45 Memory Retrieval and Reconstruction

These flashcards cover key concepts related to memory retrieval, the effects of context on memory, special types of memories, and the reconstruction of memories.

Recall

Memories are retrieved with few or no cues.

Recognition

Identifying previously learned information based on cues.

Encoding specificity

Information present at the time of encoding tends to be a good retrieval cue.

Context-dependent memory

Retrieval is better when in the same context as when the memory was initially encoded.

Serial Position Effect

The tendency for information at the beginning and end of a list to be remembered more accurately than information in the middle.

Primacy effect

Better recall for information at the beginning of a list due to more possibility for rehearsal and elaboration.

Recency effect

Better recall for information at the end of a list, as it is still in Short Term Memory (STM).

Autobiographical memories

Memories of one's own life experiences, categorized as episodic.

Flashbulb memories

Very vivid and relatively accurate memories for an event, usually with strong emotional associations.

Reconstruction of memories

The process of rebuilding or reconstructing a memory, often resulting in alterations influenced by newer information.

Reconstructive processing

Memories are altered, revised, or influenced by newer information.