8.3: Memory, Part Two

memory consolidation

act of converting short-term to long-term memory

long-term memory

memory that can be stored for an indefinite amount of time and has relatively unlimited capacity

episodic, autobiographical, semantic, and spatial memories 

episodic memory

memory of an event that happened at a specific time and place

flashbulb memories

vivid episodic memories associated with a highly emotional event

false memories 

episodic memory that is believed to be true but is not 

can be created by false suggestions 

misinformation effect

fact that false information can alter episodic memories, which can lead to false memories

cool memory system

memory system that deals with day-to-day memories that are not associated with intense emotions

accuracy follows an inverted U-shape relationship with arousal

Metcalf and Jacobs

hippocampus and frontal lobe

hot memory system 

associated with highly emotional events 

shows a linear relationship with arousal and only drops off with extreme emotions 

metcalf and jacobs

amygdala

semantic memories 

memories about facts and accumulated knowledge 

semantic network models

assumption that semantic memories are stored by how the information is related

often discussed as similar concepts or nodes

node

part of semantic network model that represents a concept

similar nodes are close to each other in network

spatial memory 

type of memory that helps us navigate and recall where places are located in our environment 

cognitive map

mental representation of our surroundings and places we’ve visited

method of loci

way to improve memory where items to remember are placed in a mental map of a familiar place

items can be recalled by mentally traveling through location

takes advantage of spatial/mental map and episodic memories (walking through mental map)

spaced practice 

way to improve memory by increasing time between sessions when information is learned and practiced