CC Memory 2025

Memory

The ability to remember things over time through encoding, storing, and retrieving information.

Storing

The process of putting encoded information into storage for later recall.

Encoding

The transformation of information into a format that can be stored in memory.

Retrieving

The act of getting information out of storage and into conscious awareness through recall recognition and relearning

Sensory Memory

Sensory memory is the shortest type of memory that holds information from our senses for a brief period, typically less than a second, allowing for initial processing before it is either discarded or transferred to short-term memory.

Short-term Memory (features & function-STM)

A temporary storage system in the human memory that holds a limited amount of information (typically 7±2 items) for a short duration (around 20 to 30 seconds). It acts as a gateway for information to be processed into long-term memory. Short-term memory is characterized by its vulnerability to decay and interference, and it is crucial for tasks that require immediate recall or manipulation of information, such as mental math or following directions.It allows for active processing of information, enabling tasks like problem-solving and decision-making.

Long-term Memory (LTM)

A more permanent storage system that can hold unlimited amounts of information for extended periods.

Chunking

A memory strategy of breaking information into smaller, manageable units. EX.4972168435, break it into chunks: 497-216-8435This technique enhances retention and recall by organizing information into familiar patterns or groups.

Recency Effect

The tendency to recall items at the end of a list better than those in the middle.This phenomenon occurs because the last items are still present in short-term memory, making them easier to retrieve. The Recency Effect is when we remember the last items in a list better because they are still in short-term memory.

Primacy Effect

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

Primacy-recency Effect

The combined effect where both the first and last items in a list are recalled better than those in the middle.

Maintenance Rehearsal

Maintenance rehearsal is when you repeatedly repeat information to keep it in short-term memory (STM) for a longer time.This technique helps prevent forgetting by refreshing the memory trace.

Elaborative Rehearsal

Elaborative rehearsal is when you link new information to something you already know to help store it in long-term memory (LTM).

Repressed Memories

Memory of traumatic events that have been unconsciously blocked from memory.

False Memories

Memories that people believe to be true but are distorted or fabricated. False memories are memories of events that never actually happened or are remembered differently from how they really occurred.These can result from suggestions, misinformation, or the brain's natural tendency to fill in gaps.

Forgetting

The inability to retrieve information from memory.

Forgetting Curve (Ebbinghaus)

A graph showing the decline of memory retention over time.The Forgetting Curve is a graph that shows how quickly we forget information over time if we don’t review it. It was discovered by Hermann Ebbinghaus.

Decay

The gradual loss of memory over time when information is not accessed. Decay theory says we forget information over time if we don’t use it. The memory “fades away” like footprints in the sand. Decay theory suggests that unused memories gradually fade, leading to loss of retention.

Displacement

The process by which new information pushes out old information in short-term memory.

Proactive Interference

When old information interferes with the ability to retrieve new information.

Retroactive Interference

When new information interferes with the ability to retrieve old information.

Nondeclarative (Implicit) Memory

Memory for skills and tasks that do not require conscious thought. Nondeclarative (implicit) memory is a type of long-term memory that happens automatically without conscious effort. It includes skills, habits, and learned associations.

Declarative (Explicit) Memory

The memory of facts and events that require conscious thought. Declarative (explicit) memory is a type of long-term memory that involves the recollection of specific information, such as names, dates, and events, which can be consciously recalled. It includes episodic memory for personal experiences and semantic memory for general knowledge. It is essential for learning and can be verbalized or stated. Declarative (explicit) memory is conscious memory—things you can intentionally recall and describe.It encompasses both episodic and semantic memory, allowing individuals to remember and articulate facts, events, and experiences.

Semantic Memory

A type of declarative memory that involves knowledge of facts and concepts. Semantic memory is a type of long-term memory (LTM) that stores facts, concepts, and general knowledge—things you just "know" without personal experience.

Episodic Memory

Episodic memory is a type of long-term memory (LTM) that stores personal experiences and events from your life.It is characterized by the ability to recall specific times, places, and emotions associated with those experiences. Ex. First day of school.

Procedural Memory

Memory for the performance of actions or skills. Procedural memory is a type of long-term memory (LTM) that stores how to do things—skills and actions that you perform automatically without thinking.

Automatic Encoding

The unconscious processing of information that leads to memory formation. Automatic encoding happens when your brain stores information in memory without you trying to remember it. Examples:

• Remembering what you ate for breakfast 🍳 without making an effort.

• Knowing the layout of your house 🏡 without studying it.

• Recognizing a familiar face in a crowd without thinking.

Effortful Encoding

The conscious and intentional process of memorizing information.Effortful encoding happens when you actively focus and try to remember information to store it in memory.

Flashbulb Memory

Flashbulb memory is a highly detailed, vivid memory of an important/Personallyor emotional event. These memories are often retained for a long time and can be recalled with great accuracy, as they are typically associated with significant personal or historical moments.

Photographic Memory

The ability to remember information or visual images in great detail.

HSAM (Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory)

An exceptional ability to recall personal life events with extreme accuracy.

Recall

The retrieval of information from memory without specific cues.It’s like searching your brain for an answer without seeing it in front of you.

Recognition

The retrieval of information from memory with the help of specific cues.

Retrieval Cues

Stimuli that help retrieve stored information. Retrieval cues are hints or triggers that help you remember information stored in your memory.

Priming

The activation of certain associations in memory to aid retrieval. Priming is when exposure to one thing influences your response to something else, often without you realizing it. It’s like your brain getting a little "nudge" to think in a certain way. Ex. Emotional Priming – Watching a scary movie makes you more alert to small noises

Memory Distortion

The alteration of recalled memory due to various factors. Memory distortion happens when your memory is changed, twisted, or inaccurate, even though you believe it to be true.

State-dependent Learning

The improved ability to retrieve information when in the same state in which it was encoded. State-dependent learning happens when you remember information better if you’re in the same mental, emotional, or physical state as when you learned it. Ex. Actions, Mood

Tip-of-the-Tongue Phenomenon

The temporary inability to retrieve information that one knows is stored in memory. The Tip-of-the-Tongue (TOT) phenomenon happens when you know a word or piece of information but can't fully recall it—it feels like it's "stuck" in your brain.

Anterograde Amnesia

The inability to form new memories after a traumatic event. Anterograde amnesia is a condition where a person cannot form new long-term memories after a brain injury or trauma, but they may still remember past events.

Retrograde Amnesia

The inability to retrieve memories formed before a traumatic event. Retrograde amnesia is a condition where a person loses past memories from before an injury or trauma but can still form new memories. It often affects memories closest to the event and can vary in severity.

Infantile/Childhood Amnesia

The inability to retrieve memories from early childhood. Infantile amnesia (also called childhood amnesia) is when adults cannot remember memories from early childhood, usually before age 3–4.

Eyewitness Testimony (causes of memory unreliability)

The account given by people of an event they witnessed, which can be impacted by memory unreliability.