memory Flashcards
a subject learns a list of items, words, or pictures.
encoding
subjects are tested for their memory of the items presented during the encoding phase
retrieval
a subject is asked to freely generate as many items as she can remember
recall test
a subject is shown several items and asked to judge whether each item is new or old.
recognition test
describes the rapidly decreasing rate of recall over time
the forgetting curve
Memory is strongest for items at the beginning and end of a list
serial position curve
memory performance is good for items encoded early in the list
primacy effect
the last several items on the list have had the least opportunity for rehearsal and transfer to long term memory, yet recall for later items on the list is also good
recency effect
the words in a list are read to the subject FASTER than normal
decreased primacy effect
the words in the list are read to the subject SLOWER than normal
increased primacy effect
the subject must complete a distracting task after hearing the words but before recalling them
decreased recency effect
suggests that memory performance depends on the level at which the items are encoded
the levels of processing model
the more we try to organize and understand the material, the better we remember it
levels of processing principle
memory encodes all aspects of an experience
encoding specificity
the ease with which an experience is processed, some experiences are easier than others
fluency
judgment tying together causes with effects
attribution
concerns how the record of memory is maintained over time. Notably, this record is not fixed and can be modified
storage
a key piece of information that has the potential to activate a memory in full.
retrieval cues
represents brief, transient perceptual and physical information about immediate experiences and is not limited by attention
sensory memory
visual information
iconic memory
auditory information
echoic memory
refers to the process by which information is organized into sets of familiar groups or categories of items
chunking
represents a refined version of short term memory and consists of 3 buffers
working memory
storage of information through verbal rehearsal
phonological loop
is a new addition to the working memory model; it is thought to temporarily represent and manipulate visual information
visuospatial sketchpad
uses other buffers and long term memory to remember and hold online past episodes
episodic buffer
responsible for managing and manipulating the buffers
central executive
are knowledge structures and expectations built through experiences and memories and aid in navigation
schemas
memory for specific facts or episodes; general knowledge or semantic memories
declarative memory
implicit and procedural memories, not overtly recalled but apparent in functioning
non-declarative memory
cannot remember events that took place shortly before the event/trauma
Retrograde amnesia
unable to form new lasting memories
Anterograde amnesia
suggests we have 3 stores for memory: sensory memory perceives sensory information which is selectively held online by STM and with rehearsal through STM components may be transferred and stored in LTM
multi-store model
are tricks used to make to-be remembered information more relevant and easier to remember
mnemonic strategies
suggests memory is enhanced when encoding and retrieval utilize the same or similar processes
Transfer Appropriate Processing
can be helpful in reducing interference from irrelevant memories
forgetting
suggests forgetting is based on the passage of time, but can only account for STM loss.
Decay theory
occurs when knowledge learned prior to a memory prevents its retrieval
Proactive Interference
occurs when new knowledge prevents the retrieval of old memories
Retroactive interference
occurs when new information is thought to be part of an old memory and false memories are in turn formed
misinformation effect
occur when we fail to recall the true origins of memories and often occurs when we attribute familiarity and ease of processing to the source of memories
source monitoring errors
is our ability to discriminate false memories from true memories
reality monitoring
