Memory, Development and Attachment

Memory

Ability to store and remember information.

Encoding

Learning and getting information in.

Storage

Keeping information over time.

Retrieval

Getting stored information out.

Working Memory

Briefly holding and using information.

Episodic Memory

Memory for specific events and experiences.

Semantic Memory

Memory for facts and general knowledge.

Autobiographical Memory

Memory for events from your own life.

Memory Trace / Engram

Physical change in the nervous system representing a memory.

Consolidation

Process that stabilizes a memory after encoding.

Retrieval Cue

Hint that helps you access a memory.

Encoding Specificity Principle

Retrieval works better when cues match how the memory was encoded.

Mnemonic Device

Memory trick used to help remember information.

Method of Loci

Remembering by mentally placing information in familiar locations.

Retrieval Practice / Testing Effect

Retrieving information makes it easier to remember later.

Misinformation Effect

Later incorrect information changes memory of an event.

Retroactive Interference

New information interferes with old information.

Flashbulb Memory

Vivid memory of learning about an emotional or important event.

Distinctiveness

Unusual information is often easier to remember.

Recoding

Changing information into a form that's easier to remember.

Experiencing Self

Experiences what is happening right now.

Remembering Self

Looks back and evaluates an experience from memory.

Peak-End Rule

Memories of an experience are strongly influenced by its most intense point and its ending.

Duration Neglect

The length of an experience has less influence on how we remember it than expected.

Cognitive Development

Changes in thinking and understanding as children grow.

Piagetian Theory

Theory that children's thinking develops through qualitatively different stages.

Developmental Stages

Distinct periods and types of thinking during development.

Sensorimotor Stage

Infants learn mainly through senses and actions.

Preoperational Stage

Children use symbols and language but still have limits in logical thinking.

Concrete Operational Stage

Children can logically reason about concrete situations.

Formal Operational Stage

Ability to think abstractly and hypothetically.

Conservation

Understanding that quantity stays the same even when appearance changes.

Information Processing Theory

Studies development through changes in attention, memory, and thinking.

Sociocultural Theory

Emphasizes how social and cultural experiences shape development.

Nature and Nurture

Development results from both biological and environmental influences.

Continuous Development

Development occurs gradually.

Discontinuous Development

Development occurs through distinct stages.

Attachment Theory

Theory explaining close emotional bonds with caregivers and others.

Attachment Behavioral System

System that motivates children to stay close to caregivers.

Attachment Figure

Person who provides security and comfort.

Attachment Behaviors

Actions like crying or clinging that help maintain closeness.

Safe Haven

Attachment figure provides comfort during stress.

Secure Base

Attachment figure provides security that allows exploration.

Strange Situation

Ainsworth's procedure for studying infant attachment.

Secure Attachment

Child trusts caregiver as a source of security.

Insecure Attachment

Child is less confident about caregiver availability and support.

Avoidant Attachment

Insecure pattern involving avoiding or minimizing contact with caregiver.

Resistant/Anxious Attachment

Insecure pattern involving strong distress and difficulty being comforted.

Sensitive/Responsive Caregiving

Caregiver notices and appropriately responds to a child's needs.

Adult Attachment

Attachment processes continue into adult romantic relationships.