AP PSYCH Memory

Memory

the persistence of learning over time through the encoding, storage, and retrieval of information

Recall

A measure of memory in which the person must retrieve information learned earlier, as on a fill-in-the-blank test.

Recognition

a measure of memory in which the person identifies items previously learned, as on a multiple-choice test

Relearning

a measure of memory that assesses the amount of time saved when learning material for a second time

Encoding

the processing of information into the memory system—for example, by extracting meaning.

Storage

the process of retaining encoded information over time

Retrieval

the process of getting information out of memory storage

Parallel Processing

the processing of many aspects of a problem simultaneously; the brain's natural mode of information processing for many functions, including vision.

Sensory Memory

the immediate, very brief recording of sensory information in the memory system

Short-term Memory

activated memory that holds a few items briefly, such as the seven digits of a phone number while dialing, before the information is stored or forgotten

Long-term Memory

the relatively permanent and limitless storehouse of the memory system. Includes knowledge, skills, and experiences.

Memory Process

First, we record to-be-remembered info as a fleeting sensory memory. Next, we process information into short term memory, where we encode it through rehearsal. Finally, it moves to long-term memory for later retrieval.

Working Memory

a newer understanding of short-term memory that focuses on conscious, active processing of incoming auditory and visual-spatial information, and of information retrieved from long-term memory

Explicit Memories

AKA Declarative memories; retention of facts and experiences that one can consciously know and "declare"

Implicit Memories

AKA Non-declarative memories; retention of learned skills or classically conditioned associations independent of conscious recollection

Effortful Processing

encoding that requires attention and conscious effort

Automatic Processing

unconscious encoding of incidental information, such as space, time, and frequency, and of well-learned information, such as word meanings

Iconic Memory

a momentary sensory memory of visual stimuli; a photographic or picture-image memory lasting no more than a few tenths of a second

Echoic Memory

a momentary sensory memory of auditory stimuli; if attention is elsewhere, sounds and words can still be recalled within 3 or 4 seconds

Chunking

organizing items into familiar, manageable units; often occurs automatically

Mnemonics

memory aids, especially those techniques that use vivid imagery and organizational devices

Spacing Effect

the tendency for distributed study or practice to yield better long-term retention than is achieved through massed study or practice

Testing Effect

enhanced memory after retrieving, rather than simply rereading, information; AKA Retrieval-Practice Effect

Semantic Memory

explicit memory of facts and general knowledge; one of our two conscious memory systems

Episodic Memory

explicit memory of personally experienced events; one of our two conscious memory systems

Flashbulb Memory

a clear, sustained memory of an emotionally significant moment or event

Long-term Potentiation

an increase in a cell's firing potential after brief, rapid stimulation. Believed to be a neural basis for learning and memory

Priming

the activation, often unconsciously, of particular associations in memory

Mood-Congruent Memory

the tendency to recall experiences that are consistent with one's current good or bad mood

Serial Position Effect

our tendency to recall best, the last, and first items in a list

Primacy Effect

tendency to remember words at the beginning of a list especially well

Recency Effect

tendency to remember words at the end of a list especially well

Levels of Processing Model

a theory stating that the deeper information is processed, the longer memory will last

Anterograde Amnesia

an inability to form new memories

Retrograde Amnesia

an inability to retrieve information from one's past

Encoding Failure

when we fail to encode information from our short-term memory into our long-term memory, causing us to forget it

Forgetting Curve

the idea that the course of forgetting is initially rapid, and then levels off with time

Proactive Interference

the forward-acting disruptive effect of prior learning on the recall of new information; old blocks new

Retroactive Interference

the backward-acting disruptive effect of new learning on the recall of old information; new blocks old

Repression

in psychoanalytic theory, the basic defense mechanism that banishes from consciousness anxiety-arousing thoughts, feelings, and memories

Misinformation Effect

when misleading information has corrupted one's memory of an event

Source Amnesia

faulty memory for how, when, or where information was learned or imagined. Along with the misinformation effect, is at the heart if many false memories

Déjà Vu

that eerie sense that "I've experienced this before." Cues from the current situation may subconsciously trigger retrieval of an earlier experience.

Confabulation

the act of filling in memory gaps, often with false information

Central Executive

The part of working memory that is responsible for monitoring and directing attention and other mental resources (the boss)

Viseospatial Sketchpad

Part of Baddley's model for visual coding

(capacity = 7+/- 2 chunks)

Phonological Loop

the part of working memory that holds and processes verbal and auditory information (spoken/written)