AP Psychology: Topic 2.3 - Introduction to Memory

Storage

the process of retaining encoded information over time

Explicit memory

facts and experiences that one can consciously know and "declare" (i.e., describe or explained) to others

Episodic memory

the recollection of personal experiences that occurred at a particular time and place

Semantic memory

the recollection of general knowledge and facts about the world

Implicit memory

automatic memories and processes that operate outside of conscious awareness or control; implicit, not direct

Procedural memory

a type of implicit memory used in everyday tasks

Prospective memory

remembering to do something at some future time

Long-term potentiation (LTP)

an increase in a cell's firing potential after brief, rapid stimulation; related to learning activities that turn short-term memories into long-term memories

Working memory model

the theory that short-term memory is not a single store but consists of sub-categories

Primary memory system

the part of memory that retains a few items for only several seconds

Central executive

the "boss" of the working memory model that directs the two slave systems (the phonological loop and the visuo-spatial sketchpad)

Phonological loop

the part of working memory that holds and processes verbal and auditory information

Visuospatial sketchpad

the part of working memory that creates mental images to remember visual information

Multi-store model

an explanation of memory based on three separate memory stores, and how information is transferred between these stores

Sensory memory

the immediate, very brief recording of sensory information in the memory system

Iconic memory

a type of short-term sensory memory in which one can recall visual images for just a few milliseconds after the physical image has disappeared

Echoic memory

a type of short-term sensory memory in which one can recall auditory stimuli for about 3 or 4 seconds

Automatic processing

any information processing that occurs involuntarily and without conscious intention or control

Effortful processing

encoding information through conscious attention and effort

Storage

the process of retaining encoded information over time

Levels of processing model

a theory that deeper processing of information increases the likelihood that the information will be recalled

Structural, phonemic, semantic

the three levels of the levels of processing model

Shallow encoding

encoding based on sensory characteristics, such as how something looks or sounds

Deep encoding

encoding based on an event's meaning as well as connections between the new event and past experience