Unit 5 Memory Flashcards
encoding
the processing of information into the memory system—for example, by extracting meaning.
Info –> memory
storage
the retention of encoded
information over time
retrieval
the process of getting
information out of memory storage.
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
the 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 k
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.
automatic processing
unconscious encoding of incidental information, such
as space, time, and frequency, and of
well-learned information, such as word
meanings.
effortful processing
encoding that
requires attention and conscious effort.
rehearsal
the conscious repetition of
information, either to maintain it in consciousness or to encode it for storage.
spacing effect
the tendency for distributed study or practice to yield better
long-term retention than is achieved
through massed study or practice.
serial position effect
our tendency to
recall best the last and first items in a list.
visual encoding
the encoding of picture images
acoustic encoding
the encoding of
sound, especially the sound of words
semantic encoding
the encoding of
meaning, including the meaning of
words
imagery
mental pictures; a powerful
aid to effortful processing, especially
when combined with semantic encoding
mnemonics
memory
aids, especially those techniques that
use vivid imagery and organizational
devices.
chunking
organizing items into familiar, manageable units; often occurs
automatically
iconic memory
a momentary sensory
memory of visual stimuli; a photographic
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.
long-term potentiation (LTP)
an increase in a synapse’s firing potential
after brief, rapid stimulation. Believed to
be a neural basis for learning and memory.
flashbulb memory
a clear memory of
an emotionally significant moment or
event.
amnesia
the loss of memory.
implicit memory
retention independent of conscious recollection. (Also
called nondeclarative memory.)
