Modules 31-33 Vocab Flashcards
The persistence of learning over time through the encoding, storage, and retrieval of information
Memory
The processing of information into the memory system
Encoding
The process of retaining encoded information over time
Storage
The process of getting information out of memory storage
Retrieval
The processing of many aspects of a problem simultaneously; the brain’s natural mode of information processing for many functions
Parallel Processing
The immediate, very brief recording of sensory information in the memory system
Sensory Memory
Activated memory that holds a few items briefly, such as the seven digits of a phone number while dialing, before the information is stored or forgotten
Short-Term Memory
The relatively permanent and limitless storehouse of the memory system. Includes knowledge, skills, and experiences
Long-Term Memory
A newer understanding of short-term memory that focuses on conscious, active processing of incoming auditory and visual-spatial information, and of information retrieved from long-term memory
Working memory
Memory of facts and experiences that one can consciously know and “declare”
Explicit Memory
Encoding that requires attention and conscious effort
Effortful Processing
Unconscious encoding of incidental information, such as space, time, and frequency, and of well-learned information, such as word meanings
Automatic Processing
Retention independent of conscious recollection
Implicit Memory
A momentary sensory memory of visual stimuli; a photographic or picture-image memory lasting no more than a few tenths of a second
Iconic Memory
A momentary sensory memory of auditory stimuli; if attention is elsewhere, sounds and words can still be recalled within 3 or 4 seconds
Echoic Memory
Organizing items into familiar, manageable units; often occurs automatically
Chunking
Memory aids, especially those techniques that use vivid imagery and organizational devices
Mnemonics
The tendency for distributed study or practice to yield better long-term retention than is achieved through massed study or practice
Spacing Effect
Enhanced memory after retrieving, rather than simply rereading, information. Also referred to as retrieval practice effect or test-enhanced learning
Testing Effect
Encoding on a basic level based on the structure or appearance of words
Shallow Processing
Encoding semantically, based on the meaning of the words; tends to yield the best retention
Deep Processing
A neural center located in the limbic system; helps process explicit memories for storage
Hippocampus
A clear memory of an emotionally significant moment or event
Flashbulb Memory
An increase in a cell’s firing potential after brief, rapid stimulation. Believed to be a neural basis for learning and memory
Long-term Potentiation (LTP)
A measure of memory in which the person must retrieve information learned earlier, as on a fill-in-the-blank test
Recall
A measure of memory in which the person need only identify items previously learned, as on a multiple-choice test
Recognition
A measure of memory that assesses the amount of time saved when learning material again
Relearning
The activation, often unconsciously, of particular associations in memory
Priming
The tendency to recall experiences that are consistent with one’s current good or bad mood
Mood-Congruent Memory
Our tendency to recall best the last (recency effect) and first items (primacy effect) in a list
Serial Position Effect
An inability to form new memories
Anterograde Amnesia
An inability to retrieve information from one’s past
Retrograde Amnesia
The disruptive effect of prior learning on the recall of new information
Proactive Interference
The disruptive effect of new learning on the recall of old information
Retroactive interference
In psychoanalytic theory, the basic defense mechanism that banishes from consciousness anxiety-arousing thoughts, feelings, and memories
Repression
Incorporating misleading information into one’s memory of an event
Misinformation Effect
Attributing to the wrong source an event we have experienced, heard about, read about, or imagined. (also called source misattribution) it is at the heart of many false memories
Source Amnesia
That eerie sense that “I’ve experienced this before.” cues from the current situation may unconsciously trigger retrieval of an earlier experience
Deja Vu
