Memory (Psych Exam 2)

Encoding

The crucial first step to processing and storing sensory memory

Iconic Memory

The brief storage of visual information that lasts for a fraction of a second

Echoic Memory

The brief storage of auditory information that last for 2-4 seconds

Dan Simmons’ Research

Research the limits of human perception, attention, and memory

Inattentional Blindness

A cognitive phenomenon where an individual will fail to notice something obvious when too focused on something

Short-Term Memory

A cognitive system that stores information for a brief period of time, lasting seconds to minutes

Rehearsal

The cognitive process of repeatedly practicing or reviewing information to improve memory and retention

Chunking

A strategy where the brain groups individual pieces of information into larger, more manageable groups to enhance short-term memory

Long-Term Memory

A cognitive system that stores information for extended periods, typically beyond minutes or hours

Episodic Memory

A type of long-term memory that stores personal experiences and events, including their temporal context

Semantic Memory

A type of long-term memory that stores general knowledge and facts about the world

Procedural Memory

A type of long-term that allows individuals to perform actions and complex skills without conscious thought

Working Memory

A cognitive function that refers to the temporary storage and manipulation of information for a short period, typically seconds to minutes

Explicit Memories

The conscious and intentional retrieval of information (personal events)

Implicit Memory

The unconscious and unintentional retrieval of information (muscle memory)

Proactive Interference

Old information interferes with the ability to learn and recall new information 

Retroactive Interference

New information interferes with the ability to learn and recall old information 

Serial Position Curve

Illustrates that memory recall is best for items at the beginning and end of a list

Primacy Effect

An individual's tendency to better remember the first pieces of information

Recency Effect

An individual's tendency to better remember the last pieces of information

Schema

Helps organize the information held in our brain to help it work more effeciently

Hippocampus

A region that helps with memory and spatial navigation

Consolidation

The process by which newly acquired memories are transformed into stable and long-lasting memories

Reconsolidation

A process in psychology where a retrieved memory becomes temporarily unstable and susceptible to modification before being restabilized

Lightbulb Memories

A vivid and detailed memory of a significant and emotionally charged event

Elizabeth Loftus

Researched false memories and the misinformation effect, demonstrating that memory is malleable

Anterograde Amnesia

A type of memory loss that affects the ability to form new memories after a specific event or injury

Retrograde Amnesia

A type of memory loss where a person is unable to recall events, information, or experiences that occurred before a specific point in time

Patient H.M.

A patient whose profound anterograde amnesia and intact procedural memory after surgery provided critical insights into memory formation and brain function