Memory

Encoding

The process of getting information into the memory system

Automatic Processing

The unconscious encoding of information such as space time and well-learned information

Effortful Processing

Encoding through conscious effort such as studying

Semantic Encoding

Encoding information based on meaning

Imagery Encoding

Encoding information using mental pictures

Method of Loci

A mnemonic device that associates items with specific locations

Information Processing Model

A model developed by Atkinson and Shiffrin that describes memory as sensory short-term and long-term memory

Sensory Memory

The brief initial encoding of sensory information

Iconic Memory

A momentary sensory memory of visual stimuli

Echoic Memory

A momentary sensory memory of auditory information lasting about 3 to 4 seconds

Selective Attention

The process of focusing on certain sensory information so it moves into short-term memory

Short-Term Memory

An active temporary memory system where information is processed for about 20 to 30 seconds

Working Memory

The active part of short-term memory where information is consciously processed

Chunking

Grouping information into meaningful units to increase memory capacity

Maintenance Rehearsal

Repeating information to keep it in short-term memory longer

Magic Number 7 Plus or Minus 2

The idea that short-term memory can hold about seven items give or take two

Long-Term Memory

A relatively permanent and limitless storehouse of memory

Elaborative Rehearsal

Encoding information by giving it meaning to store it in long-term memory

Flashbulb Memory

A vivid emotional memory of a significant event

Long-Term Potentiation

The strengthening of neural connections through repeated activation

Explicit Memory

Memories that require conscious recall and are stored in the hippocampus

Episodic Memory

Explicit memories of personal life events

Semantic Memory

Explicit memories of facts and general knowledge

Implicit Memory

Memories that do not require conscious thought such as skills

Procedural Memory

Implicit memory involving motor skills and actions

Hippocampus

The brain structure responsible for forming new explicit memories

Cerebellum

The brain structure responsible for balance movement and implicit memories

Retrieval

The process of bringing stored information from long-term memory into conscious awareness

Retrieval Cues

Stimuli that help recall information from long-term memory

Recognition

Identifying information previously learned

Recall

Retrieving information without cues

Cued Recall

Retrieval aided by hints or prompts

Serial Position Effect

The tendency to remember the first and last items in a list best

Encoding Specificity Principle

The idea that memory retrieval is best when the context at encoding matches the context at recall

Context-Dependent Memory

Memory enhanced when learning and recall occur in the same environment

State-Dependent Memory

Memory influenced by a person’s internal state during learning

Mood-Congruent Memory

The tendency to recall memories that match one’s current mood

Encoding Failure

When information never enters long-term memory

Retrieval Failure

When a memory exists but cannot be accessed due to weak retrieval cues

Decay Theory

The idea that memories fade over time if not used

Forgetting Curve

Ebbinghaus’s theory that information is forgotten rapidly at first then more slowly

Interference Theory

Forgetting caused by competition between memories

Proactive Interference

Old information interferes with remembering new information

Retroactive Interference

New information interferes with remembering old information

Repression

The unconscious blocking of traumatic or painful memories

Amnesia

The loss of memory

Retrograde Amnesia

The inability to recall past memories

Anterograde Amnesia

The inability to form new memories

Misinformation Effect

When new information alters existing memories

Schemas

Mental frameworks that organize knowledge and experiences

Accommodation

Adjusting schemas to incorporate new information