Psych memory Flashcards
Recall
Retrieve the info out of memory (essay, fill in blank)
Recognition
Identify the correct target out of many (multiple choice)
Three steps to info processing model
Encode, store, and retrieve
Three-stage model: sensory memory
The immediate, very brief recording of sensory memory in the memory system (iconic vs echoic)
Three-stage model: Short-term memory
Memory that holds a few items briefly before the information is stored or forgotten. Also known as working memory
Three-stage model: Long-term memory
The relatively permanent and limitless storehouse of the memory system
Explicit memory
Facts and experiences from long-term memory that one can consciously know and “declare.” Also known as declarative memory
How do we process explicit memory?
Effortful processing: requires attention and conscious effort
Implicit memory
Muscle memory
How do we process implicit memory?
Automatic processing: unconscious, incidental information. Well-learned info such as word meanings
Short term memory capacity
we can store somewhere between 5 and 9 pieces of information (often referred to as 7 +/- 2) in short-term memory
Structural encoding
Encoding by the visual details of something, such as: shape, color, or structure.
Phonemic encoding
Encoding by the auditory aspects of something, such as:tone, volume, or pronunciation.
Semantic encoding
Encoding by the meaning of something, such as associating it with: emotion, ideas, or previous knowledge.
Shallow processing
structural, phonemic
Deep processing
semantic
Chunking
organizing items into familiar, manageable units
Mnemonic device
memory aids, especially those techniques that use vivid imagery and organizational devices, like
acronyms.
Method of Loci
Technique that uses visualization and spatial memory to help recall information.
Massed practice
Bad study habit. Learning information in a short amount time with not a lot of processing time.
Spacing effect
the idea that learning is more effective when study sessions are spread out over time, rather than massed practice!
Testing effect
better retention happens as a result of testing your memory recall
Forgetting curve (Ebbinghaus)
You forget a lot of info if not reviewed and then the info you retain just stays there
Episodic memory
Explicit memory of personally experienced events or situations.
Semantic memory
Explicit memory of facts and general knowledge.
Primacy effect
Information at the beginning of a list is remembered better than information in the middle.
Regency effect
Information at the end of a list/most recent is remembered better than the material in the middle
Mood-congruent memory
The tendency to recall experiences that
are consistent with one’s current good or bad emotional state (mood)
Context-dependent memory
it’s easier to recall information when you are in the same environment or situation as when the memory was originally formed
Encoding failure
when info isn’t processed or organized; we’re not paying enough attention
Storage decay
The gradual fading of info in the brain. Hermann Ebbinghaus’ Forgetting Curve
Retrieval failure
Inability to retrieve stored information. Tip-of-the-tounge.
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
a coping strategy that banishes anxiety-arousing thoughts, feelings, and memories
Retrograde amnesia
Inability to recall old memories.
Anterograde amnesia
Inability to form new memories
Infantile amnesia
The inability of most adults to retrieve episodic memories before the age of 3-4 years bc of developing brain
Autobiographical memory
Memory for one’s personal history
Misinformation effect
An eyewitness being asked: “Did you see the broken light” rather than “Did you see a broken light”.
Source amnesia
a memory issue that occurs when someone can recall information but can’t remember where, when, or how they learned it
Memory consolidation
When your brain strengthens and organizes memories over time, especially while you sleep.
Imagination inflation
When your brain accidentally adds imagined details to your memories, making them seem more dramatic or different than what really happened.
Central executive
A memory component that coordinates the activities of the phonological loop and visuospatial sketchpad
Phonological loop
A memory component that briefly holds auditory info
Visuospatial sketchpad
A memory component that briefly holds info about objects’ appearance and location in space
Episodic buffer
This system binds and integrates information into discrete pieces
Prospective memory
an intention to carry out a psychological or physical act and is related to future-oriented behaviors.
Maintenance rehearsal
a memory technique that involves repeating information to keep it in short-term memory
Elaborative rehearsal
a memory technique that involves making connections between new information and what you already know
Metacognition
the capacity to reflect on, evaluate, and control cognitive processes such as decision-making, memory, and perception.
