Chapter 7 Memory (College Psychology)

Encoding

Is the process of converting information into a form that can be stored in memory. It involves transforming sensory input into a neural code that can later be retrieved.

Storage

Is the phase of memory where information is maintained over time. It follows encoding and precedes retrieval, allowing the brain to retain stored information for future use.

Retrieval

Is the process of accessing and bringing stored information into consciousness. It enables individuals to recall or recognize previously encoded and stored information from memory.

Structural Level of Processing

Refers to the depth of processing that involves focusing on the physical characteristics of stimuli, such as appearance and structure, to enhance memory retention.

Phonemic Level of Processing

Involves the processing of sound and phonetics of words, which enhances memory retention through auditory features. It is considered more effective than shallow processing.

Semantic Level of Processing

Involves process the meaning of information, leading to better memory retention through understanding and connecting concepts.

Self-Referent Encoding

Refers to the process of relating new information to oneself, which enhances memory retention by making the information more personally relevant and meaningful.

Sensory Memory

The initial stage of memory that captures sensory information for a brief period. It allows for the processing of stimuli from the environment before transferring information to short-term memory.

Working Memory

The limited capacity system that temporarily holds and processes information for cognitive tasks, allowing for manipulation and integration of new information with existing knowledge.

Short Term Memory

A temporary storage system that holds a limited amount of information (usually about 7 items, plus or minus 2) for a short period (around 20 to 30 seconds) unless it is actively processed.

Rehearsal

The process of repetitively verbalizing or thinking about information to keep it in your short-term memory longer, or to help transfer it into long-term memory

Chunking

The practice of grouping separate bits of information into larger, meaningful units (or "chunks") (Ex: Phone Numbers)

Recall

A measure of memory retention where you must reproduce information without any cues or hints

Recognition

A measure of memory retention where you only need to identify information you previously learned from a list of options (Ex: MCQ)

Relearning

A measure of memory retention that assesses the amount of time or effort saved when learning material for a second time. If it takes you less time to study it now than it did the first time, you "relearned" it

Long Term Memory

An unlimited capacity storage system that can hold information over long periods of time—from days to an entire lifetime

Flashbulb Memories

Unusually vivid, detailed, and snapshot-like memories of the moment you learned about a highly emotional or significant event

Cluster

The tendency to naturally organize similar or related items together during recall

Schema

An organized cluster of knowledge or a mental framework about a particular object, person, or situation based on past experience

Conceptual Hierarchy

A classification system where information is organized into a multi-level structure, moving from general, broad categories down to specific subcategories

Tip-of-the-Tongue Phenomenon

The temporary inability to retrieve a specific word or name from memory, combined with the powerful feeling that the memory is just out of reach. This is a classic example of a retrieval failure

Reality Monitoring

The process of deciding whether a memory is based on something that actually happened in the real world, or if it was just something you imagined or thought about

Source Monitoring

The process of making inferences about the origins or "source" of a memory