Cognitive Psychology: Working Memory and Memory Processes

A collection of flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the lecture on working memory and memory processes.

Working Memory

A limited-capacity system that actively holds and processes information needed for cognitive tasks.

Encoding

The process of converting incoming information into a brain-ready format.

Memory Trace

The encoded 'record' created in the brain based on incoming information.

Retrieval

The act of bringing previously stored information back to mind.

Primacy Effect

The tendency to recall the first items of a list better than the middle items due to more rehearsal.

Recency Effect

The tendency to recall the last items of a list better than the middle items because they remain in short-term memory.

Iconic Memory

A brief visual memory that lasts for less than a second after the stimulus has been removed.

Echoic Memory

A brief auditory memory that persists for a few seconds after a sound has been heard.

Short-Term Memory (STM)

A limited capacity system holding attended info for approximately 20-30 seconds.

Long-Term Memory (LTM)

A durable store of information that can last for minutes to years.

Interference

The phenomenon where additional information can displace older information in short-term memory.

Chunking

The process of reorganizing pieces of information into larger, meaningful units to improve memory capacity.

Sternberg's Task

An experiment that measures how quickly people can determine if a probe item is in a set of letters, illustrating retrieval processes.

Central Executive

The component of working memory that allocates mental resources and coordinates between information and processes.

Phonological Loop

A component of working memory that maintains verbal and sound information through rehearsal.

Visuospatial Sketchpad

The working memory component that holds visual and spatial information.

Episodic Buffer

A temporary system that integrates information from different sources in working memory.

Long-Term Potentiation

A process where synaptic connections become stronger with repeated stimulation, enhancing learning and memory.