Module 31: Studying & Building Memories Flashcards
Memory
The persistence of learning over time through the encoding, storage, and retrieval of information.
Encoding
The process of information into the memory system
The initial acquiring of information into memory
Storage
The process of retaining encoded information over time
Permanently holding onto the encoded information that accumulates with time
Retrieval
The process of getting information out of memory storage
Bringing information forward from memory storage for use
Parallel Processing
The processing of many aspects of a problem simultaneously; the brain’s natural mode of information processing for many functions. Contrast with the step-by-step (Serial) processing of most computers and conscious problem-solving.
The act of taking in multiple aspects of something at the same time
Sensory memory
The immediate, very brief recording of sensory information in the memory system
A temporary retainment of sensory information
Short-term Memory
Activated memory that holds a few items briefly
ex. knowing the digits of a phone number while you dial
(Active memory) Limited information the mind is currently aware
Long-term Memory
The relatively permanent of the limitless storehouse of the memory system including knowledge, skill, and experiences.
The storage of knowledge, skills, & experiences acquired over time for seemingly the rest of our lives
Connectionism
Views memories as products of interconnected neural networks
What happens every time you learn something new?
Every time you learn something new, your brain’s neural connections charge, forming and strengthening pathways that allow you to interact with and learn from your constantly changing environment.
True or False: Without focused attention information often fades
True
Without focused attention information often fades
Working Memory
A newer understanding of short-term memory that focuses on conscious, active processing of incoming auditory and visual-spatial information retrieved from long-term memory
Explicit/ Declarative memory
The memory of facts & experiences that one can consciously know & “declare”
Information a person is easily able to state due to being consciously aware of the information
Effortful Processing
Encoding that requires attention and conscious effort
Encoding requires focused attention in order to acquire information
Automatic Processing
Unconscious encoding of incidental information, such as space, time, & frequency, and of well-learned information, such as word meanings.
Encoding information that requires no conscious effort such as space, time, & frequency
Implicit/ Non-Declarative memory
Retention independent of conscious recollection
A type of long term memory that does not require retrieval
How do we encode explicit memory?
We encode explicit memories through conscious effortful processing
What does automatic processing produce?
Automatic processing produces implicit memories
What does implicit memory include?
Implicit/non-declarative memory includes procedural memory & priming
What does sensory memory do?
Sensory memory feeds our active working memory, recoding momentary images of scenes or echoes of sounds
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 - fleeting
Echoic Memory
A momentary sensory memory of auditory stimuli; if attention is elsewhere sounds & words can still be recalled within 3-4 seconds
Auditory stimuli- once heard it is sent to memory to be processed and understood
What affects a person’s working memory capability?
Age & focus
Working memory capacity varies depending on age & other factors such as focus - young adults have more working memory capacity
When do people perform tasks better?
everyone performs tasks better focused and one thing at a time.
Chunking
Organizing items into familiar, manageable units
Mnemonics
Memory aids, especially those techniques that use vivid imagery and organizational devices
Peg-Word system
Visual-imagery skill via a jingle: 1 is a bun, 2 is a shoe, 3 is a tree, 4 is a door, 5 is a hive, 6 is sticks, 7 is heaven, 8 is a gate, 9 is swine, 10 is a hen.
Hierarchies
Composed of broad concepts divided & subdivided into narrower concepts & facts
Helps us remember them better.
Spacing Effect
The tendency for distributed study or practice to yield better long-term restoration than is achieved through mass study or practice
Testing Effect
Enhanced memory after retrieving
Also known as Retrieval practice or Test-enhanced learning
Shallow Processing
Encoding on a basic level based on the structure or appearance of words; words letters or a word’s sound
Deep Processing
Encoding semantically, based on the meaning of the words; tends to yield the best retention; more meaningful better retention
Why might what we recall be different than the information it was derived from?
We recall what’s encoded not the literal text
What is one way to avoid mismatching information we encode?
Avoid mismatching by rephrasing what we see & hear into meaningful terms
Self-reference Effect
Information deemed “relevant to me” is processed more deeply and remains more accessible.
How do we measure retention?
Recall, Recognition, & Relearning
Recognition
Identifying items previously learned
note: multiple-choice tests your recognition
Relearning
Learning something more quickly when you learn it a second time
How does sensory memory work?
Sensory memory feeds our active working memory, recording momentary images of scenes or echoes of sounds
Memory Processing
The course in which information is encoding, stored, and retrieved in the brain.
