Term | Definition |
Memory | the persistence of learning over time through the storage and retrieval of information |
Encoding | the processing of information into the memory system |
Storage | the retention of encoded information over time |
Retrieval | the process of getting information out of memory storage |
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, such as the seven digits of a phone number while dialing, before the information is stored or forgotten |
Long-Term Memory | the relatively permanent and limitless storehouse of the memory system. Includes knowledge, skills, and experiences |
Spacing Effect | the tendency for distributed study or practice to yield better long-term retention than is achieved through massed study or practice |
Serial Position Effect | the tendency to recall the first and last items in a list best |
Visual Encoding | the encoding of picture images |
Acoustic Encoding | the encoding of sounds |
Semantic Encoding | the encoding of meaning |
Imagery | mental pictures; a powerful aid to effortful processin |
Mnemonics | memory aids, especially those techniques that use vivid imagery and organization |
Chunking | organizing the items into familiar, manageable units; often occurs automatically |
Iconic Memory | a photographic memory |
Echoic Memory | a memory of specific sounds for a short time |
Long-Term Potentiation | an increase in a synapse's firing potential after brief, rapid stimulation. |
Flashbulb Memory | a clear memory of an emotionally significant moment or event |
Amnesia | the loss of memory |
Implicit Memory | retention independent of conscious recollection |
Explicit Memory | memory of facts and experiences that one knows and can "declare" |
Hippocampus | a neural center that is located in the limbic system; helps process explicit memories |
Recall | a measure of memory in which the person must retrieve information learned earlier |
Recognition | a measure of memory in which the person need only identify items preciously learned |
Relearning | a measure of memory that assesses the amount of time saved when learning material for a second time |
Priming | making particular associations in memory; often unconsciously |
deja vu | the eerie sense of "I have seen this before". Cues from the current situation triggering an earlier experience |
Mood-Congruent Memory | the tendency to recall experiences that are consistent with one's current good or bad mood |
Proactive Interference | the disruptive effect of prior learning on the recall of new information |
Retroactive Interference | the disruptive effect of new learning on the recall of old information |
Repression | banishing anxiety-arousing thoughts, feelings, and memories |
Misinformation Effect | incorporating misleading information into one's memory of an event |
Source Amnesia | attributing to the wrong source an event we have experienced or imagined |
Working Memory | focuses on the actual conscious and active processing of incoming auditory and visual information |
Parallel Processing | the processing of many aspects simultaneously |
Automatic Processing | unconscious encoding of incidental information |
Effortful Processing | encoding that requires attention and conscious effort |
Rehearsal | the conscious repetition of information |