Memory Types and Models: Explicit, Implicit, and Working Memory

Memory

The mental capacity to encode, store, and retrieve information.

Explicit Memory

A type of memory that involves conscious recollection of information, such as facts and events.

Episodic Memory

A subtype of explicit memory that involves the recollection of specific events or experiences in one's life.

Semantic Memory

A subtype of explicit memory that involves the storage of general knowledge and facts about the world.

Implicit Memory

A type of memory that does not require conscious thought and is demonstrated through performance rather than recollection.

Procedural Memory

A type of implicit memory that involves the knowledge of how to perform tasks and skills.

Prospective Memory

The ability to remember to perform actions in the future, such as remembering appointments.

Long-term Potentiation

A long-lasting enhancement in signal transmission between two neurons that results from stimulating them simultaneously, believed to be a mechanism underlying learning and memory.

Working Memory Model

A cognitive model that describes the processes involved in temporarily storing and manipulating information.

Working Memory

A system for temporarily holding and processing information needed for complex cognitive tasks.

Central Executive

The component of working memory that directs attention and coordinates information from the phonological loop and visuospatial sketchpad.

Phonological Loop

A component of working memory that deals with verbal and auditory information.

Visuospatial Sketchpad

A component of working memory that processes visual and spatial information.

Multi-Store Model

A model of memory that describes memory as consisting of three stores: sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory.

Sensory Memory

The initial stage of memory that holds sensory information for a very brief period.

Iconic Memory

A type of sensory memory that holds visual information for a fraction of a second.

Echoic Memory

A type of sensory memory that holds auditory information for a brief period.

Short-term Memory

A temporary storage system that holds a limited amount of information for a short duration.

Long-term Memory

A type of memory that can store vast amounts of information for extended periods, potentially indefinitely.

Automatic Processing

The unconscious encoding of information, such as space, time, and frequency, without effort.

Effortful Processing

The encoding of information that requires conscious effort and attention.

Encoding

The process of transforming information into a form that can be stored in memory.

Storage

The process of maintaining information in memory over time.

Retrieval

The process of accessing and bringing stored information into consciousness.

Levels of Processing Model

A theory that suggests memory retention depends on the depth of processing, with deeper levels leading to better retention.

Structural Processing

A shallow level of processing that focuses on the physical characteristics of the information.

Phonemic Processing

A moderate level of processing that focuses on the sound of the information.

Semantic Processing

A deep level of processing that focuses on the meaning of the information.