Memory Encoding

These flashcards cover key concepts and terminology related to memory encoding, including types of memories, processing strategies, and key brain structures involved in memory.

Explicit Memory

Retention of facts and experiences that we can consciously know and declare; also called declarative memory.

Implicit Memory

Retention of learned skills or classically conditioned associations independent of conscious recollection; also called nondeclarative memory.

Automatic Processing

Unconscious encoding of incidental information, such as space, time, frequency, and well-learned information.

Effortful Processing

Encoding that requires attention and conscious effort.

Sensory Memory

The initial, brief storage of sensory information.

Iconic Memory

A momentary sensory memory of visual stimuli; lasts no more than a few tenths of a second.

Echoic Memory

A momentary sensory memory of auditory stimuli; sounds and words can be recalled within 3 or 4 seconds.

Short-Term Memory Capacity

Can hold approximately 7 pieces of information for less than 30 seconds.

Rehearsal

A strategy for effortful processing by repeating information to help remember it.

Chunking

Organizing items into familiar, manageable units to enhance memory.

Deep Processing

Encoding semantically, based on the meaning of the words; tends to yield the best retention.

Shallow Processing

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

Memory Consolidation

The neural storage of a long-term memory.

Hippocampus

A neural center in the limbic system that helps process explicit memories for storage.

Frontal Lobe

Brain region involved in the processing of explicit memories and decision making.

Spacing Effect

The phenomenon whereby information is better retained when study sessions are spaced out.

Testing Effect

Enhanced memory after retrieving, rather than simply rereading, information.