Memory

Exam 3

Memory

a system that senses, organizes, retrieves, and stores information

Encoding

converting stimuli into memorable brain codes

Storage

holds encoded information

Retrieval

pulling information from storage

Information-processing model

assuming the processing of information for memory storage is similar to how a computer processes memory

Parallel Distributed processing model

the human brain has a network of simple processing units working at the same time

Sensory memory

point at which information enters the nervous system through the sensory system

Iconic memory

visual

Echonic

auditory

Selective Attention

the ability to focus on only one stimulus from among all sensory input

Short-term memory

memory system in which information is held for a brief period of time while being used

Working memory

an active system that processes the information in short-term memory

Maintenance Rehearsal

the practice of saying some information to be remembered over and over in one’s head in order to keep it in short-term memory

Long term memory

system of memory into which all the information is placed to be kept nearly permanent

Elaborative rehearsal

a method of transferring information from STM into LTM by making that information meaningful

Procedural Memory

motor skills, habits, emotional associations (Ex: getting into a car and turning the car on right away)

Declarative Memory

general knowledge, subconscious habits

Semantic

facts

Episodic

personal memory

Retrieval cues

a stimulus for remembering

Encoding specificity

Remembering information better when the same related information and stimuli is available both when learning and recalling it

Tip of tongue phenomenon

one feels they know the information, but they can’t seem to remember it in the moment

Serial Position Effect

you’re more likely to remember information at the beginning or end of a list

Flashbulb memories

automative encoding due to unexpected, highly emotional event

Constructive Processing

retrieval/content of memories altered by new information

Misinformation effect

misleading information presented after event can affect memory

Forgetting

the failure to properly restore information for future use

Retrograde Amnesia

loss of memory from the point of some injury or trauma

Anterograde

memory for anything new is impossible