Information Processing Model and Memory Types

Information Processing Model

A framework that compares human memory to a computer, involving encoding, storing, and retrieving information.

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 memory storage.

Automatic Processing

Unconscious encoding of incidental information, such as space, time, and frequency, and of well-earned information, such as word meanings.

Effortful Processing

Encoding that requires attention and conscious effort.

Explicit Memory (Declarative Memory)

Memory of facts and experiences that one can consciously know and 'declare.'

Implicit Memory (NonDeclarative Memory)

Retention independent of conscious recollection. Involves skills and conditioned responses.

Episodic Memory

The collection of past personal experiences at a particular time and place.

Semantic Memory

Explicit memory of facts and general knowledge; one of our two conscious memory systems.

Levels of Processing

The concept that the depth (shallow to deep) of processing affects our long-term retention of information.

Shallow Processing

Encoding on a basic level based on the structure or appearance of words.

Deep Processing

Encoding semantically, based on the meaning of the words; tends to yield the best retention.

Structural Encoding

Relatively shallow processing that emphasizes the physical structure of the stimulus.

Phonemic Encoding

Emphasizes what a word sounds like.

Semantic Encoding

The encoding of meaning, including the meaning of words.

MultiStore Model (Atkinson Shiffrin Model)

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

Sensory Memory

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

Iconic Memory

A momentary sensory memory of visual stimuli; a photographic or picture image memory lasting no more than a few tenths of a second.

Echoic Memory

A momentary sensory memory of auditory stimuli; if attention is elsewhere, sounds and words can still be recalled within 3 or 4 seconds.

Short-Term Memory (STM)

Activated memory that holds a few items briefly before the information is stored or forgotten.

Long-Term Memory (LTM)

The relatively permanent and limitless storehouse of the memory system. Includes knowledge, skills, and experiences.

Working Memory

A newer understanding of short-term memory that focuses on conscious, active processing of incoming auditory and visual-spatial information, and of information retrieved from long-term memory.

Central Executive

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

Phonological Loop

The part of working memory that holds and processes verbal and auditory information.

Visuospatial Sketchpad

A memory component that briefly holds information about objects' appearance and location in space.

Episodic Buffer

A proposed component of working memory that integrates information from multiple sources into a unified memory.

Prospective Memory

Remembering to do things in the future.

Mnemonic Devices

Techniques for using associations to memorize and retrieve information.

Method of Loci

A mnemonic technique that involves associating items on a list with a sequence of familiar physical locations.

Chunking

Organizing items into familiar, manageable units; often occurs automatically.

Spacing Effect

The phenomenon where information is better retained when study sessions are spaced out over time.