Chapter 5 – Short-Term Memory & Working Memory

These flashcards cover key concepts related to short-term and working memory based on the lecture notes provided.

Memory

A process involving retaining, manipulating, retrieving, and using information about stimuli, events, images, ideas, and skills.

Sensory Memory

An initial stage of memory that holds all incoming information for brief periods of time.

Short-Term Memory

Also referred to as the short-term store, it holds about five to seven items for 15 to 20 seconds.

Long-Term Memory

The stage of memory where information is stored for long periods of time.

Atkinson and Shiffrin's Modal Model

A memory model that includes sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory.

Control Processes

Dynamic processes that can be controlled by the person, such as rehearsal.

Echoic Memory

A type of sensory memory specifically for sound information.

Iconic Memory

Visual sensory memory that holds visual stimuli briefly.

Chunking

A method of combining smaller units of information into larger meaningful units.

Working Memory

A limited capacity system for temporary storage and manipulation of information for complex tasks.

Phonological Loop

A component of working memory that deals with verbal and auditory information.

Visuospatial Sketchpad

A component of working memory that holds visual and spatial information.

Central Executive

The component of working memory responsible for controlling attention and coordinating tasks.

Phonological Similarity Effect

The confusion between letters or words that sound similar.

Word-Length Effect

Better memory recall for shorter words compared to longer words.

Articulatory Suppression

A disruption in rehearsal due to repeating an irrelevant sound.

Delated Partial Report Method

An experiment by Sperling to measure how quickly information fades from memory.

Episodic Buffer

A more recent addition to Baddeley’s model that integrates long-term memory with working memory.

Delayed-Response Task

A task used in animal research to test working memory ability during a delay period.

Neural Activity in Working Memory

The continued neural firing that transmits information held in working memory.

Activity-Silent Working Memory

A state of memory where the information is maintained without continuous neural firing.