Memory Processes and Characteristics

• Working memory happens in the brain's central executive region
• Working memory is short-term memory in progress
• Working memory has a limited capacity and duration of about 15-20 seconds

Long Term Memory

• Long-term memory has limitless capacity
• Declarative memory (facts) is a type of long-term memory
• Procedural memory (how tasks are performed) is a type of long-term memory

Stages of Memory

• Encoding is the intake of information into memory
• Storage pertains to the maintenance of information over time
• Retrieval involves extracting information from memory

Types of Retrieval

• Recall means independently pulling out information
• Recognition involves identifying the correct information among options

Memory Processes and Characteristics

• Sensory store represents the initial phase of memory where information is briefly taken in through the senses
• Short-term memory involves initial processing and meaning assignment to information
• Rehearsal is repeatedly practicing information to retain it in short-term memory
• Attention is focus on specific stimuli in the environment
• Meta-memory is understanding of how one's own memory works

Memory Capabilities Across Lifespan

• Processing remains consistent across the lifespan, but the brain regions involved and information types change
• Infantile amnesia involves the inability to remember events before the age of three
• Autobiographical memory is the memory of specific events from personal life

Basic Language Components

• Phonemes are basic sound patterns
• Semantics means the meaning of words
• Grammar constitutes the rules of language
• Syntax is the structure of sentences
• Pragmatics involves practical use of language

Types of Language

• Receptive language means understanding of language
• Expressive language means use of language to communicate

Theories of Language Learning

• Operant Learning Theory: Language is learned through imitation and reinforcement
• Inborn Knowledge Theory: Humans are born with an inherent ability to learn language

Stages of Language Development

• Babbling (2-3 Months): Repetitive sounds not specific to household language
• One Word Stage (1 Year): Short syllable words; rapid vocabulary growth post 18 months
• Holophrase: Single words used to create sentences
• Two Word Stage (2 Years): Formation of grammatically correct two-word sentences

Speech Types

• Infant-directed speech uses high pitch, sing-song, shorter sentences
• Adult-directed speech is normal adult manner of speaking

Language in Childhood

• Private speech refers to self-directed speech for thinking and self-guidance
• Social speech means communication with others
• Fast mapping constitutes rapid connection of new words to their meanings
• Conversational rules involve learning how to effectively participate in conversations
• Metalinguistic awareness: Understanding one's own language
• Intonation: Recognizing pitch variations in speech
• Phoneme Mispronunciations: Some sounds are still difficult in early middle childhood