Psychology Chapter: Human Memory

A limited-capacity system for temporarily storing and manipulating information for complex tasks like learning and reasoning.

Working memory is more complex than short-term memory (STM). It's not just storing information, but also manipulating it.

A component of working memory that deals with verbal and auditory information.

The part of the phonological loop that passively holds memory traces; fades quickly if not refreshed.

The active part of the phonological loop, where you mentally repeat information to keep it from fading.

A component of working memory that stores visual and spatial information (locations and shapes).

Working memory includes the phonological loop and visuospatial sketchpad and other parts or components, for example, central executive.

Information in short-term memory fades in about 15-20 seconds without rehearsal.

A system for temporarily holding and manipulating information needed for complex cognitive tasks.

A brain region crucial for working memory, holding information temporarily.

The control center of working memory, coordinating the other components.

Tendency to remember items at the beginning and end of a list better than those in the middle.

A brief storage of sensory information, like what you see or hear.

A temporary storage system for information retrieved from sensory memory.

A more permanent storage system for information that can potentially last a lifetime.

A classic model describing memory as a sequence of stages (sensory, short-term, long-term).

Storage system that holds information for a long duration, often years, making it a permanent record of experiences and knowledge.

Active mental processes that help manage and manipulate information in memory, like rehearsal, attention, decision-making, etc.

The process of accessing information stored in long-term memory, bringing it back to consciousness.

Sensory memory holds information for a very brief period, usually a few seconds, before it decays rapidly.

A brain structure important for forming new long-term memories.

A neurological disorder characterized by recurring seizures.

Temporary storage of information currently in use, like a mental notepad.

The limited amount of information STM can hold at once (around 5-9 items).

Combining small pieces of information into meaningful units to increase STM capacity.

The control center of working memory; it coordinates information from long-term memory and directs the phonological loop and visuospatial sketchpad.

The central executive obtains information from long-term memory and coordinates the activities of the phonological loop and the visuospatial sketchpad.

An example of the central executive at work is listening to directions while driving in a new city. It integrates the visual input from the road and the verbal instructions.

The phonological loop handles verbal and auditory information, like reading or listening to someone speak.

The visuospatial sketchpad deals with visual and spatial information, such as remembering the layout of a room or the shape of an object.

A task used to study working memory in monkeys, where they have to remember information during a delay period.

If the prefrontal cortex, the brain area associated with working memory, is damaged, monkeys are unable to perform the delayed response task.

Studies on working memory are often performed on monkeys to understand the role of the prefrontal cortex in memory processes.

Working memory is an important part of cognitive functions like learning, reasoning, and decision-making.

Working memory is involved in everyday tasks like following instructions, solving problems, and remembering appointments.