Memory Encoding and Language Development Theories

Automatic encoding

Memory process requiring no effort or attention.

Effortful encoding

Memory process requiring attention and focus.

Deep processing

More meaningful processing enhances memory retention.

Imagery

Using visual images to aid memory recall.

Self-referent encoding

Better memory for personally relevant information.

Dual Encoding

Combining different encoding types improves memory.

Chunking

Breaking information into smaller units for memory.

Mnemonics

Memory aids like acronyms or memory palaces.

Context dependent memory

Recall improved when in the same environment.

Sensory memory

Initial storage for all incoming stimuli.

Iconic memory

Visual memory lasting 0.3 seconds.

Echoic memory

Auditory memory lasting 2-3 seconds.

Short term memory

Holds information for 30 seconds, 7±2 items.

Long term memory

Memory storage lasting a lifetime.

Explicit memory

Conscious recollection of information.

Episodic memory

Memory of personal events and experiences.

Semantic memory

Memory of facts and general knowledge.

Implicit memory

Unconscious recollection of skills and tasks.

Procedural memory

Memory for skills and actions.

Priming

Earlier exposure influences later memory retrieval.

Serial position effect

Better recall for items at the beginning and end.

Recall

Retrieving information without cues.

Recognition

Identifying previously learned information with cues.

Flashbulb memories

Vivid memories of significant events.

Repressed memories

Unconsciously buried memories, often unreliable.

Forgetting curve

Rapid initial forgetting followed by a plateau.

Proactive interference

Old information disrupts recall of new information.

Retroactive interference

New information disrupts recall of old information.

Misinformation effect

Memory distortion due to misleading information.

Anterograde amnesia

Inability to form new memories after trauma.

Retrograde amnesia

Inability to recall past memories before trauma.

Alzheimer's disease

Memory loss due to acetylcholine destruction.

Imitation

Children repeat heard language imperfectly.

Overregularization

Children misuse grammar rules in speech.

Inborn universal grammar

Innate ability to learn language.

Critical period

Time frame for essential language acquisition.

Linguistic determinism

Language shapes our thought processes.

Concepts

Mental categories for grouping similar items.

Prototypes

Ideal examples used for comparison within concepts.

Algorithms

Step-by-step procedures guaranteeing a solution.

Heuristics

Mental shortcuts for problem-solving.

Representative heuristic

Judging based on stereotypes or typical examples.

Availability heuristic

Estimating frequency based on recent examples.

Functional fixedness

Inability to see alternative uses for objects.

Belief bias

Preexisting beliefs distort logical reasoning.

Belief perseverance

Clinging to beliefs despite contrary evidence.

Inductive reasoning

Drawing general conclusions from specific data.

Deductive reasoning

Logical conclusions drawn from general principles.

Divergent thinking

Generating multiple ideas or solutions simultaneously.