Psychology Chapter 8: Memory Flashcards
recall
a measure of the memory in which the person must retrieve information learned earlier, as on a fill-in-the-blank test
memory
The persistence of learning overtime through the storage and retrieval of information
recognition
a measure of memory in which the person need only identify 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 processing of information into the memory system- for example, by extracting meaning
storage
the retention of encoded information over time
sensory memory
the immediate, very brief recording of sensory information into the memory system
short term memory
activated memory that holds a few items briefly, such as seven digits of a phone number while dialing, before the information is stored or forgotten
long term memory
the relatively permanent and limitless storehouse of the memory system. Includes knowledge, skills, and experiences
working 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
explicit memory
memory of facts and experiences that one can consciously know and “declare” (Also called declarative 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 well-learned information, such as word meanings
implicit memory
retention independent of conscious recollection (also known as a non declarative memory)
iconic memory
a momentary sensory memory of visual stimuli; a photo graphic 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
mnemonics
memory aids, especially those techniques that use vivid imagery and organizational devices
spacing effect
the tendency for distributed study or practice to yield better long term retention than is achieved through mass study or practice
testing effect
enhanced memory after retrieving, rather than simply reading information. Also sometimes referred to as a retrieval practice effect or test enhanced learning
shallow processing
encoding on a basic level based on structure or appearance of words.
deep processing
encoding semantically, based on the meaning of words, tends to yield the best retention.
hippocampus
a neural center located in the limbic system; helps process explicit memories for storage
flashbulb memory
a clear memory of an emotionally significant moment or event
long term potentiation (LTP)
an increase in a cell’s firing potential after brief rapid stimulation. Believed to be a neural basis for learning and memory
priming
the activation, often unconsciously of particular associations in memory
mood congruent memory
the tendency to recall experiences that are consistent with ones current good or bad mood
serial position effect
our tendency to recall the best the last and first items on the list
anterograde amnesia
an inability to form new memories
retrograde amnesia
an inability to retrieve information from one’s past
proactive interference
the disruptive effect of prior learning on the recall of new information
retroactive interference
the disruptive effect of new 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
incorporating misleading information into one’s memory of an event
source amnesia
attributing to the wrong source an event we have experienced, heard about, read about, or imagined. (Also called source misattribution.) Source amnesia along with the misinformation effect is at the heart of many false memories
déjà vu
the eerie sense that “I’ve experienced this before.” Cues from the current situation may subconsciously trigger retrieval of an earlier experience
