Memory

Causes of forgetting

Encoding failure, Decay, Retrieval Failure, or Interference

chunking

Grouping clusters of info together for rehearsal and recall

semantic memory

Knowledge about words, concepts, and language- based knowledge and facts. objective info.

LTM 2 Branches: non-declarative memory

Memories that are not part of our consciousness. They are memories formed from behaviors. Motor skills, habits, etc.

interference

Sometimes information is stored in our memory, but for some reason it is inaccessible. Two types: proactive interference and retroactive interference

encoding failure

Sometimes memory loss happens before the actual memory process begins, which is encoding failure. We can't remember something if we never stored it in our memory in the first place. This would be like trying to find a book on your e-reader that you never actually purchased and downloaded.

displacement

The mind can store up to 7 bits of information in STM storage. Any more than that and information gets displaced or pushed out. Process includes chunking and rehearsal

declarative memory

The storage of facts and events we personally experienced. has two parts: semantic memory and episodic memory.

Short-term memory (STM)

a temporary storage system that processes incoming sensory memory; sometimes it is called working memory. Short-term memory takes information from sensory memory and sometimes connects that memory to something already in long-term memory. Short-term memory storage lasts about 20 seconds.

recall

access information without cues

retrieval failure

failure to get information out of long-term memory storage and back into conscious awareness

recognition

identify information that you have previously learned after encountering it again.

episodic memory

information about events we have personally experienced. mental diary

Retroactive interference

information learned more recently hinders the recall of older information.

relearning

learning information that you previously learned.

retrieval

recall, recognition, relearning

sensory memory

storage of brief sensory events, such as sights, sounds, and tastes. It is very brief storage—up to a couple of seconds.

rehearsal

the conscious repetition of information to be remembered

Long-term memory (LTM)

the continuous storage of information. Unlike short-term memory, the storage capacity of LTM has no limits. Like info saved on a HD.

decay

unused information tends to fade with the passage of time.

proactive interference

when old information hinders the recall of newly learned information.