Memory Concepts and Processes

Questions and Answers

What is memory?

An active system that allows people to retain information over time

What does the Information-Processing Model state?

The ability to retain information over time involves three processes: Encoding, Storage, and Retrieval

What is encoding?

The process of making mental representations of information so that it can be placed into our memories

What is storage in terms of memory?

The process of placing encoded information into relatively permanent mental storage for later recall Signup and view all the answers

What is retrieval?

The process of getting or recalling information that has been placed into short-term or long-term storage Signup and view all the answers

What does the Three-stages Model of memory divide memory into?

Sensory, short-term, and long-term memory Signup and view all the answers

What is sensory memory?

An initial process that receives and holds environmental information in its raw form for a brief period of time Signup and view all the answers

What is short-term memory?

A process that can hold only a limited amount of information for a short period of time Signup and view all the answers

What is long-term memory?

The process of storing almost unlimited amounts of information over long periods of time Signup and view all the answers

What is iconic memory?

A form of sensory memory that holds visual information for about a quarter of a second or more Signup and view all the answers

What is echoic memory?

A form of sensory memory that holds auditory information for 1 or 2 seconds Signup and view all the answers

What is working memory?

A more recent understanding of short-term memory that involves the active processing of incoming information Signup and view all the answers

What is maintenance rehearsal?

The practice of intentionally repeating or rehearsing information Signup and view all the answers

What is interference in memory?

Results when new information enters short-term memory and overwrites information that is already there Signup and view all the answers

What is chunking?

Combining separate items of information into a larger unit, or chunk Signup and view all the answers

What is the primacy effect?

Refers to better recall of information presented at the beginning Signup and view all the answers

What is the recency effect?

Refers to better recall of information presented at the end Signup and view all the answers

What is the serial position effect?

Refers to better recall of information presented at the beginning and end of a body of information Signup and view all the answers

What is declarative memory?

Involves memories for facts or events Signup and view all the answers

What is explicit memory?

Memory that is consciously known Signup and view all the answers

What is semantic memory?

A type of declarative memory that involves knowledge of facts and concepts Signup and view all the answers

What is episodic memory?

A type of declarative memory that involves knowledge of specific events Signup and view all the answers

What is procedural memory?

Involves memories for motor skills and some cognitive skills Signup and view all the answers

What is implicit memory?

Memory that is not consciously known Signup and view all the answers

What is amnesia?

Loss of memory that may occur after a blow or damage to the brain Signup and view all the answers

What is automatic encoding?

The transfer of information from short-term into long-term memory without effort Signup and view all the answers

What is effortful encoding?

Involves the transfer of information from short-term into long-term memory through active effort Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Memory Concepts

Memory: An active system enabling retention of information over time.
Information-Processing Model: Describes memory functions in three stages: Encoding, Storage, and Retrieval.

Memory Processes

Encoding: Creation of mental representations for information, essential for memory formation.
Storage: Long-term retention of encoded info, enabling recall at a later time.
Retrieval: The act of accessing or recalling stored information.

Memory Models

Three-Stages Model: Divides memory into sensory, short-term, and long-term categories.
Sensory Memory: Brief retention of environmental stimuli in raw form; lasts from an instant to several seconds.
Short-term Memory: Temporarily holds a limited amount of information (average 7 items) for 2 to 30 seconds.
Long-term Memory: Capable of storing vast amounts of information for extended periods.

Types of Sensory Memory

Iconic Memory: Visual sensory memory that holds images for about a quarter of a second before fading.
Echoic Memory: Auditory sensory memory retaining sounds for 1 to 2 seconds.

Advanced Memory Concepts

Working Memory: Active processing system integrating sensory info with long-term memory retrieval.
Maintenance Rehearsal: Technique of repeating information to maintain it in short-term memory.
Interference: Occurs when new information disrupts existing short-term memories.

Memory Techniques

Chunking: Method of organizing information into larger units or "chunks" to aid memory.
Primacy Effect: Enhanced recall of first items in a list.
Recency Effect: Enhanced recall of last items in a list.
Serial Position Effect: Tendency to remember items from the beginning and end of a list better than those in the middle.

Types of Declarative Memory

Declarative Memory: Knowledge of facts and events; includes:
- Explicit Memory: Consciously accessible memory.
- Semantic Memory: Facts, concepts, and language knowledge.
- Episodic Memory: Personal experiences and specific events.

Types of Nondeclarative Memory

Procedural Memory: Skills and tasks (e.g., riding a bike) learned through practice.
Implicit Memory: Memories that are not consciously accessible.

Memory Disorders

Amnesia: Loss of memory which can be temporary or permanent; results from brain injury, stress, or drugs.
Automatic Encoding: Unconscious transfer of information into long-term memory.
Effortful Encoding: Active effort required to transfer information, often through rehearsal or associations.

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Description

Explore the fascinating world of memory through this quiz, covering key concepts such as encoding, storage, and retrieval processes. Learn about different types of memory, including sensory, short-term, and long-term memory, and understand how they function in our daily lives.