Psychology 2000 Exam 2 Study Guide

Memory

a set of processes used to encode, store, and retrieve information over different periods of time.

Functions of memory

There are three basic functions of memory: Encoding, Storage, Retrieval.

Encoding

the input of information into the memory system.

Automatic processing

Encoding of details like time, space, frequency, and the meaning of words, usually done without conscious awareness.

Effortful processing

Encoding of details that takes time and effort, such as learning new skills.

Semantic encoding

Encoding of words and their meanings; the most effective form of encoding that attaches meaning to information, making it easier to recall.

Visual encoding

Encoding of images; words that create a mental image (concrete words) are easier to recall than abstract words.

Acoustic encoding

Encoding of sounds.

Serial position effect

Order information during encoding impacts memory retrieval; most likely to remember the first and last items in a list.

Context-dependent learning

Easier to recall memories that were created in similar contexts, such as external environment and location.

State-dependent learning

Easier to retrieve memories that were created in similar states of consciousness, including mood/emotion.

Sensory memory

Storage of brief sensory events, stored for up to a couple of seconds; if not important, it is discarded.

Short-term memory

A temporary storage system that processes incoming sensory memory for 15-30 seconds.

Memory consolidation

Transfer of short-term memory to long-term memory.

Rehearsal

The conscious repetition of information to be remembered.

Long-term memory

The conscious storage of information with no limit, often referred to as 'permanent'.

Explicit (declarative) memory

Memories of facts and events we can consciously remember and recall.

Semantic memory

Knowledge about words, concepts, and language; facts.

Episodic memory

Information about events we have personally experienced, including the what, where, when of an event.

Implicit memory

Memories that are not part of our consciousness.

Procedural memory

Stores information about how to do things (skills and actions).

Priming

Stimulus affects response to another stimulus.

Emotional conditioning

Involved classically conditioned emotional response.

Retrieval

Getting information out of memory storage and back into conscious awareness.

Amnesia

Loss of long-term memory that occurs as the result of disease, physical trauma, or psychological trauma.

Retrograde Amnesia

Memory loss for events occurring prior to trauma, typically losing episodic memory or autobiographical memory.

Anterograde Amnesia

Inability to remember new info after trauma, causing inability to transfer information from short-term memory to long-term memory.

Memory Construction

Formulation of new memories.

Reconstruction

Process of bringing up old memories.

Suggestibility

The effects of misinformation from external sources that leads to the creation of false memories.

Eyewitness misidentification

Testimonies can lead to inaccurate and wrongful convictions.

Misinformation effect paradigm

After exposure to additional and possibly inaccurate information, a person may misremember the original event.

Forgetting

The loss of information from long-term memory.

Encoding failure

Can't remember information that wasn't encoded and stored in the first place.

Retroactive interference

Newer info impacts retrieval of older info.

Proactive interference

Older info impacts retrieval of newer info.

Amygdala

Involved in emotion-based memories; encoding is deeper when an event is emotionally arousing.

Arousal theory

Strong emotional experiences can trigger release of neurotransmitters and hormones that strengthen memory.

Hippocampus

Associated with explicit/declarative, recognition, and spatial memories; involved in memory consolidation.

Cerebellum

Plays a role in processing implicit/procedural memories; damage prevents classical conditioning.

Prefrontal cortex

Involved in remembering semantic tasks; encoding is associated with left frontal lobe activity.

Transience (7 sins of memory)

Forgetting; forget events that occurred long ago

Absentmindedness (7 sins of memory)

Forgetting; forget where your phone is

Blocking (7 sins of memory)

Forgetting; tip of the tongue

Misattribution (7 sins of memory)

Distortion; recalling a dream memory as a walking memory

Suggestibility (7 sins of memory)

Distortion; result from leading questions

Bias (7 sins of memory)

Distortion; align memories to current beliefs

Persistence (7 sins of memory)

Intrusion; traumatic events