Memory Encoding & Storage

Organizational Encoding

breaking down complex info into broad concepts and further dividing those (i.e., hierarchy- animal web)

Encoding and Specificity

info is retrieved more easily in the same context that it was learned (scuba diver example)

Long-Term Memory

essentially unlimited capacity store, with the contents typically encoded by meaning

Short-Term/Working Memory

has a limited capacity and short duration; can store 7 +/- 2 meaningful items at once -Rehearsal: mental repetition of info -Chunking: combining small pieces of info into larger clusters/chunks

Visual Encoding

using mental pictures (imagery) to aid effortful processing -mnemonic techniques use vivid imagery in aiding memory

Explicit VS. Implicit Memory (both LT)

*Explicit Memory- conscious or intentional retrieval of info; consists of Semantic Memory (facts/general knowledge) + Episodic Memory (personal experiences) *Implicit Memory- UNconscious or UNintentional retrieval of info; consists of Procedural Memory (motor and cognitive skills) + Priming (enhanced identification of objects/words) + Classical & Operant Conditioning

Long-Term Memory Systems

-Long Term Memory: 1) Explicit (with conscious recall) 2) Implicit (without conscious recall) -Explicit: a. Semantic (facts & general knowledge) b. Episodic (personally experienced events) -Implicit: a. Procedural (motor & cognitive skills) b. Priming (enhanced identification of objects/words) c. Classical & Operant Conditioning

Retrieval Cues

-external info that is associated with stored info and helps bring it to mind; memories are held in storage by a web of associations (fire-truck example) -Priming: to retrieve a specific memory from the web of associations, you must first activate one of the strands that leads to it (ex: seeing or hearing the word "rabbit" -> activates concept -> primes spelling the spoken word "hair/hare" as h-a-r-e)

Elaborative Encoding

-process of actively relating new info to KNOWLEDGE that's already in memory (semantic encoding results in better retention than visual or acoustic encoding) -self-reference effect: the facilitation of memory that occurs when people relate information to their self-concept (demonstrates the power of elaborative encoding)

Amnesia (2 types)

1) Anterograde Amnesia= cannot form new memories, but show signs of unconscious learning (usually permanent) 2) Retrograde Amnesia= cannot remember old memories (less likely to be permanent); example- The Vow

The Brain & Memory (3 parts)

1) Hippocampus: helps process explicit memories 2) Cerebellum: helps process implicit memories 3) Amygdala: helps process emotional memories

Retrieval (3 types)

1) Recall- assesses ability to retrieve previously learned info (ex: fill in the blank) 2) Recognition- assesses ability to identify previously learned info (ex: multiple choice) 3) Relearning- assesses amount of time saved after learning material a second time

Memory Effects (2)

1) Spacing Effect: we retain info better when we rehearse over time 2) Serial Position Effect a. Immediate Recall: we remember last items best (recency effect) b. Later Recall: we remember first items best (primacy effect)

Sensory Memory (2 types)

brief memory of what you just saw/heard -Iconic Memory: fast-decaying store of VISUAL info, lasts a few tenths of a second -Echoic Memory: fast-decaying store of AUDITORY info, lasts 3-4 seconds

Long-Term Potentiation

enhanced neural processing that results from the strengthening of synaptic connections; may provide neural basis for learning and memory

Memory (3 parts)

persistence of learning over time through the encoding, storing, and retrieving of information (computer analogy)

Encoding & Different Types of Encoding

process by which we transform what we perceive, think, or feel into an enduring memory -3 Types: 1) elaborative encoding 2) visual encoding 3) organizational encoding

Storage & Different Types of Storage

process of maintaining info in memory over time -3 Types: 1) Sensory Memory 2) Short-Term/Working Memory 3) Long-Term Memory

Moods and Memories: State-Dependent Retrieval

tendency to recall info more easily when in the mental state that it was learned (retrieving info in a sad mood will increase the likelihood that you will recall sad stories)

Automatic and Effortful Processing

we often have to exert mental effort to remember info, but we also remember a large amount of info without effort. -space: we remember where things were located -time: we remember the order of daily events -frequency: we remember how often things occur