Memory: Encoding, Storage, and Retrieval

Memory

The ability to store and retrieve information across time.

Declarative memory

The kind of memory needed for most classes, produced by thinking.

Experimental science

The study field of human memory.

New data

Information that emerges daily.

Theories evolution

The process of adapting old findings with new ones.

Sensory memory

Brief memory necessary for perception to function well.

Short-term memory (STM)

Conscious awareness of information lasting up to 30 seconds.

Long-term memory (LTM)

Stored information not currently in consciousness but may be in the future.

Memory stages

Encoding, storage, and retrieval.

Storage duration

The length of time a memory persists.

Iconic memory

Visual sensory memory lasting 400 ms.

Echoic memory

Auditory sensory memory lasting about 3 seconds.

Brown - Peterson paradigm

A method to study short-term memory duration.

Memory Span Test

A test to measure short-term memory capacity.

Recency Effect

Tendency to remember items at the end of a list better.

Baddeley experiment

Demonstrated interference in short-term memory with similar-sounding words.

Working memory

Temporary storage and processing of information.

Daneman & Carpenter's reading span test

A test correlating working memory capacity with general intelligence.

Phonological Storage

Component of working memory storing verbal information in a phonological code.

Visuospatial Scratchpad

Component of working memory storing visual and spatial information.

Episodic Buffer

Holds current goals, plans, and info retrieved from LTM

Central Executive

Sets plans for achieving current goals, connects storage systems, monitors and evaluates performance, controls the three storage systems, deletes unneeded info, and adds new internally created information

Phonological Loop

Stores initial list of things to get and updates by deleting items just acquired

Span Test

A test where participants see a series of letters or spatial locations and must recreate the list after the last item is presented, used to study memory storage

Digit Span Test

Participants hear numbers and repeat them in the same order, used to study memory storage

Articulatory Suppression

Inhibiting memory performance by continuously vocalizing irrelevant sounds while processing information

Attention

A limited resource that affects memory, with unattended information receiving weaker sensory processing and leading to poor memory

Ebbinghaus Method

A method of studying memory involving lists of nonsense syllables, repeated study and testing until 100% recall, and investigating factors influencing learning

Overlearning

Continuing to study and test material even after achieving 100% recall, leading to better long-term retention

Distributed Practice

Spreading study sessions over time, which is more effective for retention than massed practice

Retrieval Practice

Practicing recalling information from memory, which aids in long-term retention

Generation Effect

Higher accuracy in recalling or recognizing words that were actively generated during the study phase

Testing Effect

The phenomenon where practicing recalling information without feedback leads to better long-term retention compared to restudying

Semantic clustering

Organizing information into related groups to improve recall.

Recency effect

Tendency to recall the last items in a series more easily.

Distinctiveness

Standing out from the background, which aids memory.

Von Restorff Effect

The phenomenon where distinctive items are more easily remembered.

Episodic memory

Memory for specific events in one's life.

Semantic memory

Memory for general knowledge and facts.

Dual coding theory

Theory suggesting that concrete words are easier to remember due to having both verbal and visual associations.

Gist memory

Recalling the main idea or essence of an event rather than specific details.

Levels of Processing Theory

Theory stating that memory recall is better when information is deeply processed.

Shallow processing

Superficial processing of information, leading to poor memory retention.

Deep processing

In-depth processing of information, leading to better memory retention.

Levels of Processing

Memory theory suggesting deeper levels of analysis lead to better long-term memory retention.

Transfer-Appropriate Processing

Memory theory emphasizing that memory performance is enhanced when the type of processing during encoding matches the type during retrieval.

Encoding Specificity

Phenomenon where memory retrieval is more effective when the cues present during encoding match those during retrieval.

Context-Dependent Memory

Memory phenomenon where recall is better when the context at encoding matches the context at retrieval.

Mood-Congruent Memory

Memory effect where information is better recalled when the mood during encoding matches the mood during retrieval.

Mood-Dependent Memory

Memory phenomenon where recall is better when the mood at encoding matches the mood at retrieval.

Priming Score

Difference in accuracy between recalling studied words and new words, indicating memory performance.

Environmental Context

Memory context influenced by the physical surroundings during encoding and retrieval.

Semantic Context

Memory context influenced by the meaning and connections of information during encoding and retrieval.

Pharmacological Context

Memory context influenced by the presence or absence of drugs or substances during encoding and retrieval.

Language Context

Memory context influenced by the language used during encoding and retrieval.

Emotion & Memory

Relationship between emotional states and memory performance, including mood congruent and mood-dependent memory effects.

Encoding & Retrieval Match

The concept that memory retrieval is more effective when the mental operations during encoding match those during retrieval.

Meaningful Material

Information that has significance or relevance, leading to better memory retention.

Attention to Meaning

Focusing on the significance or implications of information, influencing memory recall.

Random Order Recall

Recall performance when items are presented in a random sequence without organization.

Organized Recall

Recall performance when items are grouped into sub-categories or organized in a structured manner.

Expertise Memory

Enhanced memory performance in individuals with expertise in a specific domain or field.

Master Chess Players

Skilled chess players who can memorize and replicate complex board positions, particularly from real games.

Novice Chess Players

Inexperienced chess players who struggle to memorize and replicate complex board positions, especially from random arrangements.

Memory Test

Assessment to evaluate an individual's ability to recall information, often using different types of retrieval tasks.

Study Phase

Initial phase where information is learned or encoded before memory tests are conducted.

Recognition Test

Memory assessment where individuals identify previously encountered items from a list of options.

Semantic Study

Learning task focusing on the meaning and relationships of words or concepts to enhance memory performance.

Rhyming Study Task

Learning task involving identifying words that rhyme with studied items to improve memory recall.

Deep Study Task

Learning activity that requires elaborate processing and meaningful engagement with the material for better memory retention.