memory and forgetting

memory

The cognitive process of encoding, storing, and retrieving information, allowing individuals to recall past experiences and knowledge.

information process

encoding, storage, retrevial

encoding

the process of getting information into the memory system

storage

the process of retaining information over time

retrevial

the process of accessing and bringing stored information into consciousness.

multi-store model

sensory memory, short term memory, long term memory

sensory memory

the initial stage of memory that holds sensory information for a brief period of time.

short-term memory

the stage of memory that temporarily holds information for processing and manipulation, typically lasting from seconds to minutes.

long term memory

the stage of memory that can store vast amounts of information for extended periods, potentially for a lifetime.

iconic memories

visual sensory memories that last for a fraction of a second, allowing for the brief retention of images.

echoic memories

auditory sensory memories that can last for several seconds, enabling the retention of sounds.

cocktail party effect

the ability to focus on a single conversation in a noisy environment while ignoring other stimuli.

selective hearing

the process of focusing on specific sounds while ignoring others, often leading to the perception of only certain parts of auditory information.

memory span

the maximum amount of information that can be retained and recalled in a short period.

digit span

the number of digits a person can remember and recite in the correct order after a single presentation.

maintence rehersal

a memory retention technique that involves repeatedly verbalizing or thinking about information to keep it active in short-term memory.

levels of processing

a theory that suggests the depth of processing affects how well information is remembered, with deeper processing leading to better retention.

shallow encoding

a type of processing that involves superficial features of information, such as its sound or appearance, rather than its meaning.

structural encoding

a type of shallow encoding that focuses on the physical structure of stimuli, such as how words look or sound, rather than their meaning.

phonemic encoding

a type of shallow encoding that focuses on the sound of words, emphasizing how they are pronounced and heard rather than their meaning.

spacing effect (encoding)

the phenomenon where information is better retained when study sessions are spaced out over time, rather than crammed in a short period.

distributed practice

a learning strategy where practice is spread out over time, enhancing retention and understanding of information.

massed practice

a learning strategy where practice is concentrated in a short period, often leading to poorer retention compared to distributed practice.

chunking (encoding)

a memory technique that involves breaking down information into smaller, manageable units or "chunks" to improve retention and recall.

mnemonics (encoding)

memory aids that use associations, patterns, or imagery to enhance the recall of information.

categories (encoding)

a method of organizing information into groups based on shared characteristics, which aids in memory retention and retrieval.

heirchies (encoding)

a method of organizing information in a ranked or ordered manner, where concepts are arranged from general to specific, facilitating better understanding and recall.

method of loci (encoding)

a mnemonic technique that involves visualizing a familiar place and associating items to remember with specific locations within that place.

serial posistion effect

the tendency to recall items from a list better when they are at the beginning or end, rather than the middle.

primacy effect

the enhanced recall of items presented at the beginning of a list.

recency effect

the enhanced recall of items presented at the end of a list.

automatic processing

The unconscious encoding of information, such as space, time, and frequency, without deliberate effort.

implicit (nondeclaritave) memories

Memories that are not consciously recalled and are typically demonstrated through performance rather than explicit recollection, such as skills and conditioned responses.

effortful processing

The active, conscious effort to encode information, often requiring attention and intentional strategies such as rehearsal.

explicit (declarative) memories

Memories that can be consciously recalled, including facts and events, and are often expressed verbally.

long term potentiation

A process that enhances the strength of synapses based on recent patterns of activity, believed to be a key mechanism underlying learning and memory.

prospective memory

The ability to remember to perform actions in the future, such as remembering to take medication or attend an appointment.

shallow processing

A type of encoding that focuses on superficial characteristics of information, such as its appearance or sound, rather than its meaning, leading to weaker memory retention.

deep processing

A type of encoding that involves a thorough analysis of information, focusing on its meaning and relationships, which leads to stronger memory retention.

elaboritive rehersal

A memory technique that involves relating new information to existing knowledge or meaningful concepts, enhancing retention and recall.

where are memories located in the brain?

hippocampus, amygdala, and cerebellum

working memory

A cognitive system that temporarily holds and manipulates information for tasks such as learning, reasoning, and comprehension.

central executive

The part of working memory responsible for controlling attention and coordinating information from the phonological loop and visuospatial sketchpad.

phonological loop

handles verbal and auditory info

visuospatial sketchpad

deals with visual and spatial info

recall

retreving info without cues

recognition

identifying info from options

state-dependent memory

easier recall in the same emotional state

mood-dependent memory

easier recall when mood matches memories

context-dependent memory

recall improves in the same settng as learnning

testing effect

testing helps memory better than reviewing

meta cognition

awareness of other learning and thinking processes

retrograde amnesia

cant remember old memories

anterograde amnesia

cant form new memories

infantile amnesia

cant recall early childhood

alzheimers

brain decay causing memory loss

herman ebbighaus/ forgetting curve

memory fades over time without review

encoding failure

memories dont store properly

repression

unconciously blending bad memories

tip—of-the-tounge phenomenon

struggle to recall something you now

retroactive interference

new info blocks old info

proactive interferance

old info blocks new info

constructive memory

memory built from bits of info often with errors

Imagination Inflation

Imagining events creates false memories

Cognition

Mental processes like thinking, problem solving, and language