memory 7.5-7.7

Encoding Failure

Failure to store sufficient information to form a useful memory.

Decay Theory

Proposition that the strength of memories weakens over time, making them harder to retrieve.

Memory Traces

Physical changes in nerve cells or brain activity that take place when memories are stored.

Disuse

Proposition that memory traces weaken when memories are not periodically used or retrieved.

Retrieval Failure

Failure to access (locate) memories even though they are available (stored in memory).

State-Dependent Learning

Memory influenced by one's physical state at the time of learning and at the time of retrieval. Improved memory occurs when the physical states match.

Interference

The tendency for new memories to impair retrieval of older memories, and the reverse.

Retroactive Interference

The tendency for new memories to interfere with the retrieval of old memories.

Proactive Interference

The tendency for old memories to interfere with the retrieval of newer memories.

Positive Transfer

Mastery of one task aids learning or performing another.

Negative Transfer

Mastery of one task conflicts with learning or performing another.

Repression

Keeping distressing thoughts and feelings buried in the unconscious.

Suppression

A conscious effort to put something out of mind or to keep it from awareness.

Amnesia

Inability to form or retrieve memories of events due to an injury or trauma.

Retrograde Amnesia

Inability to retrieve memories of events that occurred before an injury or trauma.

Anterograde Amnesia

Inability to form or retrieve memories for events that occur after an injury or trauma.

Consolidation

Process by which relatively permanent memories are formed in the brain.

Flashbulb Memory

Especially vivid and detailed recollection of an emotional event.

Long-Term Potentiation

Brain mechanism used to form lasting memories by strengthening the connection between neurons that become more active at the same time.

Eidetic Imagery

The ability to retain a "projected" mental image long enough to use it as a source of information.