Processes and Types of Memory Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering basic memory processes (encoding, storage, retrieval), encoding research studies, mnemonic techniques, and different types of long-term memory.

Cognitive

Relating to processes of knowing and thinking, including how individuals think, learn, and develop intellectually.

Encoding

The process of translating or changing information into a new code (such as visual, acoustic, or semantic) so that it can be stored in the brain.

Storage

The process of holding and maintaining information in memory over a period of time, potentially for a lifetime.

Retrieval

The process of locating, accessing, and recovering stored information from the brain for active use.

Recognition

A form of memory retrieval where an individual identifies correct information when provided with options, such as in multiple-choice questions.

Cued Recall

A method of memory retrieval where an individual is assisted in remembering information by receiving a prompt or clue.

Free Recall

A method of memory retrieval where stored information is recalled without the assistance of any cues or prompts.

Tip of My Tongue

A phrase describing the state of failing to retrieve a word or name from memory while feeling that recall is imminent and having some partial knowledge of it.

Method of Loci (Memory Palace)

A mnemonic technique where items or numbers are converted into visual images and assigned to specific locations in a familiar environment (such as Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School in Horncastle, Lincolnshire) to aid recall.

Ben Pridmore

A three-time World Memory Championship winner from Derby who uses the method of loci to memorize long lists of numbers.

Visual Encoding

The storage of information in terms of visual images, such as mentally visualizing a house to count its windows.

Acoustic Encoding

The storage of information based on how it sounds, such as remembering a song or learning the alphabet to the tune of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.

Semantic Encoding

The storage of information according to its meaning, enabling the understanding and application of words and concepts.

Tactile Encoding

Memory encoding specifically based on the sensory perception of how physical objects feel.

Olfactory Memory

A specific type of memory encoding dedicated to smells.

Mnemonic Techniques

Methods used to improve memory recall of structured lists or facts, such as acronyms like ROY G. BIV or rhymes like 'Richard of York Gave Battle in Vain'.

Short-Term Memory (STM)

A temporary memory store with limited capacity and duration where information is primarily encoded acoustically.

Long-Term Memory (LTM)

A permanent memory store with very large capacity and long duration where information is primarily encoded semantically.

Baddeley (1966 a, b) Study

A study on encoding that found immediate recall was worst for acoustically similar word lists (List A), showing STM is acoustic, while recall after $20\,\text{minutes}$ was worst for semantically similar word lists (List C), showing LTM is semantic.

Brandimonte et al. (1992) Study

Research demonstrating that visual encoding occurs in STM when visual picture pairs are presented and verbal rehearsal is prevented using an articulatory suppression task.

Articulatory Suppression Task

A task where participants repeat an irrelevant verbal phrase (such as 'la la la la') during a retention interval to prevent verbal rehearsal in memory experiments.

Episodic Memory

A time-stamped form of long-term memory for personal events and life experiences, including details of time, place, associated people, and emotions.

Semantic Memory

A non-time-stamped store of general knowledge, facts, and meanings of words and concepts shared with others.

Procedural Memory

An un-time-stamped muscle memory for learned skills and motor tasks (such as driving a car or riding a bicycle) that is recalled without conscious effort.

Declarative Memory

A collective term for episodic and semantic memory types, which require conscious recall.

Non-Declarative Memory

A classification for procedural memory, which operates automatically without requiring conscious recall.

Clive Wearing

A British musician who developed a brain infection resulting in severe amnesia that wiped out his episodic and semantic memories while leaving his procedural memory (playing the piano and conducting) and recognition of his wife, Deborah, intact.