Psych 101 / Ch. 6

Memory

The ability to encode, store, and retrieve information over time[cite: 1].

Encoding

The process of getting information into our memory system[cite: 1].

Storage

The process of maintaining or retaining encoded information in memory over time[cite: 1].

Retrieval

The process of getting stored information back out of memory[cite: 1].

Automatic Encoding

Encoding that happens naturally without conscious effort or focused attention[cite: 1].

Effortful Encoding

Encoding that requires focused attention and conscious rehearsal to process information[cite: 1].

Serial Position Effect

The tendency to recall the first and last items in a list better than the middle items[cite: 1].

Sensory Memory Store

The first step in memory storage where sensory information is held briefly for a few seconds before moving to STM or being replaced[cite: 1].

Short-Term Memory (STM)

A limited-capacity memory store also known as working memory[cite: 1].

Duration of Short-Term Memory

Without maintenance rehearsal, information in STM fades in about 30 seconds[cite: 1].

Capacity of Short-Term Memory

The limited capacity of STM, which holds 7 ± 2 chunks of information[cite: 1].

Chunk

A meaningful unit of grouped information that helps store data in short-term memory[cite: 1].

Chunking Example

Grouping numbers into meaningful units (e.g., 281-470-5 or 618-23-9097)[cite: 1].

Maintenance Rehearsal

Repeating information to oneself to keep it active in short-term memory[cite: 1].

Long-Term Memory (LTM)

A memory store that is virtually unlimited in both time duration and capacity[cite: 1].

Elaborative Rehearsal

Relating new information to knowledge already stored in LTM to improve long-term retention[cite: 1].

Procedural Memory

Long-term memory for basic skills, motor actions, and muscle memory (e.g., riding a bike)[cite: 1].

Semantic Memory

A type of declarative memory used for factual information and general knowledge[cite: 2].

Episodic Memory

A type of declarative memory used for personal, time-related experiences and events[cite: 2].

Context Cues

Retrieval aids where being in the same or similar surroundings increases the chance of recalling information[cite: 2].

Odor as a Retrieval Cue

Smells that trigger specific memories, such as smelling fried chicken and remembering childhood meals[cite: 2].

Déjà vu

A feeling where a current experience provides a cue to an earlier, forgotten memory[cite: 2].

State-Dependent Memory

Retrieval boosted by being in the same emotional or physical state as when the memory was encoded[cite: 2].

Recall

Retrieving stored information from long-term memory with little to no external cues[cite: 2].

Recognition

Identifying previously learned information when provided with external cues[cite: 2].

Relearning

Learning information a second time faster after seemingly forgetting it[cite: 2].

Ineffective Encoding

A reason for forgetting caused by a failure to properly process information into memory in the first place[cite: 2].

Decay Theory

A theory of forgetting stating that memory traces naturally fade over the passage of time[cite: 2].

Interference Theory

A cause of forgetting where different pieces of information disrupt the recall of one another[cite: 2].

Retroactive Interference

When newly learned information disrupts the ability to recall previously learned old information[cite: 2].

Retroactive Interference Example

Studying Economics then Psychology, and only remembering Psychology during your Economics test[cite: 2].

Proactive Interference

When previously learned old information interferes with the ability to recall new information[cite: 2].

Proactive Interference Example

Studying Psychology then Sociology, and only recalling Psychology during your Sociology test[cite: 2].

Working Memory

Another name for short-term memory that emphasizes its role in actively holding and manipulating information[cite: 1].

Types of Long-Term Memory

Procedural, Semantic, and Episodic memory[cite: 1, 2].