Psy 101 Chapter 7

Based on the book Psychology in Your Life 4th Edition

Encoding

The processing of information into a neural code that can be stored in the brain.

Memory

The nervous system's ability to obtain and retain information and skills for later retrieval.

Retrieval

The act of accessing stored information when it is needed.

Storage

The retention of information in the brain over time.

Selective attention

The ability to direct mental resources to relevant information while ignoring irrelevant information.

Sensory storage

A memory store that very briefly holds information from the five senses.

Short-term storage

A memory store that briefly holds a limited amount of information in awareness.

Working memory

An active processing system that allows manipulation of different types of information to keep it available for current use.

Chunking

Using working memory to organize information into meaningful units to make it easier to remember.

Elaborative rehearsal

Using working memory processes to think about how new information relates to yourself or your prior knowledge for deeper encoding.

Long-term storage

A memory store that allows relatively permanent retention for probably an unlimited amount of information.

Maintenance rehearsal

Using working memory processes to repeat information based on how it sounds; provides only shallow encoding.

Anterograde amnesia

A condition in which people lose the ability to form new memories after experiencing a brain injury.

Retrograde amnesia

A condition in which people lose the ability to access memories they had before a brain injury.

Episodic memory

A type of explicit memory that includes a person's personal experiences.

Explicit memory

The long-term storage of conscious memories that can be verbally described.

Semantic memory

A type of explicit memory that includes a person's knowledge about the world, independent of personal experiences.

Implicit memory

The long-term storage of unconscious memories that cannot be verbally described.

Procedural memory

A type of implicit memory that involves learning motor skills and behavioral habits.

Prospective memory

Remembering to perform an intentional act at an appropriate future time.

Consolidation

Process whereby immediate memories become lasting memories through new neural connections.

Retrieval cue

Anything that helps a person access information in long-term storage.

Forgetting

The inability to access a memory from long-term storage.

Retroactive interference

Interference in recalling memories that occurs when access to older memories is impaired by newer memories.

Proactive interference

Interference in recalling memories that occurs when access to newer memories is impaired by older memories.

Flashbulb memories

Detailed and vivid memories about the circumstances in which we heard about surprising and emotionally arousing events.