Chapter 8: Memory

Recall

can access information without cues

Cerebellum

create implicit memories

Storage

creation of a permanent record of information

Automatic Processing

encoding of details like time, space, frequency, and the meaning of word; done without conscious awareness

Visual Encoding

encoding of images; can recall images more easily than words alone

Acoustic Encoding

encoding of sounds, words in particular; we remember though song, rhyme, and rhythm

Semantic Encoding

encoding of words and their meaning; better remembered because it involves a deeper level of processing than the shallower visual or acoustic encoding

Flashbulb Memory

exceptionally clear recollection of an important event

Engram

group of neurons that serve as the physically representation of memory

Declarative Memory

has to do with storage of facts and events we personally experienced

Recognition

identifying information that you have previously learned after encountering it again; process of comparrison

Equipotentiality Hypothesis

if part of one area of the brain involved in memory is damaged, another part of the same area can take over the memory function

Episodic Memory

information about events we have personally experienced

Encoding

input of information into the memory system

Relearning

involves learning information that you previously learned

Semantic Memory

knowledge about words, concepts, and language-based knowledge and facts

Implicit Memories (non-declarative)

memories that are not part of our consciousness; formed from behaviors

Memory Consolidation

move STM into long-term memory

Hippocampus

normal recognition, spatial memory; project information to cortical regions that give memories meaning and connect them with other connected memories; memory consolidation

Amygdala

regulates emotions; strongly influenced by stress hormones

Effortful Processing

requires more work and attention to encode information

Prefrontal Cortex

semantic task

Memory

set of process used to encode, store, and retrieve information over different periods of time

Sensory Memory

storage of brief sensory events, such as sights, and sounds, and tastes; has no impact on our lives

Procedural Memory

stores information about how to do things; memory for skilled actions

Arousal Theory

strong emotions trigger the formation of strong memories, and weaker emotional experiences form weaker memories; can also release hormones to strengthen memory

Short-Term Memory (STM)

temporary storage system that processes incoming sensory memory; also called the working memory; takes sensory information and some times connects that memory to something already in long-term (STM 7 plus or 2 minus)

Self-Reference Effect

tendency for an individual to have a better memory for information that relates to oneself in comparison to material that has less personal relevance

Retrieval

the act of getting information out of memory storage and back into conscious awareness

Rehearsal

the conscious repetition of information to be remembered

Long-Term Memory (LTM)

the continuous storage of information; has no limits; encompasses all the things you can remember that happened more than just a few minutes ago to all of the things you can remember that happened days, weeks, and years ago

Explicit Memories (Declarative)

those who consciously try to remember and recall