Chapter 7: Episodic & Semantic Memory

memory misattribution

assigning a memory to the wrong source

declarative memory

memories which can be consciously recalled such as facts and events. Both semantic and episodic

nondeclarative memory

memory for skills, habits, emotional responses, and some reflexes Not easy to communicate

transfer-appropriate processing effect

retrieval more successful if cues available at recall similar to those available encoding Involves physical appearance of stimuli and physical context

Differences of episodic & semantic memory

semantic memory repeated exposure Episodic memory weakened by repeated exposure Mutually dependent

semantic memory

-memory for knowledge about the world & facts

Encoding 3 Basic Principles

-mere exposure does not guarantee memory -memory is better for information that relates to prior knowledge -deeper processing at encoding improves later recognition

explicit memory

Both consciously accessible

source amnesia

Remember info, but not source

Encoding

Transforming information into psychological formats

Similarities of episodic & semantic memory

both can be communicated flexibly (can be described) both consciously accessible (aware whether know or not)

episodic memory

-memory for specific events in your life (ex. Graduation) -includes spatial & temporal context (when or where)

When memory fails

Forgetting Interference Memory misattribution False memory

Role of cues

Free recall: open-ended (essay question) Cued recall: prompt provided (fill-in blank) Recognition: pick out correct answer from list options (multiple choice)

directed forgetting

Intentional forgetting

implicit memory

Memory beyond awareness

false memory

Memory of events never happened

Retrieving existing memories

Memory retrieval better when study and test More cues means better recall

Crypt amnesia

Mistakenly thinking thoughts novel/original, but actually remembering info learned elsewhere Can lead to plagiarism

Passive forgetting

Most forgetting occur within first few hrs/days; if survive might last indefinitely

retroactive interference

New information disrupt access to old info

proactive interference

Old information disrupt access to old info

Interferance

Two memories overlap in content, strength of either/both reduced

Consolidation period

Window when new memories easily lost; if memory survive after