Memory Flashcards
Information Processing Model
We process information like computers do. We receive input, process it, and then output a decision. It’s a bottom-up process
Iconic memory
Temporary visual sensory memory that lasts half a second
Echoic memory
Temporary auditory sensory memory that lasts 2-4 seconds
Sensory Memory
A temporary memory that registers all of the senses you are taking in
Working Memory
Memory regarding things you are thinking about at the moment; the sensory memory that is processed and stored while it is given attention. It’s capacity is 7 plus/minus 2
Serial Position Effect
The tendency to recall the first (primacy effect) and last (recency effect) few items of a series or list
Phonological loop
Processes verbal information in working memory
Visuospatial sketchpad
Processes visual + spatial information
Central Executive
Coordinates between the phonological loop and Visuospatial sketchpad for the processing of verbal and visual information simultaneously in working memory
Episodic Buffer
A buffer that stores information and acts as a connector for that information to be stored in long term memory
Dual Coding Hypothesis
It is easier to remember words associated with images than either of them alone
Method of Loci
Associating each item to be remembered with a location along a route that has already been memorized
Long Term Memory
A type of memory that is limitless in terms of capacity and longevity of knowledge
Declarative/Explicit Memory
A type of long term memory that has to do with the recall of facts that can be easily described. Usually conscious
Semantic Memory
A type of explicit memory that has to do with language and words (still facts)
Episodic Memory
A type of explicit memory that has to do with life events
Implicit Memory
A type of long term memory that has to do with things not usually articulated; previous experience aides in performing tasks. Usually unconscious
Procedural memory
A type of implicit memory that controls habits
Priming
An implicit memory effect where previous experiences influence the response to a later stimulus
Semantic Network
A brain mapping network where concepts are linked together based on similar meaning
Spreading Activation
The unconscious activation of nodes in a semantic network that are linked to a node that is consciously activated
Encoding
The transfer of sensory information into memory
Autobiographical memory
Memory that consists of a combination of semantic and episodic memories
Rote Rehearsal
Repeating the thing to be encoded over and over again. Least effective
Elaborative Rehearsal
A form of rehearsal where information is associated to knowledge already in long-term memory
Chunking
Grouping information into meaningful categories
Mnemonics
Vivid organization of information into stuff already known
Peg-Word System
A type of mnemonic that associates numbers with items that rhyme with or resemble that number (ex. 3 rhymes with tree. A broccoli looks like a tree)
Self-reference Effect
We encode and recall information better when we put the information in context of our own lives
Spacing
Spreading out the memorization or encoding of information into shorter periods
Retrieval
Trying to bring from memory something previously encoded into working memory
Context effects
Memory is aided by being in the physical location where encoding took place
State-dependent memory
Memory is aided by being in the same mental or psychological state when encoding took place
Relearning
Learning material again that was encoded to long term memory but wasn’t available for recall
Recognition
Identifying information that was previously learned
Recall
Trying to pull something out of memory
False memory/information
Inaccurate recall or recollection of information
Misinformation effect
Misleading recall cues (like leading questions) can lead to inaccurate recollections
Source Monitoring Error
Error when the source of a memory is incorrectly attributed to a specific recollected experience
Source amnesia
A condition where someone can remember the details of an event or a piece of information but will not remember the source
Flashbulb memories
Highly vivid memories about emotionally arousing events; people claim to remember every little detail, but they are usually susceptible to memory reconstruction errors
Memory confabulation
The filling in the gaps of memories so much so that our memories of an event gradually change drastically
Long Term Potentiation
The strengthening of a synapse due to the repeated stimulation by the presynaptic nerve cell, facilitating future recall
Decay
When we don’t recall information for a while, connections become weaker and we can’t recall it as well
Ebbinghaus
German psychologist who found the decay curve – most decay occurs in the first few days, but after that it levels out.
Retroactive Interference
New information interferes with previously encoded information
Proactive interference
Previously encoded information interferes with new information
Types of memory that are stable with aging
Implicit memory and recognition
Types of memory that improve with aging
Semantic memories and emotional reasoning; recalling episodic memories
Types of memory that decline with aging
New episodic memories, recall, and prospective memories
Dementia
A loss of memory and cognitive function that interferes with daily life
Alzheimer’s Disease
Most common form of dementia; a degenerative brain disorder thought to be linked to the loss of acetylcholine in neurons. Characterized by a buildup of ß-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles
Koraskoff’s Syndrome
A form of memory loss related to thiamine deficiency. Symptoms include retrograde amnesia and anterograde amnesia
Retrograde amnesia
Loss of previously formed memories
Anterograde amnesia
Inability to create new memories
Wernicke’s Encephalopathy
A condition that is a precursor to Koraskoff’s Syndrome, usually due to brain damage resulting in problems with balance, memory, and eye movement, alongside with confusion. Can be treated and reversed
Agnosia
The loss of the ability to recognize objects, people, or sounds
