Chapter 6: Memory

Memory

The ability to store and retrieve information over time.

What are the three key functions of memory?

Encoding, storage, and retrieval.

Encoding

The process of transforming perceptions into memories.

Semantic Encoding

Relating new information in a meaningful way to knowledge already stored in memory.

• Semantic judgements

• Rhyme judgments

• Case judgements

What are the three major ways to encode information?

Semantic encoding, visual imagery encoding, organizational encoding.

Visual Imagery Encoding

The process of storing new information by converting it into mental pictures.

Organizational Encoding

Categorizing information according to relationships among series of items.

Short-term Memory (STM)

Storage that holds nonsensory information for more than a few seconds but less than a minute.

What is the purpose of rehearsal in short-term memory?

To keep information in short-term memory by mentally repeating it.

Chunking

Combining small pieces of information into larger clusters or chunks for easier retention.

Retroactive Interference

When new memories interfere with older memories.

Proactive Interference

When older memories interfere with new memories.

Explicit Memory (Declarative)

Memories that can be consciously recalled, such as facts and events.

What are the two types of explicit memory?

Episodic memories and semantic memories.

Implicit Memory (Non-Declarative)

Memories that cannot be easily described, such as skills and habits.

What is anterograde amnesia?

The inability to form new memories after a trauma or surgery.

What is retrograde amnesia?

The inability to recall explicit memories prior to a trauma.

What is the capacity for short-term memory?

7+/-2 items.

What is the duration of short-term memory without rehearsal?

Approximately 18 seconds.

What is the supporting evidence for iconic memory?

Sperling’s letter matrices.

What is the duration of long-term memory?

Lifetime.

What is the capacity for long-term memory?

Somewhat infinite.

What is the supporting evidence for short-term memory (both capacity and duration)

(Brown) Peterson, and Peterson task.