Human Memory: Systems, Models, and Processes

Vocabulary flashcards covering human memory models, working memory components, memory types, and research methods based on the provided lecture transcript.

Memory

Our cognitive system(s) for storing and retrieving information.

Hermann Ebbinghaus

A late nineteenth-century researcher who studied memory in $1885$ by memorizing and recalling nonsense syllables (e.g., teg or bom) using himself as a subject.

Distributed Practice

A memorization strategy in which effort is spread out over time, which is typically superior to massed practice.

Massed Practice

A memorization strategy in which an individual attempts to perform all memorization in a single session.

Atkinson and Shiffrin Model

A memory model proposed in $1968$ (also called the modal model of memory) that uses a computer analogy to describe memory via encoding, storage, and retrieval across sensory, short-term, and long-term memory systems.

Encoding

The process through which information is converted into a form that can be entered into memory.

Storage

The process through which information is retained in memory over varying periods of time.

Retrieval

The process through which stored information in memory is located and accessed when needed.

Sensory Memory

A memory system that retains temporary representations of sensory input for brief periods of time.

Short-Term Memory

A memory system that holds relatively small amounts of information for brief periods of time, usually $30\text{ seconds}$ or less.

Long-Term Memory

A memory system responsible for retaining vast amounts of information over long periods of time.

Autobiographical Memory

Memory of events and experiences in our own lives.

Working Memory

A memory system that holds and processes information we are using at the present moment; formerly referred to as short-term memory.

Serial Position Curve

The pattern showing greater accuracy of recall for words or information presented early and late in a list compared to items in the middle.

Recency Effect

The improved recall of items at the end of a list because they are still present in working memory during recall.

Chunk

A meaningful unit or grouping of related pieces of information processed in working memory.

Phonological Loop

A component of Baddeley's ($1992$) working memory model that processes information relating to the sounds of words.

Visuospatial Sketch Pad

A component of Baddeley's ($1992$) working memory model that processes visual and spatial information, including object appearance, color, shape, and location.

Central Executive

The component of Baddeley's ($1992$) working memory model that supervises and coordinates the phonological loop and visuospatial sketch pad.

Concurrent Task Paradigm

A research method where participants complete two tasks simultaneously to observe how disrupting planning and control affects central executive performance.

Dysexecutive Syndrome

A condition resulting from extensive injury to the frontal lobes where central executive function is centered, causing inability to make decisions, high distractibility, and perseveration.

Perseveration

The tendency to continue pursuing an initial goal instead of switching to other goals after the original goal has been accomplished.

Sentence Verification Task

A research technique for studying semantic memory in which participants are shown sentences and asked to indicate quickly whether they are true or false.

PET Scan

Positron emission tomography; a neuroimaging procedure using harmless radioactive injections into the bloodstream to track active brain areas during cognitive tasks.

Explicit Memory

Also known as declarative memory; memory for factual information that can be consciously recalled and verbally reported.

Episodic Memory

A type of explicit memory that holds factual information acquired at a specific time and place.

Semantic Memory

A memory system storing general, abstract knowledge about the world without recall of acquiring it at a specific time or place.

Levels of Processing Model

A framework proposed by Craik and Lockhart suggesting that deeper mental processing leads to higher likelihood of retention in memory.