Unit 4 Memory

What are the two major types of explicit (declarative) memory?

Semantic memory (facts and general knowledge) and episodic memory (personal experiences).

What is implicit (nondeclarative) memory?

Memory that does not require conscious thought, including procedural memory, priming, classical conditioning responses, and prospective memory.

What are the three main processes of memory?

Encoding, storage, and retrieval.

What is encoding in the context of memory?

The process of getting information into memory, which can be automatic or effortful.

What is the difference between automatic and effortful processing?

Automatic processing is unconscious (e.g., remembering lunch), while effortful processing is intentional (e.g., studying).

What does the encoding specificity principle state?

Better retrieval occurs when the conditions during retrieval match those during encoding.

What is the Multi-Store Model of memory?

A model that explains how information moves through sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory.

What is sensory memory?

The immediate, brief hold of sensory information, with iconic memory for visual input and echoic memory for auditory input.

What is the capacity and duration of short-term memory?

Holds about 7 ± 2 items for approximately 15-30 seconds.

What is the Working Memory Model?

A model that describes short-term memory as an active processor of information, including components like the central executive and phonological loop.

What is long-term potentiation (LTP)?

A process where repeated learning strengthens connections between neurons, supporting memory consolidation.

What is semantic encoding?

Encoding based on the meaning and understanding of information, which is the most effective for long-term memory.

What is elaborative rehearsal?

A memory strategy that involves making meaningful connections to existing knowledge to enhance retention.

What are mnemonic devices?

Memory aids that help organize and recall information, such as acronyms, acrostics, and the method of loci.

What is chunking in memory?

Grouping small pieces of information into larger, manageable units to enhance memory retention.

What is the spacing effect?

The phenomenon where studying over time leads to better long-term retention compared to cramming all at once.

What is the serial position effect?

The tendency to remember items at the beginning (primacy effect) and end (recency effect) of a list better than those in the middle.

What is prospective memory?

The ability to remember to perform actions in the future, such as appointments.

What is the role of the central executive in working memory?

It directs attention and coordinates the activities of the other components of working memory.

What is the phonological loop?

A component of working memory that deals with verbal and auditory information.

What is the visuospatial sketchpad?

A component of working memory that processes visual and spatial information.

What is the episodic buffer?

An optional component of working memory that integrates information from working memory and long-term memory.

How does deep encoding affect memory retention?

Deeper processing of information leads to better retention compared to shallow processing.

What is the difference between structural, phonemic, and semantic processing?

Structural processing focuses on appearance, phonemic on sound, and semantic on meaning.

What is the significance of rehearsal in memory?

Rehearsal helps maintain information in short-term memory and facilitates its transfer to long-term memory.

How does visualization aid memory?

Creating mental images helps associate abstract concepts with concrete representations, enhancing recall.

What is self-testing in the context of memory strategies?

A technique that forces retrieval of information, strengthening memory and understanding.

What are the two main types of long-term memory?

Explicit (declarative) memory and implicit (nondeclarative) memory.

What is explicit memory?

Memory that involves conscious recall, including semantic and episodic memory.

What is implicit memory?

Memory that does not require conscious recall, such as procedural memory and priming.

What is the phonological loop in memory systems?

It deals with verbal information.

What does the visuospatial sketchpad handle?

It manages visual and spatial information.

What is maintenance rehearsal?

Repetition of information to keep it active, but it does not lead to long-term retention.

What is the self-reference effect?

You remember information better when it is personally meaningful.

What is highly superior autobiographical memory (HSAM)?

A rare ability to remember detailed personal information with astonishing accuracy.

What is retrograde amnesia?

The inability to remember past memories before damage.

What is anterograde amnesia?

The inability to form new memories after damage, often associated with hippocampus damage.

What is Ebbinghaus's forgetting curve?

A pattern showing that we forget most of what we learn shortly after learning it.

What is encoding failure?

When information never fully enters long-term memory due to shallow processing.

What is retrieval failure?

When a memory exists but cannot be accessed at the moment.

What is the tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon?

The feeling that a word or fact is just out of reach.

What is proactive interference?

When old information makes it difficult to remember new information.

What is retroactive interference?

When new information makes it harder to recall old information.

What is repression in memory?

The unconscious blocking of memories that are emotionally painful or anxiety-inducing.

What is the misinformation effect?

When new misleading information is added to an existing memory.

What is source amnesia?

Forgetting where you learned something, remembering the content but not the source.

What is constructive memory?

The process of our memories being rebuilt when recalled, which can lead to inaccuracies.

What are effective retrieval strategies?

Self-testing, teaching concepts, summarizing from memory, and drawing concept maps.

What is the role of context in memory retrieval?

You remember things better when in the same environment as when you learned them.

What is state-dependent memory?

Your physical state at study and test time affects your ability to remember.

What is mood-congruent memory?

You tend to recall memories that match your current mood.

What is the self-testing effect?

Active recall and effortful retrieval lead to stronger memory connections.