Long-Term Memory: Encoding, Retrieval, and Consolidation

These flashcards cover key concepts related to memory encoding, retrieval, and consolidation from the lecture notes.

What is the difference between Maintenance Rehearsal and Elaborative Rehearsal?

Maintenance rehearsal involves repeating information to keep it in short-term memory, while elaborative rehearsal involves making meaningful connections to encode it into long-term memory.

What does the Levels of Processing Theory propose?

It suggests that deeper levels of processing result in better memory retention than shallow processing.

What are some factors that aid in encoding information?

Visual imagery, self-reference effect, generation effect, organizing information, and retrieval practice.

What is synaptic consolidation?

The process that transforms new memories from a fragile state to a more permanent state at the synaptic level.

What is systems consolidation?

Gradual reorganization of memories that involves the hippocampus and cortical areas over time.

What is the purpose of elaborative rehearsal?

To enhance retention by connecting new information to pre-existing knowledge.

What are the implications of the retrieval failure theory?

It suggests that many memory failures are due to ineffective retrieval cues rather than loss of the information.

What are the key concepts one should learn about encoding to improve studying?

Understanding encoding techniques, elaborative vs. maintenance rehearsal, and levels of processing.

Why is the self-reference effect important in learning?

It helps individuals remember information better by relating it to themselves.

How does organizing information aid memory?

It helps in creating a structure that makes the information easier to retrieve.

What is the significance of the ‘Neurons that fire together, wire together’ statement?

It illustrates the idea that repeated activation strengthens the connections between neurons, contributing to long-term memory formation.

What is shallow learning in the context of memory?

Shallow learning refers to processing information at a surface level, focusing on basic features like sound or appearance, which leads to weaker retention.

What is deep learning in the context of memory?

Deep learning involves processing information by making meaningful connections and associations, resulting in better memory retention and understanding.

What is Encoding Specificity and how does it apply to studying?

Encoding Specificity is the principle that memory is improved when retrieval occurs in the same context as the encoding. In studying, this means that if you study in the same environment or context where you will take the test, you are more likely to recall the information.

What is State-Dependent Learning and its significance in studying?

State-Dependent Learning is when memory is better when the internal state during encoding matches the state during retrieval. For studying, this implies that if you are in a similar emotional or physiological state while studying and testing, you may perform better.

What are Transfer Appropriate Processes and how do they relate to effective studying?

Transfer Appropriate Processes refer to the idea that successful retrieval of information is dependent on the similarity between the encoding and retrieval conditions. This means that using study methods that reflect how you will need to recall the information can enhance learning outcomes.

What is consolidation in the context of memory?

Consolidation is the process by which newly acquired memories become stable and integrated into long-term memory, involving synaptic and systems consolidation

What are retrieval cues in the context of memory?

Retrieval cues are stimuli or hints that help access stored information in memory. They can be external (like environmental contexts) or internal (like emotional states) and are crucial for facilitating the recall of memories.

What is free recall in the context of memory retrieval?

Free recall is a method of retrieving information where individuals are asked to remember and reproduce information without any specific cues or hints.

What is cued recall in the context of memory retrieval?

Cued recall is a method of retrieving information where individuals are provided with specific cues or prompts to help them remember the information

What is the importance of understanding encoding techniques in studying?

Understanding encoding techniques is crucial as it helps students to effectively process and retain information in long-term memory.

How does the self-reference effect enhance learning?

The self-reference effect enhances learning by helping individuals remember information better through personal connections and relevance.

Why is organizing information beneficial for memory retention?

Organizing information creates a structure that makes it easier to retrieve, improving long-term memory retention.

What role does retrieval practice play in studying?

Retrieval practice aids memory by strengthening connections to the information during recall, thereby enhancing retention.

How does the principle of Transfer Appropriate Processes relate to effective studying?

Transfer Appropriate Processes suggest that successful retrieval is influenced by encoding conditions; study methods that mirror test conditions can improve learning outcomes

What is the self-reference effect?

The self-reference effect is a cognitive phenomenon where individuals remember information better when it is related to themselves or their personal experiences.

What is the generation effect?

The generation effect refers to the phenomenon where information is better remembered when individuals actively generate it themselves rather than passively receiving it.

What is retrieval practice?

Retrieval practice is a strategy that involves recalling information from memory to strengthen and enhance retention of that information.

What is the testing effect?

The testing effect is the phenomenon where taking tests on material enhances long-term retention of that material compared to additional studying.