Memory and Memory Processes

These flashcards cover key concepts related to memory, memory processes, and studies on memory functioning.

Short-Term Memory (STM)

An active memory system with a short duration and small capacity, primarily phonetic.

Long-Term Memory (LTM)

A non-active memory system with a long duration and large capacity that can store semantic information.

Serial Position Effect (SPE)

The tendency to remember items at the beginning and end of a list better than those in the middle.

Primacy Effect

Superior memory for items at the beginning of a list due to increased rehearsal.

Recency Effect

Superior memory for items at the end of a list because they are still active in short-term memory.

Neuropsychology of Memory

Study of the brain's influence on memory, often using case studies such as H.M. and Clive Wearing.

Explicit Memory

Conscious and intentional memory, including episodic and semantic memory.

Implicit Memory

Memory that occurs without explicit awareness or deliberate retrieval, often seen in procedural tasks.

Amnesia

Memory deficits that can be retrograde (loss of memories prior to an event) or anterograde (inability to form new memories).

Depth of Processing Theory

The idea that memory durability is dependent on the depth at which information is processed, with deeper processing leading to better retention.

Elaborative Rehearsal

A technique involving the linking of new information to existing knowledge to enhance memory retention.

Context-Dependent Retrieval

The concept that memory retrieval is enhanced when the retrieval context matches the encoding context.

Flashbulb Memories

Highly detailed and vivid memories of significant events, often with a belief in their accuracy despite possible distortions.

Schemas

Cognitive structures that help individuals organize and interpret information based on past experiences.

Misinformation Effect

Alteration of memory due to misleading information presented after an event.

Self-Reference Effect

Improved memory retention for information that is personally relevant or self-related.

Population Dissociation

A phenomenon where there are differences in performance between two populations on one measure but not on another.

Hippocampus

A brain region crucial for the formation of new memories, particularly explicit memories.

Automatic Processing

The unconscious encoding of incidental information, such as space, time, and frequency.

Rehearsal

The cognitive process of repeatedly practicing information to strengthen memory retention.

Cue Dependency

The principle that memory retrieval is dependent on the presence of specific cues that were available during encoding.

Self-Image Hypothesis

The idea that memories are stronger for events that occur during the formation of self-identity.

Perceptual Identification

An indirect memory test where participants view obscured words to assess recognition and memory.

Encoding

The process of getting information into memory, which is enhanced by deeper thinking and personal relevance.

Retrieval

The process of getting information out of memory, which is more effective when the context matches the learning environment.

Encoding Specificity

A principle stating that memory retrieval is improved when the conditions at retrieval are similar to those at encoding.

Cue Overload

A phenomenon where too many cues can hinder memory retrieval, making it harder to remember information.

Recall Tasks

Memory tasks that require retrieving information without any cues, such as essay questions.

Recognition Tasks

Memory tasks that involve identifying previously learned information from a list of options, such as multiple choice questions.

Flashbulb Memories

Highly detailed and vivid memories of significant events, often felt with high confidence but not always accurate.

Schemas

Cognitive frameworks that help organize and interpret information based on past experiences, which can lead to memory errors.

Study Strategies

Effective techniques for enhancing memory retention, including self-testing, spaced study sessions, and active engagement.

Personal Relevance

A method of encoding information by relating it to one's own experiences, which can improve memory retention.