Memory

Encoding

The process of putting information into the memory system.

Storage

The retention of the encoded information within the memory system.

Retrieval

The process of getting information out of memory and back into awareness.

Automatic Processing

Mental activity that occurs without conscious effort.

Effortful Processing

Mental activity that requires constant effort and attention.

Sensory Memory

Memory involving detailed, brief sensory images or sounds retained for a brief period of time.

Working Memory

A short-term memory store for information currently being thought about.

Rehearsal

Consciously repeating information to ensure it is encoded into memory.

Central Executive

The component of working memory responsible for coordinating and controlling the other subsystems.

Phonological Loop

Subsystem of working memory that deals with auditory information and has two parts: phonological store and articulatory control process.

Visuospatial Sketchpad

Subsystem of working memory that deals with visual and spatial information.

Episodic Buffer

Temporary storage system that integrates information from the phonological loop, visuospatial sketchpad, and long-term memory.

Long-Term Memory

Memory responsible for the storage of information over extended periods of time.

Spaced Practice Effect

Facilitates movement of information from working memory into long-term memory through rehearsal over time.

Ionic Encoding

Converting a visual image to understand it as an object.

Echoic Encoding

Encoding of sounds, particularly words.

Semantic Encoding

Encoding of words and their meanings.

Mnemonic Devices

Techniques used to increase the meaningfulness of information to make it more memorable.

Chunking

Grouping bits of information together to enhance memory retention.

PQRST Method

Strategies: Preview, Question, Read, Self-Recitation, Test to enhance learning and memory.

Classical Conditioning

A form of associated learning where a response is elicited from a previously unrelated stimulus.

Retrieval Cues

Stimuli that assist in the recall of stored information.

Context Effects

Improved memory in the context where the information was originally learned.

Primacy Effect

The tendency to remember items at the beginning of a list more effectively.

Recency Effect

The tendency to remember items at the end of a list more effectively.

Amygdala

Brain structure that facilitates deeper encoding of emotionally arousing events.

Hippocampus

Brain structure involved in spatial memory and connecting memories.

Cerebellum

Part of the brain involved in non-declarative memory, such as skills and classical conditioning.

Retrieval Failure

The inability to access information previously encoded and stored.

Decay theory

The idea that memories fade over time if not accessed.

Source Misattributions

Remembering information without recalling its source, leading to distorted memories.

The Mandela Effect

A phenomenon where a large group of people remember an event differently from the way it occurred.

Anterograde Amnesia

Inability to form new memories after an amnesia-inducing event.

Retrograde Amnesia

Inability to remember events that occurred before the amnesia-inducing event.

Alzheimer’s Disease

The most common form of dementia characterized by severe memory problems.

Savant Syndrome

A condition characterized by elaborate abilities in specialized areas.

Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory

A condition allowing individuals to recall an abnormally large amount of life experiences in vivid detail.