Memory Key Terms

Question 1

Coding

Answer 1

The way information is changed so that it can be stored in memory.
Information enters the brain via the senses and is then stored in various forms, such as visual, acoustic or semantic codes.

Question 2

Long-term Memory (LTM)

Answer 2

Duration: Unlimited
Capacity: Unlimited
Coding: Semantic

Question 3

Short-term Memory (STM)

Answer 3

Duration: 18-30 seconds
Capacity: 7+/- 2 chunks
Coding: Acoustic

Question 4

Retrieval

Answer 4

Accessing information from the LTM.

Question 5

Multi-store Model of Memory (MSM)

Answer 5

Created by Atkinson (1968)
Environmental stimuli enter the sensory register.
The sensory register holds information at the senses.
Attention is paid onto these sensory stores and the data enters the STM.
The STM stores information for immediate tasks.
Maintenance rehearsal keeps information in the STM but eventually repetition creates a LTM.
LTM stores information.
Retrieval involves taking information from the LTM through the the STM so it’s available for use.

Question 6

Central Executive

Answer 6

Monitors and coordinates all other mental functions in working memory.

Question 7

Episodic Buffer

Answer 7

Receives input from many sources, temporarily stores this information, and then integrates it in order to construct a mental episode of what is being experienced.

Question 8

Phonological Loop

Answer 8

Codes speech sounds in working memory, typically involving maintenance rehearsal. This is why this component of working memory is referred to as a ‘loop’.

Question 9

Visuo-spatial Sketchpad

Answer 9

Codes visual information in terms of separate objects as well as the arrangement of these objects in one’s visual field.

Question 10

Working Memory Model

Answer 10

An explanation of the memory used when working on a task.
Phonological loop - Central executive - visuo-spatial sketchpad
l
Episodic buffer
l
Long-term memory

Question 11

Episodic Memory

Answer 11

Personal memories of events, such as what you did yesterday or a teacher you liked. This kind of memory includes contextual details plus emotional tone.

Question 12

Procedural Memory

Answer 12

Memory for how to do things, for example riding a bike or learning how to read. Such memories are automatic as the result of repeated practice.

Question 13

Semantic Memory

Answer 13

Shared memories for facts and knowledge. These memories may be concrete, such as knowing that ice is made of water, or abstract, such as mathematical knowledge.

Question 14

Interference

Answer 14

An explanation for forgetting in terms of one memory disrupting the ability to recall another. This is most likely to occur when the two memories have some similarity.

Question 15

Proactive Interference

Answer 15

Past learning interferes with current attempts to learn something.

Question 16

Retroactive Interference

Answer 16

Current attempts to learn something interfere with past learning.

Question 17

Cues

Answer 17

Things that serve as a reminder. They may meaningfully link to the material to be remembered or not, such as environmental cues or cues related to your mental state.

Question 18

Retrieval Failure

Answer 18

Occurs due to the absence of cues. An explanation for forgetting based on the idea that the issue relates to being able to retrieve a memory that is there but not accessible. Retrieval depends on using cues.

Question 19

Eyewitness Testimony

Answer 19

The evidence provided in court by a person who witnessed a crime, with a view to identifying the perpetrator of the crime.

Question 20

Leading Question

Answer 20

A question that, either by its form or content, suggests to the witness what answer is desired or leads them to the desired answer.

Question 21

Misleading Information

Answer 21

Supplying information that may lead a witness’ memory of a crime to be altered.

Question 22

Post-event Discussion

Answer 22

A conversation between co-witnesses or an interviewer and an eyewitness after a crime has taken place which may contaminate a witness’ memory for the event.

Question 23

Anxiety

Answer 23

An unpleasant emotional state that is often accompanied by increased heart rate and rapid breathing.

Question 24

Cognitive Interview

Answer 24

A police technique for interviewing witnesses to a crime, which encourages them to recreate the original context of the crime in order to increase the accessibility of stored information. Because our memory is made up of a network of associations rather than of discrete events, memories are accessed using multiple retrieval strategies.