Memory Flashcards
3-stage memory model
- 3 boxes
- each box = Separate memory system
- info not transferred to ltm from sensory memory or stm, it’s assumed to be lost
- info in ltm can be sent back to STM for use
Memory
An internal record or representation of some prior event or experience
Sensory memory
- first memory stage that holds info
- relatively large capacity, but duration is only a few seconds
Short term memory
- Second memory stage that temporarily stores sensory information and decides whether to send it on to ltm
- limited capacity (5-9 items)
- duration: approx 30 secs
Maintenance rehearsal
Repeating info over and over to maintain it in STM
Chunking
Grouping separate pieces of information into a single unit (or chunk)
Long-term memory
- Third stage of memory that stores info for long periods of time
- capacity is virtually limitless
- duration is relatively permanent
Encoding
Translating info into neural codes (language)
Storage
Retaining neutrally coded information over time
Retrieval
Recovering information from memory storage
Parallel distributed processing (pdp)
Memory results from connections among interacting processing units, distributed in a vast network and all operating parallel
Elaborative rehearsal
Linking new information to previously stored material (aka: deeper levels of processing)
Explicit/declarative memory
Sub-system within long-term memory that consciously stores facts, info, & personal life experiences
Semantic memory
A part of explicit/declarative memory that stores general knowledge; a mental encyclopedia or dictionary
Episodic memory
A part of explicit/declarative memory that stores memories of personally experienced events, a mental diary of a person’s life
Implicit/non declarative memory
Subsystem within long term memory that consists of unconscious procedural skills, simple classically conditioned responses, and priming
Priming
Prior exposure to a stimulus (or prime) facilitates or inhibits the processing of new information, even when one has no conscious memory of the initial learning and storage
Retrieval cue
A clue or prompt that helps stimulate recall and retrieval of a stores piece of information from ltm
Recognition
Retrieving a memory using a specific cue
Ex. Taking multiple choice tests
Recall
Retrieving a memory using a general cue
Ex. Essay tests
Encoding specificity principle
Retrieval of information is improved when conditions of recovery are similar to the conditions when info was encoded
Long-term potentiation (ltp)
Long lasting increase in neural excitability believed to be a biological mechanism for learning & memory
Flashbulb memory (hormonal changes & memory)
Vivid images of circumstances associated by surprising it strongly emotional events
Relearning
Learning material a second time, which usually takes less time than original learning (aka: savings method)
