AP Psych Memory

Encode

To get information into the memory system and extract the meaning

Store

To keep information in the brain

Retrieve

To get the information stored

Parallel processing

To process different things at the same time

Sensory memory

Fast recording of sensory information

Short-term memory

Holds a small amount of information for a short time and is used for a short time

Long-term memory

Stores information, skills, experiences for long periods of time

Working memory

When short-term and long-term memories combine. Active processing of both

Central executive

A part of working memory. Directs attention, decides what information to focus on and coordinates other parts of memory to complete problems

Phonological loop

A part of working memory for verbal info. Helps you hold and recall words/sounds for a short time

Semantic

Conscious memory of facts. Part of long-term memory

Episodic

Conscious memory of personally experienced events

Hippocampus

A neural center in the limbic system. Helps process conscious memories

Memory consolidation

Older memories make room for newer ones

Flashbulb memories

To create a clear memory of an exciting/emotional event. Able to recall specific details

Visuospatial sketchpad

A part of working memory that holds/works with visual and spatial information. Helps picture things in your mind and keep track of where they are

Neurogenesis

When new neurons are created in the brain

Long-term potentiation

Connections between neurons become stronger

Explicit memories

Memories you can consciously recall

Effortful processing

Encoding information that requires focus attention and conscious effort

Automatic processing

Unconscious processing of information from our senses

Implicit memories

Memories that are formed and retrieved without conscious awareness. Influences your thoughts/behaviors automatically without having to think

Iconic memory

the short-term memory of a photo/image. Only lasts a few seconds

Echoic memory

The short-term memory of a sound/something said aloud

Chunking

To automatically organize items into units making them easier to remember

Mnemonics

Memory aids that help you remember information easier. Connect it to patterns/images to make it more meaningful

Spacing effect

Info is better retained when studied over time

Testing effect

Remember info better through practice/tests rather than notes

Shallow processing

Basic level encoding the way something look/sounds

Deep processing

Encoding info by focusing on meaning/significance. Creates stronger memories

Priming

When one piece of info influences how you remember something later without realizing

Encoding specificity principle

Specific cues will trigger a memory

Mood congruent

To recall memories based on your mood

Serial position effect

To do multiple things and better remember that last thing dines than the first thing

Interleaving

A retrieval practice strategy by mixing different topics

Anterograde amnesia

Unable to form new memories but could still recall old events

Retrograde amnesia

Unable to recall past memories

Proactive interference

The effect of older learning in new learning. Disrupts recall of new info

Retroactive interference

When new learning disrupts old learning. Disrupts recall of old info

Repress

To unconsciously push distressing thoughts, memories, feelings out of conscious awareness

Reconsolidation

When stored memories are retrieved and replaced with a modified version

Misinformation effect

To misremember what is seen/heard after being exposed to misleading info

Source amnesia

Creates false memories from combining things that happened

Deja vu

Cues triggered in a current situation. The sense of experiencing something before