Memory and Encoding Concepts

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to memory encoding, storage, retrieval, and types of memory.

Memory Encoding

Changing information so that you can put it in your memory.

Storage

Maintaining the information over time.

Retrieval

Locating or retrieving the info to consciousness.

Sensory Memory

A type of memory that lasts less than 1 second and is derived from the senses or environment.

Short Term Memory

A temporary memory that lasts between 10-30 seconds and can hold 5-9 slots of information.

Long Term Memory

A type of memory that can be permanent and has unlimited capacity.

Maintenance Rehearsal

The process of repeating information over and over to retain it.

Chunking

Grouping related items together to improve memory.

Episodic Memory

Memory of specific events or episodes for a time and place.

Procedural Memory

Memory of how to perform different skills or actions.

Semantic Memory

General knowledge, facts, names, definitions, similar to a personal encyclopedia.

Retrieval Cue

Clues, prompts, or hints that help trigger a stored memory.

Encoding Failure

When the information is never encoded into long-term memory.

Decay Theory

The theory that people forget because memories fade over time due to disuse.

Tip-of-the-Tongue Phenomenon

When you cannot retrieve information that you know is stored in memory.

Serial Position Effect

The tendency to retrieve items from the beginning or end of a list rather than the middle.

Distributed Practice

Practice or study in short sessions over an extended period of time.

Massed Practice

Cramming information in a short period of time.

Flashbulb Memory

Memory that involves recalling very specific details or images of an event.

Retrograde Amnesia

Inability to remember information from before a physical trauma.

Anterograde Amnesia

Inability to form new memories after a physical trauma.

False Memory

Constructed or distorted recollection of something that didn’t actually happen.