Myers' Psychology for AP®, 2e, Module 31

automatic processing

unconscious encoding of incidental information, such as space, time, and frequency, and of well-learned information, such as word meanings. (p. 320)

chunking

organizing items into familiar, manageable units; often occurs automatically. (p. 323)

deep processing

encoding semantically, based on the meaning of the words; tends to yield the best retention. (p. 325)

echoic memory

a momentary sensory memory of auditory stimuli; if attention is elsewhere, sounds and words can still be recalled within 3 or 4 seconds. (p. 322)

effortful processing

encoding that requires attention and conscious effort. (p. 320)

encoding

the processing of information into the memory system--for example, by extracting meaning. (p. 319)

explicit memory

memory of facts and experiences that one can consciously know and "declare." (Also called declarative memory.) (p. 320)

iconic memory

a momentary sensory memory of visual stimuli; a photographic or picture-image memory lasting no more than a few tenths of a second. (p. 322)

implicit memory

retention independent of conscious recollection. (Also called nondeclarative memory.) (p. 320)

long-term memory

the relatively permanent and limitless storehouse of the memory system. Includes knowledge, skills, and experiences. (p. 319)

memory

the persistence of learning over time through the encoding, storage, and retrieval of information. (p. 318)

mnemonics

[nih-MON-iks] memory aids, especially those techniques that use vivid imagery and organizational devices. (p. 323)

parallel processing

the processing of many aspects of a problem simultaneously; the brain's natural mode of information processing for many functions, including vision. Contrasts with the step-by-step (serial) processing of most computers and of conscious problem solving. (p. 319)

retrieval

the process of getting information out of memory storage. (p. 319)

sensory memory

the immediate, very brief recording of sensory information in the memory system. (p. 319)

shallow processing

encoding on a basic level based on the structure or appearance of words. (p. 324)

short-term memory

activated memory that holds a few items briefly, such as the seven digits of a phone number while dialing, before the information is stored or forgotten. (p. 319)

spacing effect

the tendency for distributed study or practice to yield better long-term retention than is achieved through massed study or practice. (p. 324)

storage

the process of retaining encoded information over time. (p. 319)

testing effect

enhanced memory after retrieving, rather than simply rereading, information. Also sometimes referred to as a retrieval practice effect or test-enhanced learning. (p. 324)

working memory

a newer understanding of short-term memory that focuses on conscious, active processing of incoming auditory and visual-spatial information, and of information retrieved from long-term memory. (p. 320)