Unit 5 Vocab - Memory

Question 1

memory

Answer 1

the persistence of learning over time through the encoding, storage, and retrieval of information

Question 2

flashbulb memory

Answer 2

a clear, sustained memory of an emotionally significant moment/event

Question 3

encoding

Answer 3

the process of getting info into the memory system

Question 4

storage

Answer 4

the process of retaining encoded info over time

Question 5

retrieval

Answer 5

the process of getting info out of memory storage

Question 6

sensory memory

Answer 6

the immediate, very brief recording of sensory info in the memory system

Question 7

short-term memory (STM)

Answer 7

activated memory that holds a few items briefly before the info is stored or forgotten

Question 8

long-term memory (LTM)

Answer 8

the relatively permanent and limitless storehouse of the memory system.
includes knowledge, skills, and experience

Question 9

working memory

Answer 9

a newer understanding of STM that adds conscious, active processing of incoming auditory/visual info, and info retrieved from LTM

Question 10

automatic processing

Answer 10

unconscious encoding of incidental info such as space, time, frequency, and well learned info (ex. word meanings)

Question 11

effortful processing

Answer 11

encoding that requires attention and conscious effort

Question 12

rehearsal

Answer 12

the repetition of info in an attempt to maintain it longer in memory
occurs in STM and creates a stronger trace to then be stored in LTM

Question 13

spacing effect

Answer 13

the tendency for distributed study/practice to yield better long-term retention than is achieved through massed study/practice

Question 14

serial position effect

Answer 14

our tendency to recall best the first (primacy effect) and last (recency effect) items in a list

Question 15

visual encoding

Answer 15

the process of remembering visual images
external visual stimuli are converted into internal mental representations that can then be processed and stored into memory

Question 16

acoustic encoding

Answer 16

the process of encoding auditory input for storage and retrieval

Question 17

semantic encoding

Answer 17

a specific type of encoding in which the meaning of something is encoded
encoding of info focusing on meaningful aspects as opposed to perceived characteristics

Question 18

imagery

Answer 18

cognitive generation of a representation from input from the 5 senses

Question 19

mnemonics

Answer 19

memory aids, especially those techniques that use vivid imagery and organizational devices

Question 20

chunking

Answer 20

organizing items into familiar, manageable units, often occurs automatically

Question 21

iconic memory

Answer 21

a momentary sensory memory of visual stimuli
a picture image memory lasting no more than a few tenths of a second

Question 22

echoic memory

Answer 22

a momentary sensory memory of auditory stimuli; if attention is elsewhere, sounds and words can still be recalled within 3/4 seconds

Question 23

long-term potentiation (LTP)

Answer 23

an increase in a cell’s firing potential after brief, rapid stimulation
a neural basis for learning and memory

Question 24

amnesia

Answer 24

the loss of memories, including facts, info, and experiences

Question 25

implicit memory
AKA nondeclarative memory

Answer 25

retention of learned skills/classically conditioned associations independent of conscious recollection

Question 26

explicit memory
AKA declarative memory

Answer 26

retention of facts/experiences that one can consciously know and declare

Question 27

hippocampus

Answer 27

a neural center located in the limbic system; helps process for storage of explicit memories of facts/evidence

Question 28

recall

Answer 28

a measure of memory in which the person must retrieve info learned earlier
(ex. fill in the blank tests)

Question 29

recognition

Answer 29

a measure of memory in which the person identifies items previously learned
(ex. multiple choice tests)

Question 30

relearning

Answer 30

a measure of memory that asses the amount of time saved when learning material again

Question 31

priming

Answer 31

the activation, often unconsciously, of certain association, predisposing one’s perception, memory, or response

Question 32

déjá vu

Answer 32

“I’ve experienced this before”
cues from current situation may unconsciously trigger retrieval of an earlier experience

Question 33

mood-congruent memory

Answer 33

the tendency to recall experiences that are consistent with one’s current mood

Question 34

proactive interference

Answer 34

the forward-acting disruptive effect of older learning on the recall of new info

Question 35

retroactive interference

Answer 35

the backward-acting disruptive effect of newer learning on the recall of old info

Question 36

repression

Answer 36

the basic defense mechanism that banishes from consciousness, anxiety arousing thoughts, feelings, and memories

Question 37

misinformation effect

Answer 37

occurs when misleading info has distorted one’s memory of an event

Question 38

source amnesia

Answer 38

faulty memory of how/when/where info was learned/imagined - at the heart of many false memories