Memory and Amnesia

Flashcards covering key concepts related to memory processes, types of memory, and amnesia.

Memory

The process by which information is retained for later use.

Short-term memory (STM)

Holds approximately 7 items plus or minus 2 for about 20 seconds.

Long-term memory (LTM)

Relatively permanent memory that can hold vast amounts of information for years.

Maintenance rehearsal

Sheer repetition that is not effective for transferring information to long-term memory.

Elaborative rehearsal

A very effective method of thinking about information in a deeper way by generating your own examples and linking information to your own life.

Semantic network

Linking items in a way such that retrieving one item triggers the retrieval of others.

Overlearning

Continued rehearsal even after the material seems to be mastered.

Attention

The process of focusing on information that is necessary for encoding into memory.

Encoding

Organizing and transforming information for storage in memory.

Storage

The retention of information for later use.

Retrieval

Accessing the stored memory to bring it back into conscious awareness.

Free recall

A memory task where you reproduce information without external cues.

Recognition

A memory task where items are presented, and you determine if they were previously encountered.

Declarative memory

Stored long-term knowledge of facts about ourselves and the world.

Procedural memory

Stored long-term memories for how to do things.

Explicit memory

Conscious memory that can be verbally described.

Implicit memory

Unconscious memory that is not easily articulated.

Anterograde amnesia

Inability to store new information in long-term memory.

Korsakoff’s syndrome

A form of anterograde amnesia associated with chronic alcoholism.

Retrograde amnesia

Inability to retrieve long-term memories from the past.

Engram

The physical representation of memory in the brain.

Cerebellum

Brain structure essential for procedural memory.

Amygdala and hippocampus

Brain structures essential for memories of emotional significance.