studying and encoding memories (module 31)

Memory: The persistence of learning over time through the storage and retrieval of information.
Recall: A measure of memory in which the person must retrieve information learned earlier (e.g., a fill-in-the-blank test).
Recognition: A measure of memory in which the person identifies items previously learned (e.g., a multiple-choice test).
Relearning: A measure of memory that assesses the amount of time saved when learning material again.

Encoding: The initial processing of information into the memory system.
Storage: The process of retaining encoded information over time.
Retrieval: The process of getting information out of memory storage.
Parallel Processing: The processing of many aspects of a problem or stimulus simultaneously.

Sensory Memory: The immediate, very brief recording of sensory information in the memory system.
Short-Term Memory: Activated memory that holds a few items briefly before the information is stored or forgotten.
Long-Term Memory: The relatively permanent and limitless storehouse of the memory system, including knowledge, skills, and experiences.
Working Memory: A newer understanding of short-term memory that focuses on conscious, active processing of incoming auditory and visual-spatial information, as well as information retrieved from long-term memory.

Explicit Memory (Declarative Memory): Memory of facts and experiences that one can consciously know and "declare."
Effortful Processing: Encoding that requires attention and conscious effort.
Implicit Memory (Nondeclarative Memory): Retention of learned skills or classically conditioned associations independent of conscious recollection.
Automatic Processing: Unconscious encoding of incidental information (such as space, time, and frequency) and of well-learned information.

Iconic Memory: A momentary sensory memory of visual stimuli; a photographic or picture-image memory lasting no more than a few tenths of a second.
Echoic Memory: A momentary sensory memory of auditory stimuli; sounds and words can still be recalled within 3 or 4 seconds if attention was elsewhere.

Chunking: Organizing items into familiar, manageable units; often occurs automatically.
Mnemonics: Memory aids, especially those techniques that use vivid imagery and organizational devices.
Hierarchies: Structure where complex information is divided into broad concepts and subdivided into narrower categories.
Spacing Effect: The tendency for distributed study or practice to yield better long-term retention than is achieved through massed study or practice.
Testing Effect: Enhanced memory after retrieving, rather than simply rereading, information.

Shallow Processing: Encoding on a basic level based on the structure or appearance of words.
Deep Processing: Encoding semantically, based on the meaning of the words; tends to yield the best retention.