memory Flashcards
process of information processing
encoding, storage, retrieval
automatic processing
encoding of details like time, frequency, meaning of words (ex. remembering the last time you ate)
effortful processing
encoding information that requires a lot of attention to think of (ex. remembering exactly what you studied last)
3 types of encoding
semantic (words and meanings), visual (images), and acoustic (sounds)
three stages of memory storage
sensory memory, short-term memory, long-term memory
sensory memory
storage of brief sensory information like sights, sounds, and tastes
info that doesn’t matter much
short term memory
takes information from sensory memory and connects it to something in long term memory
rehearsal
moves information from short term to long term memory
conscious repetition of information to be remembered
long- term memory
continuous storage of information
2 types: implicit and explicit
explicit memories
memories we consciously try to recall. divided into episodic and semantic memory
episodic memory
information about events we have experienced (think episodes), usually reported as a story
semantic memory
knowledge of words, concepts, facts
implicit memories
long term memories that aren’t a part of our consciousness, you’re not aware of the influence. divided into implicit procedural memory and implicit emotional conditioning
implicit procedural memory
stores your skills (riding a bike, driving a car). things you don’t have to think about, you just do
implicit emotional conditioning
example: specific smells can cause emotional responses
retrieval
the act of getting information out of memory storage and back into conscious awareness
3 ways to retrieve information
recall (access information without cues), recognition (identifying information you’ve previously learned after encountering it again), and relearning (learning information again that you previously learned)
4 main parts of the brain involved with memory
amygdala, hippocampus, cerebellum, prefrontal cortex
amygdala
regulates emotions like fear and aggression
helps store memories because storage is influenced by stress hormones
involved in memory consolidation (transferring new info into long term memory)
hippocampus
gives memories meaning and connects them to other memories
also plays a part in memory consolidation
cerebellum
helps process procedural memories
helps create implicit memories
prefrontal cortex
helps process and retain information
involved with remembering semantic tasks
encoding is in the left frontal region, retrieval is in the right
neurotransmitters
dopamine, epinephrine, serotonin, glutamate, and acetylcholine
nobody knows what role they each play specifically in memory
arousal theory
strong emotions cause formation of strong memories, and vice versa for weak ones
strong emotions trigger release of neurotransmitters and hormones, which strengthen memory
flashbulb memory
exceptionally clear recollection of an important event (ex. 9/11, the queens death, etc.)
amnesia
loss of long term memory usually caused by a disease or a physical or psychological trauma.
2 types: anterograde and retrograde
anterograde amnesia
cant remember new information, only information you had before you got it
retrograde amnesia
you cant remember any events or information from before you got it
memory construction
formulation of new memories
memory reconstruction
process of remembering old memories
suggestability
false information from external sources leads to creation of false memories
result from leading questions
false memory syndrome
recall of false autobiographical memories
encoding failure
memory loss before the memory process starts
7 sins of memory
transience, absentmindedness, blocking, misattribution, suggestability, bias, persistence
transience
accessibility of a memory decreases after a long time
(forgetting events from long ago)
absentmindedness
forgetting things because of a lack of paying attention
(forget where you put your phone or keys)
blocking
accessibility of information is temporarily blocked
(tip of the tongue)
misattribution
source of memory is confused
(recalling a memory from a dream as a memory that actually happened)
bias
memories distorted by current beliefs
(align memories with current beliefs)
persistence
inability to forget unwanted memories
(traumatic events, or having a song stuck in your head)
interference
information is in our memory, but inaccessible for some reason
2 types: proactive and retroactive
proactive interference
old information hinders recall of newly learned information
(you get a new number but tell people the old one)
retroactive interference
recently learned information hinders recall of old information
(you cant remember things from the last unit because you are focused on the new one)
chunking
organizing information into manageable chunks
(instead of remembering 2347060187, think of it as 234-706-0187)
elaborative rehearsal
relating the meaning of new information to knowledge you already have
(you know 330 is the area code so it’s easier to remember that part)
mnemonic devices
a memory technique to help remember steps, processes, lists, etc.
(roy g biv)
