AP Psychology: Topic 2.5 - Storing Memories

Sensory memory

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

Short-term memory

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

Working memory

the part of memory that holds a limited amount of information at the ready for immediate use

Long-term memory

the relatively permanent and limitless storehouse of the memory system; includes knowledge, skills, and experiences

Maintenance rehearsal

repeatedly verbalizing or thinking about a piece of information; allows information to be held from 20-30

Elaborative rehearsal

transferring something to long-term memory by thinking about its meaning, as opposed to simply repeating it over and over

Memory retention

the ability to retain and use information

Autobiographical memory

a form of episodic memory consisting of a person's recollections of his or her life experiences

Retrograde amnesia

loss of memory from the point of some injury or trauma backwards, or loss of memory for the past

Anterograde amnesia

inability to form new memories while still maintaining past memories

Alzheimer's disease

a specific type of dementia characterized by progressive memory loss and cognitive decline

Infantile amnesia

inability of adults to remember personal experiences that took place before an early age