memory
Our ability to store and retrieve information, and any indication that learning has persisted over time.
encoding
Term for getting information into long term memory
storage
Term for retention of encoded information
retrieval
the process of getting information out of memory storage
Three Stage model
Model of memory with three stages: a) sensory memory, b) short-term memory (working memory), and c) long-term memory.
sensory memory
The immediate, very brief recording of sensory information in the memory system.
working memory
Other name for short term memory. Conscious, active processing of incoming auditory and visual-spatial information, and of information retrieved from long-term memory
0.5 to 3 seconds
Duration of sense memory
20 to 30 seconds
Duration of short term memory (working memory)
relatively permanent
Duration of long term memory
fading
How memory is lost from sensory memory
environmental interference
How memory is lost from short term (working) memory
lack of use
How memory is lost from long term memory.
5 to 9 items
Capacity of short term memory
unlimited
Capacity of long term memory.
attention
How we encode information from sensory memory into short term (working) memory (except for personal experience).
practice and rehearsing
How we get information from short term (working) memory into long term memory.
long term memory
The relatively permanent and limitless storehouse of the memory system.
automatic processing
Effortless encoding of information about space, time and frequency.
effortful processing
Encoding that requires attention and conscious effort.
rehearsal
Effortful learning involving conscious repetition of information either to maintain it in consciousness or to encode it for storage.
spacing effect
The tendency for distributed study or practice to yield better long-term retention than is achieved through massed study or practice. A memory effect.
serial position effect
The tendency to recall best the last and first items on a list, but poor in the middle. Overcome by distributed practice. A memory effect.
encoding meaning
Processing the meaning of verbal information by associating it with what we already know or imagine. It results in better recognition later than visual or acoustic encoding
visual encoding
Using mental pictures (imagery) as a powerful aid to effortful processing. e.g. Loci system of memory - visualizing items in locations.
organizing information
Break down complex information into broad concepts and further subdivide them into categories and subcategories. E.g. Chunking and hierarchies
chunking
Organizing items into a familiar, manageable unit. e.g. Acronyms
hierarchy
Complex information broken down into broad concepts and further subdivided into categories and subcategories
flashbulb memory
A clear memory of an emotionally significant moment or event.
implicit memory
Type of long term memory, retained vial learned skills or conditioning, often without conscious awareness of learn. It is processed in the cerebellum.
explicit memory
Type of long term memory of facts and personal events that involves conscious recall. It is processed in the hippocampus.
3 years
Age of a child before which the hippocampus is not fully formed, so explicit memories cannot be fully formed.
anterograde amnesia
Condition where a person has no memory for new events, such as when there is damage to the hippocampus.
retrograde amnesia
Condition where a person has no memory of old events, such as anything before an accident or stressful event.
recognition
memory demonstrated by identifying items previously learned, as on a multiple-choice test
recall
memory demonstrated by retrieving information learned earlier, as on a fill-in-the-blank test
relearning
Memory demonstrated by time saved when learning material a second time.
mood congruent memory
The tendency to recall experiences that are consistent with your current mood (good or bad)
d�j� vu
Unconscious retrieval of a memory of an earlier similar experience.
state dependent memory
Memory that is recalled because you are in the same physiological state as when you were learning the information
mood dependent memory
Memory that is recalled because you are in the same mood as when you were learning the information.