Psych Chap 10

memory

the process by which we store information, images, events, and skills and recall them for later use. ​

3 general processes of memory

encoding (the process of getting memories into your brain) , storage(a way to retain memories overtime) , retrieval (recovering memories for use now)

what stages does memory flow through

sensory memory —> working memory —> long term memory

iconic memory

Images you “take” with your eyes fade quickly, but the visual information is held there for a moment.​ Lasts only a fraction of a second​

Eidetic memory

ability to perfectly recall an image briefly viewed a single time

echoic memory

Auditory information that is retained for several seconds.​

working (short-term) memory

A system that actively processes different types of information such as ideas, images, and sounds from multiple sources.​

Central executive system

focuses attention, shifts between tasks, combines processes as needed.​

Visuospatial sketchpad

mental snapshot of a scene that you can refer to later.​

Phonological loop

saying something aloud several times; rehearsal (either with sounds or silently).​

Episodic buffer

auditory, spatial, visual information integrated with chronological order.​Mixed evidence for “brain training.”​

long term memory

Information that you retain in a lasting and relatively permanent way.​

Semantic memory

concepts, facts, other information that you consciously remember.​ (googleable facts)

Episodic memories

personal experiences that serve as “episodes” in the story of your life.

implicit long-term memory

recalled automatically; something you do without thinking about it.​

procedural (motor) memory

physical skills that initially require thought and attention, but with time and practice become automatic.​

False fame effect

names you’ve heard or read before seem famous.​

deja vu

memory conflict, likely recognition of a similar past experience without ability to identify when and where it happened.​

Which aspect of memory briefly preserves the physical features of sensations?

sensory

rehersal

practice/repetition with the goal of creating a new memory

schemas

Existing collections of thoughts or knowledge that help you make sense of new information.

maintenance rehearsal

repeating something over and over again

elaborative reversal

generating meaning as you repeat the information

self-reference effect

the tendency to remember personally relevant information more easily

chunking

combining and grouping smaller buts of information into larger pieces to increase memory capacity

spacing effect

Learning information across multiple sessions throughout a longer time span improves long-term memory.​ ex: spacing studying rather than cramming for a test.​

overlearning

Continual studying or practicing of material to strengthen memory.​

mnemonic

A memory aid or technique to help remember specific information, especially lists.​

retention interval

how long you need to preserve information

reconsolidation

storing memory all over again when we retrieve a memory from long-term storage

recognition vs recall

recognition: the ability to remember information after seeing or experiencing it.

recall: the ability to remember information without that information present.