psych 7

Information Processing Model

A framework explaining memory as a process involving encoding, storage, and retrieval across three main stores: sensory memory, short-term memory (STM), and long-term memory (LTM).

Sensory Register/Memory

The initial stage of memory, capturing fleeting sensory information for a few seconds.

Iconic Memory

Visual sensory memory lasting about 0.2–0.5 seconds.

Echoic Memory

Auditory sensory memory lasting 3–4 seconds.

Short-Term Memory (STM)

Temporary storage with a capacity of about 7 items for 20–30 seconds.

Long-Term Memory (LTM)

Permanent storage with a limitless capacity, storing knowledge, skills, and experiences.

Encoding

The process of converting sensory input into a memory trace for storage.

Storage

The retention of encoded information over time.

Retrieval

Accessing stored information.

Levels of Processing Model

Suggests memory retention depends on how deeply information is processed: structural, phonemic, and semantic levels.

Structural Processing

Shallow processing focusing on appearance.

Phonemic Processing

Processing based on sound.

Semantic Processing

Deep processing based on meaning.

Episodic Memory

Memory for personal experiences.

Semantic Memory

Memory for facts and general knowledge.

Procedural Memory

Memory for skills and actions.

Explicit Memory

Memory requiring conscious recall (episodic and semantic).

Implicit Memory

Memory that doesn’t require conscious recall (skills, habits).

Prospective Memory

Remembering to do things in the future.

Retrospective Memory

Remembering past events or information.

Mnemonic Devices

Memory aids using associations.

Method of Loci

Associating information with physical locations.

Chunking

Grouping information to improve memory.

Proactive Interference

Old information hinders new learning.

Retroactive Interference

New information disrupts recall of old information.

Serial Position Effect

Tendency to remember the first and last items in a list better.

Primacy Effect

Better recall for items at the beginning of a list.

Recency Effect

Better recall for items at the end of a list.

Spacing Effect

Distributed practice is more effective than massed practice.

Maintenance Rehearsal

Repetition to keep information in STM.

Elaborative Rehearsal

Linking new information to existing knowledge for LTM storage.

Source Amnesia

Forgetting where you learned something.

Reconstructive Memory

Memory influenced by imagination or new information.

State-Dependent Memory

Better recall when in the same physical or emotional state as when encoded.

Context-Dependent Memory

Better recall in the same environment as when encoded.

Mood Congruent Memory

Tendency to recall memories consistent with current mood.

Testing Effect

Improved memory from retrieval practice.

Misinformation Effect

Incorporating misleading information into memory.

Anterograde Amnesia

Inability to form new memories after a brain injury.

Retrograde Amnesia

Inability to recall memories from before a brain injury.

Infantile Amnesia

Inability to recall memories from early childhood (before age 3).

Recall vs. Recognition

Recall is retrieving information without cues; recognition is identifying information from options.

Tip of the Tongue Phenomenon

Feeling you know something but can’t recall it.

Repression

Unconsciously blocking distressing memories.

Ebbinghaus’s “Forgetting Curve”

Memory retention decreases rapidly and then stabilizes over time.

Baddeley’s “Working Memory”

Active processing and manipulation of information in STM.

Phonological Loop

Handles verbal/auditory information in working memory.

Central Executive

Directs attention and integrates information in working memory.

Visuospatial Sketchpad

Manages visual/spatial information in working memory.