Chapter 8 - PSYC 2301 - Memory

Flashcards based on Chapter 8 from PSYC 2301 focusing on key concepts related to memory.

Memory

The set of processes used to encode, store, and retrieve memory information over different periods of time.

Encoding

The input of information into the memory system.

Effortful Processing

The encoding of information that requires a lot of work and attention.

Semantic Encoding

The encoding of words and their meaning.

Visual Encoding

The encoding of images.

Acoustic Encoding

The encoding of sounds, particularly words.

Self-Reference Effect

The tendency for an individual to have better memory for information that relates to oneself.

Storage

The creation of a permanent record of information.

Sensory Memory

Storage of brief sensory events, such as sights, sounds, and tastes.

Short-Term Memory (STM)

A temporary storage system that processes incoming information.

Rehearsal

Conscious repetition of information to be remembered.

Memory Consolidation

To move short-term memory into long-term memory.

Long-Term Memory (LTM)

Continuous storage of information.

Explicit Memories

Memories that we consciously try to remember; also called declarative memory.

Implicit Memories

Memories that are not part of our conscious awareness; also called non-declarative memory.

Procedural Memory

A type of implicit memory that stores information about how to do things.

Declarative Memory

Memory that deals with the storage of facts and events we personally experienced.

Semantic Memory

Part of declarative memory that deals with knowledge about words, concepts, and language-based knowledge.

Episodic Memory

Part of declarative memory that deals with information about events we have personally experienced.

Retrieval

The act of getting information out of memory storage and back into conscious awareness.

Recall

A retrieval method where information is accessed without cues.

Recognition

A retrieval method that involves identifying previously learned information after encountering it.

Relearning

A retrieval method involving learning information that had been previously learned.

Engram

The group of neurons that serve as the physical representation of memory.

Equipotentiality Hypothesis

States that if a part of one area of the brain involved in memory is damaged, another part can take over that memory function.

Amygdala

Part of the brain involved in fear and fear memories, regulating emotions.

Hippocampus

Part of the brain associated with declarative and episodic memory, as well as recognition memory.

Cerebellum

Part of the brain involved in implicit memories, especially procedural memory.

Prefrontal Cortex

Part of the brain involved in how people process and retain information.

Arousal Theory

States that strong emotions trigger the formation of strong memories.

Flashbulb Memory

An exceptionally clear recollection of an important event that has strong emotional associations.

Amnesia

The loss of long-term memory due to disease, physical trauma, or psychological trauma.

Anterograde Amnesia

When a person cannot remember new information after an injury.

Retrograde Amnesia

Loss of memory for events that occurred prior to trauma.

Construction

The formulation of new memories.

Reconstruction

The process of bringing old memories back up.

Suggestibility

Describes the effects of misinformation from external sources that lead to false memories.

False Memory Syndrome

The recall of false autobiographical memories.

Forgetting

Refers to loss of information from long-term memory.

Transience

Schacter's Sin that states the accessibility of memory decreases over time.

Absentmindedness

Schacter's Sin that states forgetting is caused by lapses in attention.

Blocking

Schacter's Sin that states accessibility of information is temporarily blocked.

Misattribution

Schacter's Sin where the source of memory is confused.

Bias

Schacter's Sin defined as memories distorted by current belief systems.

Persistence

Schacter's Sin defined as the inability to forget undesirable memories.

Interference

When information is stored in memory but is inaccessible for reasons.

Proactive Interference

When old information hinders recall of newly learned information.

Retroactive Interference

When newly learned information hinders recall of older information.

Memory-Enhancing Strategies

Help ensure information goes from short-term to long-term memory.

Chunking

You organize information into manageable bits or chunks.

Elaborative Rehearsal

A technique in which you think about the meaning of new information and its relation to existing knowledge.

Mnemonic Devices

Memory aids that help organize information for encoding.

Levels of Processing

States that information processed more deeply goes into long-term memory.