PSY 200 - Chapter 7: Memory

Redintegration

A retrieval cue, triggers a flood of seemingly forgotten details, linked to memories of the past.

Memory

The system by which we retain information and bring it to mind.

The three processes of memory

1. Encoding

2. Storage

3. Retrieval

1. Encoding

Converting information into memory (senses - memory)

2. Storage

Retaining information into memory

3. Retrieval

Bringing stored information to mind

causes of retrieval failure

Interference and stress

Sensory Memory

Unconscious stage of memory; holds an exact recording of information for a few seconds

Iconic memories

A mental image (sensory memory)

Echoic memories

brief activity in the auditory system after hearing a sound

Short-term memory

holds small amounts of information, consciously, for about a dozen seconds

working memory

Another form of STM, used for problem solving

Long-term memory

Permanent memory storage, limitless

Maintenance Rehearsal

silently repeating or mentally reviewing information to hold in STM

Rote Rehearsal

Learning by simple repetition

Elaborative Processing

Encoding links between new information and existing memories while learning

Information bits

units if information such as numbers or letters

Information chunks

bits of information grouped together

False Memories

A memory that seems accurate but is not

Source Confusion

occurs when the origin of a memory is misremembered

Network Model

a model of memory that views it as an organized system of linked information

Retrieval cue

any information which can prompt or trigger the retrieval of memories, can also enhance memory

Redintegration

when memories are reconstructed or expanded by starting with one memory followed by related ones

Types of LTM

Procedual, Declarative, Semantic, and Episodic

Procedual Memory

long-term memories of conditioned responses and learned skills, automatic

Declarative Memory

contains specific information, such as faces, names, symbols, dates, etc

Semantic Memory

stores information like names of objects, days of the week and months of the year, words, etc. 

Episodic Memory

record of personal experiences linked to specific time and places.

Levels of processing theory

The more you try to process and remember something, the more you will.

Ebbinghaus curve of forgetting

showed that forgetting is rapid and followed by a slow decline