Intro to Memory

encoding

the first step of memory processing; receiving information and preparing it for storage or immediate use

storage

the second step of memory processing; manipulating and rehearsing information to be accessed later

retrieval

the final step of memory processing; recalling stored information

automatic processing

the ability to process multiple stimuli at once due to more familiar stimuli being processed unconsciously (e.g. a pianist effortlessly using both hands and feet while reading music and hearing other musicians)

long-term memory

part of the memory system that can store information for an indefinite amount of time

explicit memory

memory that requires effort to learn; can be demonstrated to other people by talking/writing about it

episodic memory

type of explict memory; events that happened to a person (or stories that they interacted with)

semantic memory

type of explicit memory; facts that are not related to a specific personal experience

implicit memory

memory that doesn’t require conscious effort to learn; can be demonstrated to other people by doing it

procedural memory

type of implicit memory; how to do things (e.g. bake cookies, ride a bike)

prospective memory

type of implicit memory; memory of the future (i.e. mental to-do list)

long-term potentation

the process by which connections between neurons are strengthened through repeated use

short-term memory

part of the memory system that stores about 7 pieces of information for up to 30 seconds without rehearsal

working memory

part of short-term memory; about 4 chunks of information (that is currently in use) for about 30 seconds; also includes cognitive processes such as reasoning and decision-making

central executive

part of working memory; doesn’t store information, but directs other parts of working memory to do certain tasks

phonological loop

part of working memory; manages auditory and verbal information

phonological store

part of the phonological loop; holds auditory information for up to 2 seconds; a.k.a the “inner ear” (not to be confused with the physical organ)

articulatory control process

part of the phonological loop; rehearses verbal information; a.k.a. the “inner voice”

visuospatial sketchpad

part of working memory; processes visual information

episodic buffer

part of working memory; integrates information from other parts of working memory in addition to long-term memory

sensory memory

first stage of the multi-store model; holds raw information from the senses for a few seconds at most

structural encoding

method of encoding that only involves the physical characteristics of a stimulus without attaching meaning

phonemic encoding

method of encoding that involves the sounds or pronunciation of a stimulus

semantic encoding

method of encoding that involves connecting a stimulus to existing information and concepts in long-term memory to create meaning