Long-Term Memory – Encoding, Consolidation, and Retrieval

A set of flashcards focusing on key concepts surrounding long-term memory, including encoding strategies, retrieval mechanisms, and the processes of consolidation.

What is encoding in memory?

Encoding is the process of acquiring information and transforming it into a memory.

What are the two types of rehearsal?

Maintenance rehearsal, which maintains information without transferring it to long-term memory, and elaborative rehearsal, which uses meanings to help transfer information to long-term memory.

What is the Levels of Processing Theory?

shallow processing focuses on physical features, while deep processing focuses on meaning, leading to better memory.

What are factors that aid encoding?

Visual imagery, self-reference effect, generation effect, organizing information, relating words to survival value, and retrieval practice.

What is retrieval?

Retrieval is the process of transferring information from long-term memory back into working memory.

What is retrieval practice?

Repeated testing of memory retrieval strengthens memory.

What is cued recall and its benefits?

Cued recall presents a cue to aid recall, leading to better performance than free recall, especially when cues are personally created.

What is encoding specificity?

Encoding specificity states that information is learned together with its context, enhancing recall if studied in the same environment.

What is state-dependent learning?

Memory is better if a person’s mood at encoding matches their mood during retrieval.

What is transfer-appropriate processing?

Memory performance is better when cognitive processing at encoding matches the processing used at retrieval.

What is consolidation in memory?

Consolidation transforms new, fragile memories into a more permanent state.

What are the two types of consolidation?

Synaptic consolidation, involving rapid changes at the synapse, and systems consolidation, involving gradual reorganization of neural circuits.

What is Hebb’s theory of learning and memory?

Learning and memory are physiological changes at the synapse; 'cells that fire together, wire together.'

What is long-term potentiation (LTP)?

LTP is the enhanced firing of neurons after repeated stimulation, leading to stronger memory storage.

What is the difference between the standard model and the multiple trace model of consolidation?

Standard model suggests memory retrieval initially depends on the hippocampus but fades over time, while multiple trace model maintains hippocampal involvement in retrieval of both recent and remote memories.

What is retrograde amnesia?

Loss of memory for events that occurred before a trauma.

What is anterograde amnesia?

Inability to form new memories after trauma.

What is reconsolidation?

Retrieved memories become fragile and must be consolidated again, allowing for memory updating.

How does sleep influence memory consolidation?

Sleep enhances memory consolidation by reducing interference, and prioritizes memories for consolidation if testing is expected.

What role does reconsolidation play in PTSD treatment?

Blocking stress receptors during memory reactivation can reduce emotional responses to traumatic memories.

What are some effective studying techniques based on memory research?

Elaborate by associating new information with existing knowledge, generate and test, take breaks for the spacing effect, sleep after studying, and avoid the illusion of learning.