Psy 101 Chapter 7

Encoding: The processing of information into a neural code that can be stored in the brain.

Memory: The nervous system's ability to obtain and retain information and skills for later retrieval.

Retrieval: The act of accessing stored information when it is needed.

Storage: The retention of information in the brain over time.

Selective attention: The ability to direct mental resources to relevant information in order to process that information further while ignoring irrelevant information.

Sensory storage: A memory store that very briefly holds information from the five senses.

Short-term storage: A memory store that briefly holds a limited amount of information in awareness.

Working memory: An active processing system that allows manipulation of different types of information to keep it available for current use.

Chunking: Using working memory to organize information into meaningful units to make it easier to remember.

Elaborative rehearsal: Using working memory processes to think about how new information relates to yourself or your prior knowledge (semantic information); provides deeper encoding of information for more successful long-term storage.

Long-term storage: A memory store that allows relatively permanent retention for probably an unlimited amount of information.

Maintenance rehearsal: Using working memory processes to repeat information based on how it sounds (auditory information); provides only shallow encoding of information and less successful long-term storage.

Anterograde amnesia: A condition in which people lose the ability to form new memories after experiencing a brain injury.

Retrograde amnesia: A condition in which people lose the ability to access memories they had before a brain injury.

Episodic memory: A type of explicit memory that includes a person's personal experiences.

Explicit memory: The long-term storage of conscious memories that can be verbally described.

Semantic memory: A type of explicit memory that includes a person's knowledge about the world, independent of personal experiences.

Implicit memory: The long-term storage of unconscious memories that cannot be verbally described.

Procedural memory: A type of implicit memory that involves learning motor skills and behavioral habits and knowing how to do things.

Prospective memory: Remembering to perform an intentional act at an appropriate future time.

Consolidation: Process whereby immediate memories become lasting memories when new neural connections are created and prior neural connections get stronger.

Retrieval cue: Anything that helps a person access information in long-term storage.
Forgetting: The inability to access a memory from long-term storage.

Retroactive interference: A type of interference in recalling memories that occurs when access to older memories is impaired by newer memories.

Proactive interference: A type of interference in recalling memories that occurs when access to newer memories is impaired by older memories.

Flashbulb memories: Detailed and vivid memories about the circumstances in which we heard about surprising and emotionally arousing events.