AP Psychology Topic 2.3 - Introduction to Memory

Automatic processing

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

Central executive

The control system in working memory that manages attention and coordinates information from other components

Deep processing

Encoding based on meaning and associations; leads to better long-term memory.

Echoic memory

A brief sensory memory of auditory information, lasting about 3–4 seconds.

Effortful Processing

Encoding that requires conscious attention and effort, such as studying or rehearsing.

Encoding

The process of transforming information into a form that can be stored in memory.

Episodic buffer

A component of working memory that integrates information across time and sources (visual, spatial, verbal) into a coherent episode.

Episodic memory

Memory of specific personal experiences and events, including time and place.

Explicit Memory

Memory of facts and experiences that one can consciously recall and declare (also called declarative memory).

Iconic Memory

A brief sensory memory of visual information, lasting about 0.5 seconds.

Implicit Memory

Memory that is retained without conscious awareness, such as skills or conditioned responses.

Levels of Processing Theory

Suggests that deeper levels of processing (semantic, meaningful) lead to stronger, longer-lasting memories.

Long-term memory

The relatively permanent and limitless storehouse of the memory system.

Long-term potentiation (LTP)

A lasting strengthening of synapses based on recent patterns of activity; believed to be a basis for learning and memory.

Memory

The process of encoding, storing, and retrieving information.

Multi-store model

A model of memory that divides it into three stores: sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory

Phonemic Memory

Memory based on the sound of words; a shallower level of processing compared to semantic.

Phonological Loop

A component of working memory that deals with spoken and written material, involving auditory rehearsal

Procedural Memory

A type of implicit memory for motor skills and actions (e.g., riding a bike).

Prospective Memory

Remembering to perform a task in the future, like taking medicine or going to an appointment

Retrieval

The process of accessing stored information from memory.

Semantic encoding

The encoding of meaning, including the meaning of words.

Semantic Memory

Memory of facts, meanings, and general knowledge about the world (part of explicit memory).

Sensory Memory

The brief initial recording of sensory information in the memory system.

Shallow processing

Encoding based on surface features like structure or appearance, leading to weaker memory traces.

Short-term memory

A memory store that holds a limited amount of information for a short period (about 15–30 seconds).

Storage

The process of maintaining encoded information over time.

Structural Encoding

Encoding based on the physical structure or appearance of words, such as font or capitalization.

Visuospatial sketchpad

A component of working memory that stores and manipulates visual and spatial information.

Working memory

An active system that processes and temporarily holds information for cognitive tasks like reasoning and comprehension.

Working memory model

A model by Baddeley and Hitch that breaks down short-term memory into multiple components, including the central executive, phonological loop, visuospatial sketchpad, and episodic buffer.