Memory Structures and Processes Flashcards

A complete vocabulary flashcard deck covering memory structures, processes, models, and types from Chapter 5.

Hippocampus

A brain structure that is critical for storing and retrieving memories, damage to which causes severe amnesia and an inability to retain new memories for longer than about a minute.

Episodic Memory

A type of long-term memory that involves specific events or episodes from an individual's life.

Procedural Memory

A type of memory for motor and cognitive skills developed over time, such as playing the piano or riding a bicycle.

Semantic Memory

A subcategory of memory dedicated to general knowledge, facts, and concepts about the world.

Autobiographical Memory

A memory system consisting of episodic memories and knowledge about one's self.

Prospective Memory

A memory function responsible for remembering to perform intended tasks or actions in the future.

Encoding

The initial process by which information enters memory, which can be active or passive and typically requires attention.

Storage

The process by which information is kept in memory over time, distributed across multiple interconnected areas of the brain.

Retrieval

The process of accessing and pulling together stored pieces of memory back into conscious awareness.

Modal Model of Memory

An early structural model proposed by Atkinson and Shiffrin (1968) that categorizes memory into three distinct storage units based on retention duration: sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory.

Sensory Memory

The briefest form of memory storage that holds raw, unprocessed sensory information for a fraction of a second to a few seconds.

Iconic Memory

Visual sensory memory that preserves a visual image or afterimage of a scene for approximately one second.

Echoic Memory

Auditory sensory memory that retains raw sound information for up to four seconds.

Partial-Report Method

A research technique developed by George Sperling (1960) in which participants report only a portion of a briefly presented display based on a tone cue, revealing that visual sensory memory capacity is larger than originally thought.

Short-Term Memory (STM)

An intermediate memory system that temporarily holds perceptual information that has passed through sensory memory and received attention.

Working Memory

The system responsible for controlling, processing, and actively manipulating information held in short-term memory.

Chunking

The memory technique of organizing individual items of information into smaller, meaningful units to expand short-term memory capacity.

Span of STM

The capacity limit of short-term memory, historically identified by George Miller (1956) as $7 \times 2$ or $7 \text{ plus or minus } 2$ items (or chunks).

Rehearsal

The process of repeatedly reciting or focusing on information within the mind to extend its duration in short-term memory.

Retroactive Interference

A type of memory disruption that occurs when new incoming information displaces older information stored in short-term memory.

Proactive Interference

A type of memory disruption that occurs when previously stored information prevents new information from being properly encoded or retained.