memory and heuristics

Memory

The process where memories are created, stored, and retrieved; involves encoding, storage, and retrieval.

Encoding

Transforming information to make it usable; the first step in the process of memory formation.

Storage

Maintaining information in memory systems; the second stage of memory.

Retrieval

Accessing and recalling stored memories; the final stage in memory processing.

Sensory Memory

Captures everything you hear, see, or touch for just a split second, with high capacity but short duration.

Short-term Memory (STM)

Also called 'working memory', it temporarily holds a small amount of information for around 20 seconds.

Long-term Memory (LTM)

Stores memories for long durations, potentially for a lifetime.

Procedural Memory

A type of long-term memory that stores skills and habits.

Declarative Memory

A type of long-term memory that stores facts and knowledge.

Episodic Memory

A type of declarative memory that stores personal experiences.

Semantic Memory

A type of declarative memory that stores general knowledge.

Rote Rehearsal

A memory technique involving repetition of information to strengthen its memorization.

Heuristics

Mental shortcuts that allow for quick decision-making and problem-solving based on past experiences.

Availability Heuristic

A mental shortcut where expectations are based on how easily examples come to mind.

Representative Heuristic

A mental shortcut where expectations are based on how typical something seems, often relying on stereotypes.

Confirmation Bias

The tendency to only notice and remember information that supports existing beliefs, ignoring contradictory evidence.

Belief Perseverance

The persistence of a belief despite evidence or reasons suggesting it is false.

Chunking

A technique to improve short-term memory by grouping information into larger, manageable units.

Spaced Repetition

A technique for improving memory by spreading out review over time rather than cramming.

Forgetfulness

Occurs when information is not correctly encoded or retrieved, leading to memory loss.

Hippocampus

A region of the brain responsible for storing long-term memories.

Prefrontal Cortex

The part of the brain that temporarily stores short-term memories.

Example of Sensory Memory

Seeing a lightning flash, which is captured in visual memory for a split second.

Example of Short-term Memory

Recalling a phone number someone said without writing it down, which quickly fades without reinforcement.

Example of Long-term Memory

Remembering how to ride a bike from childhood, showcasing lasting memory.