Introduction to Memory

Explicit Memory

Memory that involves effort and concentration; includes episodic and semantic memories.

Episodic Memory

Specific events or periods in one’s life.

Semantic Memory

General information known.

Implicit Memory

Memory that does not require effort; includes procedural memories.

Procedural Memory

Memory for specific actions that have procedures, such as biking or swimming.

Prospective Memory

Remembering to do something in the future.

Neurogenesis

The process of creating new neurons in the brain.

Long-Term Potentiation (LTP)

The neural explanation for how memories form and endure; involves strengthening synaptic connections.

Working Memory

Memory that helps people hold and manipulate information for a limited time.

Visuospatial Sketchpad

Component of working memory responsible for visual and spatial information.

Long-Term Memory

Memory with no limits; information can be added anytime.

Multi-Store Model

The theory of how human memory functions.

Sensory Memory

A brief retention of sensory information (less than ½ a second); can be lost if not attended to.

Central Executive

The control center of memory that manages attention.

Phonological Loop

A component of working memory that maintains verbal and auditory information.

Iconic Memory

The ability to recall visual information for a brief period (about one second).

Echoic Memory

Auditory information that can be recalled for a short duration (about 3-4 seconds) without paying full attention.

Shallow Processing

A surface level of processing that may not lead to long-term memory; lacks meaning.

Deep Processing

A method of encoding that involves adding meaning to information to enhance memory.

Automatic Processing

The encoding of stimuli that occurs without conscious effort.

Effortful Processing

Encoding that requires thought and effort to understand and remember.

Encoding

The process of attending to information and passing it to storage.

Storing

The process of retaining information over time after it has been encoded.

Retrieval

The process of getting information out from memory storage.

Structural Processing

A type of shallow processing that focuses on the visual aspect of information.

Phonemic Processing

A type of processing that focuses on the sound of information.

Semantic Processing

A type of deep processing that involves adding meaning to information.