RETRIEVAL Flashcards
Retrieval
Getting information out of our memory / the locating and recovering of information from memory
Retrieval cues
Search terms we use to activate memory. Ex. Google search.
Encoding specificity principle
The more closely the retrieval clues match way the information was encoded, the better the information will be remembered.
Mood-congruent memory (or state dependent memory)
A theory which says we tend to selectively remember memories that match (are congruent with) our current mood.
Eidetic imagery
technical term for a photographic memory. can recall a memory in minute detail and portray the most interesting and meaningful parts most accurately. These images can last as short as a brief moment, or as long as days. more common in children.
WORKING MEMORY
short term memory. It is the place where we sort and encode information before transferring it to long-term memory, or forgetting it.
Generally, it holds information for about 20 seconds, far longer than sensory memory. (7 pieces)
Chunking
Coping mechanism for working memory. A chunk is any memory pattern or meaningful unit of memory.
Rehearsal
Information is repeated to keep it from fading while in working memory.
Spacing effect
The tendency for distributed practice to yield better long-term retention that is achieved through mass study or practice.
Testing effect:
testing improves memory–enhanced memory after retrieving rather than just simply reading information. Ex. reading checks
LONG TERM MEMORY
no limit to the duration or capacity of the long term memory.
Procedural memory (implicit), Declarative memory (explicit)
Procedural memory (implicit)
knowing how
a memory that was not deliberately learned-no conscious awareness
Ex. Muscle memory—throwing a ball
Automatic processing
Declarative memory (explicit)
knowing what
Explicit memory: a memory that had been processed with attention and can be consciously recalled.
Ex. The three stages of memory
Effortful processing
Episodic Memory
Declarative memory - this is the portion of memory that stores personal events or “episodes.”
This is the storage of things like time and place.
Semantic Memory
Declarative memory - This portion of memory stores general knowledge, facts and language meaning.
This is specifically where all the information you “know” is stored.
Priming
Priming works by activating an association or representation in memory just before another stimulus or task is introduced.
consolidation
information in the working memory is gradually changed over to long term memories.
amygdala
strengthening memories that have strong emotional connections.
Misinformation effect
incorporating misleading information into one’s memory of an event.
Retrograde amnesia
The inability to remember information previously stored in memory.
Anterograde amnesia
The inability to form memories from new material (HM, 50 First Dates, Memento).
Source Amnesia
can learn new facts, but have no memory for the source of this knowledge (Dory)
Decay theory
unused memories fade gradually over time
Interference theory
other memories interfere with retrieval
Interference mostly from similar memories
Proactive interference
interference from prior learning
When an old memory disrupts the learning and remembering of a new memory.
Ex. Trying to put the dishes away at a new house
Retroactive interference
interference from later learning
When a new memory blocks the retrieval of an old memory.
Ex. Driving an automatic after driving a manual
serial position effect
Generally items in the middle are remembered less.
Primacy: relative ease of remembering the first information in a series.
Recency: Strong memories of the most recent information in a series
Forgetting (7 sins) Daniel Schacter
- Transience: the impermanence of long-term memories-based on the idea that memories gradually fade in strength over time-also known as “decay theory.”
- Absent-mindedness: forgetting caused by lapses in attention.
- Blocking: forgetting when a memory cannot be retrieved because of interference.
- Misattribution: Memory faults that occur when memories are retrieved, but are associated with the wrong time, place or person.
- Suggestibility: The process of memory distortion as the result of deliberate or inadvertent suggestion.
- Bias: The influence of personal beliefs, attitudes and experiences on memory.
Expectancy Bias: A memory tendency to distort recalled events to fit one’s expectations.
Self-consistency Bias: A commonly held idea that we are more consistent in our attitudes and beliefs, over time, than we actually are. - Persistence: A memory problem where unwanted memories cannot be put out of our mind.
