Pyschology

Memory

The process of encoding, storing, and retrieving information

Encoding

Converting information into a form the brain can store

Storage

Retaining encoded information over time

Retrieval

Accessing stored information and bringing it to conscious awareness

Recall

Retrieving information without external cues

Recognition

Identifying learned information with cues present

Relearning

Faster learning when material is studied again

Explicit Memory

Conscious memories of facts and experiences

Episodic Memory

Explicit memory of personal experiences tied to time and place

Semantic Memory

Explicit memory of facts and general knowledge

Implicit Memory

Unconscious memories that influence behavior

Procedural Memory

Implicit memory for skills and actions

Prospective Memory

Remembering to perform planned future actions

Long-Term Potentiation (LTP)

Strengthening of neural connections through repeated use

Working Memory

Temporary system for holding and manipulating information

Central Executive

Directs attention and controls working memory processes

Phonological Loop

Holds and rehearses verbal and auditory information

Visuospatial Sketchpad

Holds visual and spatial information

Sensory Memory

Brief storage of sensory information

Short-Term Memory (STM)

Holds limited information for about 30 seconds

Long-Term Memory (LTM)

Relatively permanent storage with unlimited capacity

Iconic Memory

Brief visual sensory memory lasting less than one second

Echoic Memory

Brief auditory sensory memory lasting about 3–4 seconds

Effortful Processing

Encoding that requires attention and conscious effort

Automatic Processing

Unconscious encoding of information like space and time

Maintenance Rehearsal

Repeating information to keep it in short-term memory

Elaborative Rehearsal

Linking new information to existing knowledge

Overlearning

Practicing information beyond initial mastery

Shallow Processing

Encoding based on appearance or sound

Structural Encoding

Encoding based on physical appearance

Phonemic Encoding

Encoding based on sound

Deep Processing

Encoding based on meaning

Semantic Encoding

Encoding based on meaning and understanding

Mnemonic Device

A memory aid using patterns or associations

Chunking

Grouping information into meaningful units

Hierarchy

Organizing information by importance or specificity

Method of Loci

Associating information with familiar physical locations

Spacing Effect

Better retention when studying is spread over time

Testing Effect

Improved memory through active recall and self-testing

Serial Position Effect

Better memory for items at the beginning and end of a list

Primacy Effect

Better recall of early list items

Recency Effect

Better recall of later list items

Encoding Failure

Information was never successfully stored in memory

Proactive Interference

Old information interferes with learning new information

Retroactive Interference

New information interferes with recall of old information

Tip-of-the-Tongue Phenomenon

Temporary inability to retrieve known information

False Memory

A distorted or fabricated memory that feels real

Misinformation Effect

Memory altered by misleading post-event information

Source Amnesia

Remembering information but forgetting its source

Reconstructive Memory

Memory rebuilt using existing knowledge

Imagination Inflation

Imagining an event increases belief it occurred

Context-Dependent Memory

Better recall in the same environment as learning

Mood-Congruent Memory

Recall matches current emotional state

State-Dependent Memory

Better recall in the same physical or mental state