appsych

memory

Memory is the persistence of learning over time through the encoding, storage, and retrieval of information.

recall

Recall is retrieving information that isn’t currently in your conscious awareness but was learned earlier.

recognition

Recognition is identifying items that were previously learned.

relearning

Relearning is when you learn something more quickly the second time you study it or after a break.

encode

Encoding is the process of getting information into memory.

store

Storage is the process of keeping information in memory over time.

retrieve

Retrieval is the process of bringing stored information back into awareness.

parallel processing

Parallel processing is when the brain handles many aspects of a task or problem at the same time.

sensory memory

Sensory memory is the brief storage of sensory information, lasting only a split second.

short-term memory

Short-term memory temporarily holds small amounts of information for a short period of time.

long-term memory

Long-term memory is the relatively permanent and limitless storehouse of information.

working memory

Working memory is the active system that temporarily holds and manipulates information we are currently using.

central executive

The central executive controls attention and coordinates the other parts of working memory.

phonological loop

The phonological loop is the part of working memory that deals with spoken and written information.

visuospatial sketchpad

The visuospatial sketchpad is the part of working memory that processes visual and spatial information.

neurogenesis

Neurogenesis is the formation of new neurons in the brain.

long-term potentiation (LTP)

Connections between neurons get stronger after repeated use; helps memory.

explicit memories

Facts and experiences you can consciously remember.

effortful processing

Learning that takes focus and effort.

automatic processing

Memory that happens without thinking, like remembering time or place.

implicit memories

Memories you don’t consciously think about, like skills or habits.

iconic memory

Super short visual memory (less than a second).

echoic memory

Super short sound memory (a few seconds).

chunking

Breaking info into smaller groups to remember it better.

mnemonics

Memory tricks, like acronyms or rhymes.

spacing effect

Studying in short sessions over time works better than cramming.

testing effect

You remember better if you test yourself instead of just rereading.

shallow processing

Remembering based on surface details, like looks or sound.

deep processing

Remembering based on meaning; stronger memory.

semantic memory

Memory for facts and general knowledge.

episodic memory

Memory for personal experiences.

hippocampus

Part of the brain that helps form and store memories.

memory consolidation

Turning new memories into long-term memories.

flashbulb memories

Super vivid memories of emotional events.

priming

Seeing or hearing something makes related memories easier to recall.

encoding specificity principle

You remember better if the situation matches when you first learned it.

mood-congruent memory

You remember things that match your current mood.

serial position effect

You remember the first and last items in a list best.

interleaving

Mixing different topics while studying helps you remember better.

anterograde amnesia

Can’t make new memories after brain injury.

retrograde amnesia

Can’t remember events from before brain injury.

proactive interference

Old info makes it harder to learn new info.

retroactive interference

New info makes it harder to remember old info.

repress

Unconsciously blocking painful memories.

reconsolidation

When a memory is recalled, it can be changed before storing again.

misinformation effect

Memories can get distorted by wrong info.

source amnesia

Remember info but forget where it came from.

déjà vu

Feeling like you’ve experienced something before, even if you haven’t.