study or practice
Spacing effect
Enhanced memory after retrieving, rather than simply rereading, information. Also sometimes referred to as a retrieval practice effect or test-enhanced learning.
Testing effect
Encoding on a basic level, based on the structure or appearance of words.
Shallow processing
Encoding semantically, based on the meaning of the words; tends to yield the best retention.
Deep processing
Explicit memory of facts and general knowledge; one of our two conscious memory systems (the other is episodic memory).
Semantic memory
Explicit memory of personally experienced events; one of our two conscious memory systems (the other is semantic memory).
Episodic memory
A neural center located in the limbic system; helps process explicit (conscious) memories—of facts and events—for storage.
Hippocampus
The neural storage of a long-term memory.
Memory Consolidation
A clear memory of an emotionally significant moment or event.
Flashbulb memory
An increase in a nerve cell’s firing potential after brief, rapid stimulation; a neural basis for learning and memory.
Long-term potential (LTP)
The activation, often unconsciously, of particular associations in memory.
Priming
The idea that cues and contexts specific to a particular memory will be most effective in helping us recall it.
Encoding Specificity Principle
The tendency to recall experiences that are consistent with one’s current good or bad mood.
Mood-congruent memory
Our tendency to recall best the last (recency effect) and first (primacy effect) items in a list.
Serial position effect
Explicit memory of facts and general knowledge; one of our two conscious memory systems (the other is episodic memory).
Semantic memory
Explicit memory of personally experienced events; one of our two conscious memory systems (the other is semantic memory)
Episodic memory
