2.3 Introduction to memory

memory

the persistence of learning over time through the encoding, storage, adn retrival of information

recall

a measure of memory in which the person must retrieve information learned earlier, as on a fill-in-the blank test

recognition

a measure of memory in which the person identifies items previously learned, as on a multiple-choice test

relearning

a measure of memory that assesses the amount of time saved when learning material again

encoding

the process of getting information into the memory system- for example, by extracting meaning

storage

the process of retaining encoded information over time

retrieval

the process of getting information out of memroy storage

parallel processing

processing multiple aspects of a stimulus or problem simultaneously

sensory memory

the immediate, very brief recording of sensory information in the memory system

short-term memory

briefly activated memory of a few items (such as digits of a phone number which calling) that is later stored or forgotten

long-term memory

the relatively permanent and limitless archive of the memory system. Includes knoweldge, skills, and experiences

working memory

a newer understanding of short-term memory; conscious active processing of both incoming sensory information and information retrieved from long-term memory

central executive

a memory component that coordinates the activities of the phonological loop and visuospatial sketchpad

phonological loop

a memory component that briefly holds auditory information

visuospatial sketchpad

a memory component that briefly holds information about objects’ appearance and location in space

neurogenesis

the formation of new neurons

long term potentiation

• an increase in a nerve cell’s firing potential afte rbrief, rapid stimulation; a neural basis for learning and memory