Chapter 7 - Psychology in your life 4th edition

memory

The nervous system's ability to obtain and retain information and skills for later retrieval.

encoding

The processing of information into a neural code that can be stored in the brain.

storage

The retention of information in the brain over time.

retrieval

The act of accessing stored information when it is needed.

selective attention

The ability to direct mental resources to relevant information in order to process that information further while ignoring irrelevant information.

sensory storage

A memory store that very briefly holds information from the five senses

short-term storage

A memory store that briefly holds a limited amount of information in awareness.

working memory

An active processing system that allows manipulation of different types of information to keep it available for current use.

chunking

Using working memory to organize information into meaningful units to make it easier to remember.

long-term storage

A memory store that allows relatively permanent retention for probably an unlimited amount of information.

maintenance rehearsal

Using working memory processes to repeat information based on how it sounds (auditory information); provides only shallow encoding of information and less successful long-term storage.

elaborative rehearsal

Using working memory processes to think about how new information relates to yourself or your prior knowledge (semantic information); provides deeper encoding of information for more successful long-term storage.

retrograde amnesia

A condition in which people lose the ability to access memories they had before a brain injury

anterograde amnesia

A condition in which people lose the ability to form new memories after experiencing a brain injury.

explicit memory

The long-term storage of conscious memories that can be verbally described

episodic memory

A type of explicit memory that includes a person's personal experiences.

semantic memory

A type of explicit memory that includes a person's knowledge about the world, independent of personal experiences.

implicit memory

The long-term storage of unconscious memories that cannot be verbally described.

procedural memory

A type of implicit memory that involves learning motor skills and behavioral habits and knowing how to do things.

consolidation

Process whereby immediate memories become lasting memories when new neural connections are created and prior neural connections get stronger.

retrieval cue

Anything that helps a person access information in long-term storage

prospective memory

Remembering to perform an intentional act at an appropriate future time.

forgetting

The inability to access a memory from long-term storage.

retroactive interference

A type of interference in recalling memories that occurs when access to older memories is impaired by newer memories.

proactive interference

A type of interference in recalling memories that occurs when access to newer memories is impaired by older memories

flashbulb memories

Detailed and vivid memories about the circumstances in which we heard about surprising and emotionally arousing events.