Memory Definitions Flashcards

Fill-in-the-blank practice flashcards generated from lecture notes on key memory concepts, definitions, and theories.

Learning over time through storage and retrieval of information is defined as __________.

memory

Processing info into the memory system is called __________.

encoding

Retention of encoded info over time is known as __________ or memory consolidation.

storage

Getting info out of memory storage is referred to as __________.

retrieval

The concept that what we learn in one state may be more easily recalled when in the same state is __________.

state dependent memory

The recording of sensory info in the memory system is __________.

sensory memory

__________ holds a few items briefly before info is stored or forgotten.

short-term memory

The permanent and limitless storehouse of the memory system is __________.

long-term memory

A newer understanding of short-term memory that associates old and new information and solves problems is __________.

working memory

Unconscious encoding of incidental info is known as __________.

automatic processing

Encoding that requires attention and conscious effort is called __________.

effortful processing

The __________ describes when rehearsal is distributed over time vs. mass practice (cramming).

spacing effect

Memory aids and techniques that use vivid imagery and organizational devices are called __________.

mnemonics

Organizing items into familiar, manageable units is called __________.

chunking

Sensory memory lasting no more than a few tenths of a second is __________.

iconic memory

Sensory memory of auditory stimuli is called __________.

echoic memory

Retention independent of conscious recollection is known as __________ memory.

implicit

Memory of facts and experiences that one can consciously know and declare is __________.

explicit memory

Repeated self-testing as an example of distributed practice is known as the __________.

testing effect

Encoding on a basic level based on the structure or appearance of words is __________.

shallow processing

Encoding based on the meaning of the words is called __________.

deep processing

Located in the limbic system, the __________ helps process explicit memories for storage.

hippocampus

A clear memory of an emotionally significant moment of event is a __________.

flashbulb memory

An increase in a synapse's firing potential after brief, rapid stimulation is __________.

long-term potentiation

A measure of memory in which the person must retrieve info learned earlier is __________.

recall

A measure of memory in which the person needs only identify items previously learned is __________.

recognition

Learning material for a second time is called __________.

relearning

The activation of particular associations in memory, or 'Wakening of Associations', is __________.

priming

The tendency to recall experiences that are consistent with one's current good or bad mood is __________.

mood-congruent memory

The tendency to recall best the last and first items in a list is the __________.

serial position effect

An inability to form new memories is called __________.

anterograde amnesia

An inability to retrieve information from one's past is called __________.

retrograde amnesia

The disruptive effect of prior learning on the recall of new information is __________.

proactive interference

The disruptive effect of new learning on the recall of old information is __________.

retroactive interference

A defense mechanism that banishes from consciousness anxiety-arousing thoughts, feelings, and memories is __________.

repression

Incorporating misleading information into one's memory of an event is called the __________.

misinformation effect

Attributing to the wrong source an event we have experienced, heard about, read about or imagined is __________.

source amnesia

The memory type responsible for storing information on tasks that become automatic over time is __________.

procedural memory

A study method where large amounts of information is learned in a single session with minimal breaks is __________.

massed practice

Studying spread out over time with multiple breaks is called __________.

distributed practice