Memory Test Key Terms Flashcards
Memory
the retention of information or experience over time as the result of three key processes, encoding, storage, and retrieval
encoding
first step of memory
-process by which information gets into memory storage
does it take effort to encode
yes
divided attention
concentrating on more than one activity at the same time
sustained attention
-vigilance
-the ability to maintain attention to a selected stimulus for a prolonged period of time
levels of processing
a continuum of memory processing from shallow to intermediate to deep,
-deeper processing = the better the memory
shallow level processing
nothing but physical features
intermediate level processing
gives a stimulus a label (reading the word ‘mom’ )
deepest level processing
thinking about the meaning of a stimulus
-what something means to you
elaboration
the formation of a number of different connections around a stimulus at any given level of memory encoding
self-reference
relating material to your own experience
storage
the retention of information over time and how this information is represented in memory
atkinson-shiffrin theory
theory stating that memory storage involves three seperate systems, sensory memory, short-term memory, long-term memory
sensory memory
memory system that involves holding information from the world in its original sensory form for only an instant
echoic memory
refers to auditory sensory memory and it is retained for up to several seconds
iconic memory
visual sensory memory, only retained for about a 1/4 of a second
short-term memory
limited-capacity memory system in which information is usually retained for only as long as 30 sec. unless the individual uses strategies to retain it longer
memory span
refers to the number of digits an individual can report back, in order, after a single presentation of them
chunking
involves grouping or packing information that exceeds the 7+or- 2 memory span into higher and order units that can be remembered as single units
rehersal
the conscious repeitiion of information
-doesnt work for retention of long-term
working memory
includes short-term memory and attention, that allow individuals to hold information temporarily as they complete tasks
-work bench essentially
the phonological loop
specialized to briefly store speech-based information about the sounds of language
the visuo-spatial sketch pad
stores visual and spatial information, including visual imagery
-limited capacity
the central executive
integrates information not only from the phonological loop and the visuo-spatial sketchpad, but also from long-term memory
long-term memory
a relatively permanent type of memory that stores huge amounts of information for a long period of time
explicit memory
the conscious recollection of information, such as specific facts or events and, at least in humans, information that can be verbally communicated
episodic memory
the retention of information about the where, when, and what of life’s happening
-ex. your first date, what you ate for breakfast this morning
sematic memory
a person’s knowledge about the world, including his or her areas of expertise or general knowledge
-knowledge of chess, geometry, Lady Gaga