Unit 2 - Memory (Modules 31-33) Flashcards
Memory
The persistence of learning over time through the encoding, storage, and retrieval of information
Recall
A measure of memory in which the person must retrieve information learned earlier, as on a fill in the blank test
Recognition
A measure of memory in which the person identifies 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 process of getting information into the memory system - for example, by extracting meaning
Storage
The process of retaining encoded information over time
Retrieval
The process of getting information out of memory storage
Parallel Processing
Processing many aspects of a problem simultaneously
Sensory Memory
The immediate, very brief recording of sensory information in the memory system
Short Term Memory
Activated memory that holds a few items briefly, such as digits of a phone number while calling, before the information is stored and forgotten.
Working Memory
A new understanding of short-term memory that adds conscious, active processing of incoming auditory and visual information, and of information retrieved from long term memory
Explicit Memory
Retention of facts and experiences that one can consciously know and declare
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 of learned skills or classically conditioned associations independent of conscious recollection
Iconic Memory
A momentary sensory memory of visual stimuli, a 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 three or four 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 rereading information
Shallow Processing
Encoding on a basic level, based on the structure or appearance of words
Deep Processing
Encoding semantically, based on the meaning of the words; tends to yield the best retention
Semantic Memory
Explicit memory of facts and general knowledge; one of our two conscious memory systems
Episodic Memory
Explicit memory of personally experienced events; one of our two conscious memory systems
Hippocampus
A neural center located in the lambic system; helps process explicit memories of facts and events for storage
Memory Consolidation
The neural storage of long term memory
Flashbulb Memory
A clear, sustained memory of an emotionally significant moment or event
Long Term Potentiation
An increase in a cells firing potential after brief, rapid stimulation; a neural basis for learning and memory
Encoding Specifically Principle
The idea that cues and contexts specific to a particular memory will be most effective in helping us recall it.
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 best the last and first items on a list
Anterograde Amnesia
An inability to form new memories
Retrograde Amnesia
An inability to retrieve information from ones past
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
In psychoanalytic theory, the basic defense mechanism that banishes from consciousness anxiety arousing thoughts, feelings and memories
Reconsolidation
A process in which previously stored memories, when retrieved, are potentially altered before being stores again
Misinformation Effect
Occurs when misleading information has distorted ones memory of an event
Source Amnesia
Faulty memory for how, when, or where information was learned or imagined.
Deja Vu
That eerie sense that “I’ve experienced this before”. Cues from the current situation may unconsciously trigger retrieval of an earlier experience
