Memory Vocab Flashcards
Memory
the persistence of learning over time through the encoding, storage, and retrieval of information
Recall
a measure of memory in which the person must retrieve information learned earlier, as on a fill-in-the-blank test
Recognition
a measure of memory in which the person identifies items previously learned, as on a multiple-choice test
Relearning
a measure of memory that assesses the amount of time saved when learning material again
Encoding
the process of getting information into the memory system—for example, by extracting meaning
Storage
the process of retaining encoded information over time
Retrieval
the process of getting information out of memory storage
Parallel Processing
the process of getting information out of memory storage
Sensory Memory
the process of getting information out of memory storage
Short-Term Memory/Working Memory
the process of getting information out of memory storage
Long-Term Memory
the relatively permanent and limitless archive of the memory system. Includes knowledge, skills, and experiences
Explicit Memory
retention of facts and experiences that we can consciously know and “declare.” (Also called declarative memory)
Implicit Memory
retention of learned skills or classically conditioned associations independent of conscious recollection. (Also called nondeclarative memory)
Effortful Processing
encoding that requires attention and conscious effort
Automatic Processing
unconscious encoding of incidental information, such as space, time, and frequency, and of familiar or well-learned information, such as sounds, smells, and word meanings
Iconic Memory
a momentary sensory memory of visual stimuli; a photographic or picture-image memory lasting no more than a few tenths of a second
Echoic Memory
a momentary sensory memory of auditory stimuli; if attention is elsewhere, sounds and words can still be recalled within 3 or 4 seconds
Chunking
organizing items into familiar, manageable units; often occurs automatically
Spacing Effect
the tendency for distributed study or practice to yield better long-term retention than is achieved through massed study or practice
Testing Effect
enhanced memory after retrieving, rather than simply rereading, information. Also referred to as a retrieval practice effect or test-enhanced learning
Shallow Processing
encoding on a basic level, based on the structure or appearance of words
Deep Processing
encoding semantically, based on the meaning of the words; tends to yield the best retention
Haptic Memory
sensory related to touch
Olfactory Memory
sensory related to smell
Gustatory Memory
sensory related to taste
Semantic Memory
explicit memory of facts and general knowledge; one of our two conscious memory systems (the other is episodic memory)
Episodic Memory
explicit memory of personally experienced events; one of our two conscious memory systems (the other is semantic memory)
Flashbulb Memory
a clear memory of an emotionally significant moment or event
Priming
the activation, often unconsciously, of certain associations, thus predisposing one’s perception, memory, or response
Serial Position Effect
our tendency to recall best the last (recency effect) and first (primacy effect) items in a list
Anterograde Amnesia
an inability to form new memories
Retrograde Amnesia
an inability to remember information from one’s past
Proactive Interference
the forward-acting disruptive effect of older learning on the recall of new information
Retroactive Interference
the backward-acting disruptive effect of newer learning on the recall of old information
Repression
in psychoanalytic theory, the basic defense mechanism that banishes from consciousness anxiety-arousing thoughts, feelings, and memories
Misinformation Effect
occurs when a memory has been corrupted by misleading information
Source Amnesia
faulty memory for how, when, or where information was learned or imagined
Maintenance Rehearsal
process where info is repeated to keep it from fading in working memory
Levels-of-processing-theory
info connected to meaningful LTM better remembered
Imagination Inflation
“did I turn off the coffee machine or imagine?”
Encoding specificity principle
the idea that cues and contexts specific to a particular memory will be most effective in helping us recall it
Context/State-dependent
tendency for recall to depend on context of learning
Mood Congruent
the tendency to recall experiences that are consistent with one’s current good or bad mood
Chunking
organize info into small meaningful units
Vivid&Distinctive Cues
trying to bring intentions to mind at moment needed
