2.4-2.5 Memory encoding & storage

Memory Encoding

The process of converting information into a form that can be stored in memory.

Explicit Memory

Retention of facts and experiences that one can consciously know and declare.

Implicit Memory

Retention of learned skills or conditioned associations independent of conscious recollection.

Chunking

Organizing items into familiar, manageable units to improve short-term memory capacity.

Mnemonic Device

Memory aids that use vivid imagery and organizational techniques to enhance recall.

Spacing Effect

The tendency for distributed study to yield better long-term retention than cramming.

Testing Effect

The improved memory performance that results from retrieving information through testing.

Hippocampus

A brain structure involved in processing explicit memories for facts and episodes.

Infantile Amnesia

The inability of adults to consciously remember events from their early childhood.

Amygdala

A brain structure that plays a key role in processing emotions and enhancing memory coding during emotional events.

Sensory Memory

The initial stage of memory that records momentary sensory impressions.

Short-term Memory

A limited capacity memory store that holds information temporarily.

Working Memory

A cognitive system responsible for temporarily holding and processing information.

Episodic Memory

A type of explicit memory that involves personally experienced events.

Semantic Memory

A type of explicit memory that involves general facts and knowledge.

Effortful Processing

Encoding that requires attention and conscious effort.

Automatic Processing

Unconscious encoding of incidental information.

Iconic Memory

A brief sensory memory of visual stimuli.

Echoic Memory

A fleeting sensory memory for auditory stimuli.

Levels of Processing

Shallow and deep processing

• shallow: Basic level, based on the structure or appearance of words.

• Deep: Based on the meaning of the words

The theory that deeper levels of processing lead to better memory retention.

Tunnel Vision Memory

A phenomenon where emotional events focus attention and recall on important details while ignoring other information.