Key terms- Memory

Short term memory- the smaller store for memory with a limited capacity and duration

Long-term memory- the permanent store for memory with an unlimited capacity and a lifetime duration

Duration- the length of time that information can be held

Capacity- the amount of information which can be held

Coding- the format in which information is stored

Sensory registry- memory store for information coming from different senses before being coded

Multi-Store model- a structural model to show how memory works with a unitary long term store, unitary short term store, maintenance rehearsal loop and sensory register

Episodic memory- long term memory store for events

Semantic memory- long term memory store for knowledge

Procedural memory- long term memory store for skills

Working memory model- a representation of the short term memory

Central executive- section of the working memory model which delegates and coordinates tasks for the other sections

Phonological loop- a component of the working memory model that processes sound information

Articulatory process- A part of the phonological loop which rehearses verbal information to keep it in the working memory for longer

Phonological store- stores words you hear

Visuo-spatial sketchpad- part of the working memory model which processes visual and spatial information

Visual cache- part of the Visuo-spatial sketchpad which stores visual information like colour and shape/form

Inner scribe- part of the Visuo-spatial sketchpad which records spatial and movement relations (arrangement of objects)

Episodic Buffer- a component of the working memory model which brings together material from other areas into a single memory

Proactive interference- when old memories interfere with new memories

Retroactive interference- when new memories interfere with old memories

Interference- forgetting because one memory blocked another, causing one or both memories to become distorted or forgotten

Encoding specificity principle- the idea that when you learn information (encoding) you are surrounded by cues and to be able to recall this information the same cue needs to be present at retrieval or forgetting will occur

Context dependent retrieval- the cue for the encoding specificity principle is the context in which the information is learned and is external

State dependent retrieval- the idea that the cue for the encoding specificity principle is the state you were in when the information was learnt and is internal

Eyewitness testimony- the ability of people to remember details of events which they have observed

Leading questions- a question where some of the information provided may prompt a certain answer

Post Event discussion- When witnesses discuss a crime after seeing it with other co-witnesses or people

Misleading information- Incorrect information given to the eyewitness after seeing an event

Weapon focus effect- when a person gains tunnel vision when seeing a crime and focuses only on the weapon

Anxiety- a state of emotional and physical arousal including worries thoughts or feelings, an increased heart rate, pupil dilation etc.

Yerkes-Dodson Law- the idea that if you have too high levels of anxiety you will remember less but that a little anxiety will help you remember better due to the arousal

Cognitive interview- a method of interviewing eyewitnesses to help them retrieve more accurate memories

Report everything- a technique of the cognitive interview in which the eyewitness is asked to recall every detail to try and increase the number of cues

Reinstate context- a technique of the cognitive interview in which the eyewitness in encouraged to recreate the environment and talk about their personal thoughts and feelings to allow context or state retrieval and increase the number of cues

Reverse order- a technique in the cognitive interview in which the eyewitness is asked to recall the events in a non-chronological order to avoid peoples schemas from filling in any gaps

Changing perspective- a technique in the cognitive interview in which the eyewitness is asked to recall the event from an alternative perspective to avoid their schemas from filling in any gaps

Enhanced cognitive interview- a version of the cognitive interview which also contains social aspects to try and build a rapport with the eyewitness and reduce their anxiety