PSYCH LEARNING BRENT NOTES

the persistence of learning over time through the storage and retrieval of information

A measure of memory in which the person must retrieve information learned earlier, as on a fill-in-the-blank test.

a measure of memory in which the person need only identify items previously learned, as on a multiple-choice test

a measure of memory that assesses the amount of time saved when learning material for a second time

the processing of information into the memory system—for example, by extracting meaning.

the process of retaining encoded information over time

the process of bringing to mind information that has been previously encoded and stored

the processing of many aspects of a problem simultaneously; the brain's natural mode of information processing for many functions, including vision. Contrasts with the step-by-step (serial) processing of most computers and of conscious problem solving.

the immediate, very brief recording of sensory information in the memory system

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

the relatively permanent and limitless storehouse of the memory system. Includes knowledge, skills, and experiences.

a newer understanding of short-term memory that focuses on conscious, active processing of incoming auditory and visual-spatial information, and of information retrieved from long-term memory

memory of facts and experiences that one can consciously know and "declare"

encoding that requires attention and conscious effort

unconscious encoding of incidental information, such as space, time, and frequency, and of well-learned information, such as word meanings

Memories we don't deliberately remember or reflect on consciously

a momentary sensory memory of visual stimuli; a photographic or picture-image memory lasting no more than a few tenths of a second

a momentary sensory memory of auditory stimuli; if attention is elsewhere, sounds and words can still be recalled within 3 or 4 seconds

organizing items into familiar, manageable units; often occurs automatically

memory aids, especially those techniques that use vivid imagery and organizational devices

the tendency for distributed study or practice to yield better long-term retention than is achieved through massed study or practice

enhanced memory after retrieving, rather than simply rereading, information. Also sometimes referred to as a retrieval practice effect or test-enhanced learning.

encoding on a basic level based on the structure or appearance of words

encoding semantically, based on the meaning of the words; tends to yield the best retention

a network of associated facts and concepts that make up our general knowledge of the world

the collection of past personal experiences that occurred at a particular time and place

A neural center located in the limbic system that helps process explicit memories for storage.

the gradual, physical process of converting new long-term memories to stable, enduring memory codes

A clear and vivid long-term memory of an especially meaningful and emotional event.

an increase in a synapse's firing potential after brief, rapid stimulation. Believed to be a neural basis for learning and memory.

the activation, often unconsciously, of certain associations, thus predisposing one's perception, memory, or response

the idea that cues and contexts specific to a particular memory will be most effective in helping us recall it

the tendency to recall experiences that are consistent with one's current good or bad mood

our tendency to recall best the last (a recency effect) and first items (a primacy effect) in a list

an inability to form new memories

an inability to retrieve information from one's past

the disruptive effect of prior learning on the recall of new information

the disruptive effect of new learning on the recall of old information

in psychoanalytic theory, the basic defense mechanism that banishes from consciousness anxiety-arousing thoughts, feelings, and memories

a process in which previously stored memories, when retrieved, are potentially altered before being stored again

incorporating misleading information into one's memory of an event

attributing to the wrong source an event we have experienced, heard about, read about, or imagined

that eerie sense that "I've experienced this before." Cues from the current situation may subconsciously trigger retrieval of an earlier experience.

the course of forgetting is initially rapid, then levels off with time

the gradual weakening of memories resulting from the mere passage of time

the inability to recall long-term memories because of inadequate or missing retrieval cues

Remembering past events and features of these events and putting them together during memory recall.