Unit 7 Flashcards
encoding
the processing of information into the memory system
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 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 experience
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
parallel processing
the processing of many aspects of a problem simultaneously; the brain’s natural mode of information processing for many functions. Contrasts wit step-by-step (serial) processing of most computers and of conscious problem solving
automatic processing
unconscious encoding of incidental information. such as space, time, frequency, and of well-learned information, such as 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 that 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 sounds of words
semantic encoding
the encoding of meaning, including the meaning of words.
imagery
mental pictures; a powerful aid to effortful processing, especially when combed with semantic meanings
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
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 non-declarative or procedural memory)
explicit memory
memory of facts and experiences that one can consciously know and declare (also called declarative memory)
hippocampus
a neural center that is located in the limbic system; helps process explicit memories for storage
recall
a measure of memory in which the person must retrieve information learned earlier, as on a fill-in-the-blank test