2.3 vocab

Memory

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

Semantic Memory

explicit memory of facts and general knowledge; one of our two conscious memory systems (the other is episodic memory).

Prospective Memory

the cognitive ability to remember to execute a planned action or intention at a specific time or in response to a certain cue in the future.

Working Memory

a newer understanding of short-term memory; conscious, active processing of both (1) incoming sensory information, and (2) information retrieved from long-term memory.

Visuospatial sketchpad

a memory component that briefly holds information about objects' appearance and location in space.

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.

Long-term memory

the relatively permanent and limitless archive of the memory system. Includes knowledge, skills, and experiences.

Encoding

the process of getting information into the memory system — for example, by extracting meaning.

Levels of Processing Model

model of memory that assumes information that is more "deeply processed," or processed according to its meaning rather than just the sound or physical characteristics of the word or words, will be remembered more efficiently and for a longer period of time

Semantic Processing

Encoding and analyzing information by focusing on its meaning, context, and connections to existing knowledge rather than its surface characteristics

Explicit Memory

retention of facts and experiences that we can consciously know and "declare." (Also called declarative memory.)

Implicit Memory

retention of learned skills or classically conditioned associations independent of conscious recollection. (Also called nondeclarative memory.)

Long-term Potentiation

an increase in a nerve cell's firing potential after brief, rapid stimulation; a neural basis for learning and memory.

Central Executive

a memory component that coordinates the activities of the phonological loop and visuospatial sketchpad.

Multi-Store Model

Explanation of memory that sees information flowing through a series of storage systems.(Sensory memory, short-term memory, long-term memory)

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.

Automatic Processing

unconscious encoding of incidental information, such as space, time, and frequency, and of familiar or well-learned information, such as sounds, smells, and word meanings.

Storage

the process of retaining encoded information over time.

Structural Processing

Words are learned by remembering their physical features, such as whether they were in upper or lower case, started with a vowel or consonant, font, or were long or short.

Episodic Memory

explicit memory of personally experienced events; one of our two conscious memory systems (the other is semantic memory).

Procedural Memory

the gradual acquisition of skills as a result of practice, or "knowing how" to do things (such as typing, riding a bike)

Working Memory Model

a dynamic model of short-term memory that views it not as a passive storage box, but as an active workspace where information is consciously manipulated and processed

Phonological Loop

a memory component that briefly holds auditory information.

Sensory Memory

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

Short-term memory

briefly activated memory of a few items (such as digits of a phone number while calling) that is later stored or forgotten.

Effortful Processing

encoding that requires attention and conscious effort.

Retrieval

the process of getting information out of memory storage.

Phonemic Processing

when we encode its sound, the intermediate level of cognitive analysis that focuses on how a stimulus sounds, including its pronunciation, rhythm, rhyming, and phonetic properties