Topic 6: Memory

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the stages of memory, models of processing, biological bases, retrieval mechanisms, and memory dysfunctions as outlined in the Topic 6 lecture notes.

Memory

The process by which we encode, store, and retrieve information.

Encoding

The initial recording of information.

Storage

Information saved for future use.

Retrieval

The recovery of stored information.

Sensory memory

The initial, momentary storage of information that lasts only an instant.

Iconic memory

Visual sensory memory that reflects information from the visual system.

Echoic memory

Auditory sensory memory that stores auditory information.

Working memory

A memory system that holds information temporarily for $15-25\,seconds$ while actively manipulating and rehearsing it.

Long-term memory

A storehouse of almost unlimited capacity that stores information on a relatively permanent basis.

Chunking

The grouping of information that can be stored in working (short-term) memory.

Rehearsal

The repetition of information that has entered short-term memory to allow transfer to long-term memory.

Elaborative rehearsal

A strategy where information is considered and organized to give it meaning, making it personally meaningful for better retention.

Mnemonics

Organizing information in a way that makes it more likely to be remembered, such as using PEMDAS or SA/ME.

Central executive processor

The component of working memory involved in reasoning and decision making that coordinates material.

Visual store

The component of working memory that handles visual and spatial material.

Verbal store

The component of working memory that handles speech, words, and numbers.

Episodic buffer

The component of working memory that handles episodes or occurrences.

Miller's Magic Number

The capacity of working memory, often described as $7 \pm 2$ items.

Primacy effect

The enhanced ability to recall information in a list based on its appearance at the beginning of the list.

Recency effect

The enhanced ability to recall information in a list based on its appearance at the end of the list.

Declarative memory

Memory for factual information, which is further divided into semantic and episodic memory.

Semantic memory

General knowledge and facts, such as definitions or knowing George Washington wore a wig.

Episodic memory

Memory for personal knowledge and events, such as remembering a visit to Mount Vernon.

Procedural memory

Memory for skills and habits, such as riding a bicycle, often referred to as muscle memory.

Semantic networks

Mental representations of clusters of interconnected information.

Spreading activation

The process where activating one memory triggers the activation of related memories.

Engram

A physical memory trace in the brain that corresponds to a memory.

Hippocampus

A part of the limbic system that plays a role in memory consolidation (formation and storage).

Amygdala

A part of the limbic system involved with emotional memory and processing.

Long-term potentiation

The process where certain neural pathways become easily excited while a new response is being learned.

Consolidation

The process by which memories become fixed and stable in long-term memory.

Tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon

The inability to recall information that one realizes they actually know.

Recall

Retrieving a specific piece of information from memory storage without any external cues.

Recognition

Occurs when one is presented with a stimulus they have already been exposed to and can identify it.

Levels of processing

The theory emphasizing the degree to which material is mentally analyzed, from shallow sensory aspects to deep meaning.

Context-dependent learning

Retrieval improved by being in the same physical surroundings as when the information was encoded.

State-dependent learning

Retrieval improved by being in the same psychological state as when the information was encoded.

Flashbulb memories

Vivid imagery and easy recall of memories related to specific, important, or emotionally significant events.

Source amnesia

Occurs when an individual has a memory for material but cannot recall where or whether they encountered it.

Schemas

Organized bodies of information in memory that influence how new information is interpreted, stored, and recalled.

Autobiographical memory

Recollection of our own life experiences.

Hyperthymesia

A condition of having highly superior or perfect autobiographical memory.

Decay

The loss of information through nonuse, involving the fading or disintegration of memory traces.

Proactive interference

When information learned earlier disrupts the recall of newer information.

Retroactive interference

When information learned later disrupts the retrieval of earlier learned information.

Alzheimer’s disease

A progressive brain disorder leading to a gradual and irreversible decline in cognitive and mental abilities.

Retrograde amnesia

Memory loss for occurrences prior to a certain event, but not for new events.

Anterograde amnesia

Memory loss for events that follow an injury.

Korsakoff’s syndrome

A disorder found in long-term alcoholics that includes hallucinations.