Unit VII A Vocab

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

the retention of encoded information over time

the process of getting information out of memory storage

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

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.

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

encoding that requires attention and conscious effort

the conscious repetition of information, either to maintain it in consciousness or to encode it for storage

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

our tendency to recall best the last and first items in a list

the encoding of picture images

the encoding of sound, especially the sound of words

the encoding of meaning, including the meaning of words

mental pictures; a powerful aid to effortful processing, especially when combined with semantic encoding

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

organizing items into familiar, manageable units; often occurs automatically

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

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

a clear memory of an emotionally significant moment or event

the loss of memory

retention independent of conscious recollection (also called non-declarative or procedural memory)

memory of facts and experiences that one can consciously know and "declare" (also called declarative memory)

a neural center that is located in the limbic system; helps process explicit memories for storage

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 activation, often unconsciously, of particular associations in memory

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

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

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

incorporating misleading information into one's memory of an event

attributing to the wrong source an event that we have experienced, heard about, read about, or imagined (also called misattribution). Source amnesia, along with the misinformation effect, is at the heart of many false memories.

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

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

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