Exam 2 Study Guide - Short and Long Term Memory

A set of flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to short-term and long-term memory, including models of memory, encoding, retrieval, and theories surrounding memory processing.

Short-Term Memory (STM)

The input and storage of new information.

Modal Model

Atkinson and Shiffrin's theory which describes the structure of memory including sensory, short-term, and long-term memory.

Chunking

Organizing information into smaller, more meaningful units to enhance recall.

Serial Position Curve

A graph that displays how well items in a list are remembered based on their position in the list.

Primacy Effect

The tendency to remember items at the beginning of a list better due to more rehearsal time.

Recency Effect

The tendency to remember items at the end of a list better as they remain in short-term memory during recall.

Decay

The fading of memory over time, which can lead to the loss of information from STM.

Interference

A process where old or new information blocks or disrupts the retrieval of other memories.

Proactive Interference

When old information interferes with the ability to learn or recall new information.

Retroactive Interference

When new information interferes with the ability to recall old information.

Working Memory (WM)

An active processing system that holds and manipulates information while performing tasks.

Central Executive

The component of working memory responsible for directing attention and processing information.

Phonological Loop

A subsystem of working memory that processes verbal and auditory information.

Visuo-Spatial Sketchpad

A subsystem of working memory involved in the temporary storage and manipulation of visual and spatial information.

Long-Term Memory (LTM)

The system responsible for storing vast amounts of information for long periods.

Depth of Processing

The theory that deeper levels of analysis produce more elaborate, longer-lasting memory traces.

Self-Reference Effect

The tendency to remember information better when it is related to oneself.

Testing Effect

Better retention of information due to testing and retrieval practice compared to simply studying.

Encoding Specificity

The principle that memory is improved when information available at encoding is also present at retrieval.

Tip-of-the-Tongue Effect

The feeling of having an answer or word just out of reach; partial information retrieval.

Schema

A cognitive framework or concept that helps organize and interpret information.

Priming

The activation of related concepts in memory to facilitate processing.

Facilitation

When a prime stimulus makes it easier to process a subsequent target stimulus.

Inhibition

When a prime stimulus makes it harder to process a subsequent target stimulus.