Ch. 8

7. Describe the controversy about repressed memory syndrome. Which memory researcher played a prominent role in this controversy?

ELizabeth Loftus

3. Describe the differences between short term and long term capacity for memory.

Short-term memory has a fairly limited capacity and can hold items for only short periods of time while long-term memory can store unlimited amounts of information indefinitely. The more that short-term memory information is used or repeated, the more likely it is to become part of the long-term memory.

6. What is the difference between declarative (explicit) and nondeclarative (implicit) memory?

explicit (or declarative) memory and implicit (or procedural) memory. Declarative memory ("knowing what") is memory of facts and events, and refers to those memories that can be consciously recalled (or "declared"). It is sometimes called explicit memory, since it consists of information that is explicitly stored and retrieved, although it is more properly a subset of explicit memory. Declarative memory can be further sub-divided into episodic memory and semantic memory. Procedural memory ("knowing how") is the unconscious memory of skills and how to do things, particularly the use of objects or movements of the body, such as tying a shoelace, playing a guitar or riding a bike. These memories are typically acquired through repetition and practice, and are composed of automatic sensorimotor behaviours that are so deeply embedded that we are no longer aware of them. Once learned, these "body memories" allow us to carry out ordinary motor actions more or less automatically. Procedural memory is sometimes referred to as implicit memory, because previous experiences aid in the performance of a task without explicit and conscious awareness of these previous experiences, although it is more properly a subset of implicit memory.

2. What are the three main processes of memory? Describe each of them.

he three main processes involved in human memory are therefore encoding, storage and recall (retrieval).

What is a basic definition of memory?

the power or process of remembering what has been learned.