AP Psychology Chapter 8: Memory

Memory

the persistence of learning overtime through encoding, storage, and retrieval of information

Recall

a measure of memory in which the person must retrieve information learned earlier

Recognition

a measure of memory in which the person need only identify items previously learned

Relearning

a measure of memory that assesses the amount of saved when learning material again

Encoding

the processing of information into the memory system

Storage

the process of retaining information over time

Retrieval

the process of getting information out of memory storage

Parallel processing

the processing of many aspects of a problem simultaneously

Sensory memory

immediate, brief recording of sensory information in the memory system

Short-term memory

active memory that holds a few items briefly

Long-term memory

the relatively permanent and limitless storehouse of the memory system

Working memory

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

Explicit memories

memory of facts and experiences that one can consciously know and declare

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

Implicit memory

retention of learned skills or classically conditioned associations independent of conscious recollection

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 stimulus=; if attention is elsewhere, sounds and words can still be recalled within 3 or 4 seconds

Chunking

organization of items into familiar, manageable units; often occurs automatically

Mnemonics

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

Spacing effect

encoding is more effective when it is spread over time

Testing effect

retrieval practice effect or test-enhanced effect (encoding is very affective)

Shallow processing

encodes on a very basic level (word’s letters) ir a more intermediate level (word’s sound)

Deep processing

encodes semantically based on word meaning

Hippocampus

a neural center located in the limbic system; helps process explicit memories for storage

Memory consolidation

the neural storage of a long-term memory

Flashbulb memory

not free from errors; unique and highly emotional moment nay give rise to a clear, strong, and persistent memory

Long-term potentiation

an increase in a cell’s firing potential after brief, rapid, stimulation

Priming

the activation, often unconsciously, of particular associations in memory

Encoding specificity principle

the idea that cues and contexts specific to a particular memory will be most effective in helping us recall it

Mood-congruent memory

the tendency to recall experience 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

Anterograde amnesia

inability to form new memories

Retrograde amnesia

inability to access old memories

Proactive interference

occurs when older memory makes it more difficult to remember new information

Retroactive interference

occurs when new learning disrupts memory for older information

Repression

a defense mechanism tha6 banishes anxiety-arousing thoughts, feelings, and memories from consciousness

Reconsolidation

the neurobiological stabilization of a consolidated memory

Misinformation effect

occurs when a memory has been corrupted by misleading information

Source amnesia

involves faulty memory for how, when or where information was learned or imagined

Deja vu

is sense that “I’ve experienced this before”