Unit 5 Part 1 vocab

memory

memory

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

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 brains natural mode of information processing for many functions. Contrasts with the step-by-step (seral) processing of most computers and of consious problem solving

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

working memory

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

explicit memory

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, adn frequency, and of well-learned information, such as word meaning

implicit memory

retention 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 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. also sometimes referred to as a retrieval practice effort or test-enhanced learning

shallow processing

encoding on a basic level based on the structure or appearance of words

deep processing

encoding semantically, based on the meaning of the words; tends to yield the best retention.

hippocampus

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

flashbulb memory

a clear 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.

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 need only identify items previously learned, as on a multiple-choice test.

relearning

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

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 (a recency effect) and first items (a primacy effect) in a list.

anterograde amnesia

an inability to form new memories

retrograde amnesia

an inability to retrieve information from one's past