Psychology Memory Concepts

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Questions and Answers

What is memory?

The ability to access information when needed

The process of retaining encoded information over time

The processing of information into the memory system

The persistence of learning over time through the encoding, storage, and retrieval of information (correct)

What is encoding?

The processing of information into the memory system.

What is storage in memory?

The process of retaining encoded information over time.

What is retrieval?

The process of getting information out of memory storage. Signup and view all the answers

What is parallel processing?

The processing of many aspects of a problem simultaneously. Signup and view all the answers

What is sensory information?

The immediate, very brief recording of sensory information in the memory system. Signup and view all the answers

What is short-term memory?

Activated memory that holds a few items briefly. Signup and view all the answers

What is long-term memory?

The relatively permanent and limitless storehouse of the memory system. Signup and view all the answers

What is working memory?

A newer understanding of short-term memory that focuses on conscious processing. Signup and view all the answers

What is explicit memory?

Memory of facts and experiences that one can consciously know and declare. Signup and view all the answers

What is effortful processing?

Learning or storing that requires attention and effort. Signup and view all the answers

What is automatic processing?

Unconscious encoding of incidental information. Signup and view all the answers

What are implicit memories?

Retention independent of conscious recollection. Signup and view all the answers

What is iconic memory?

Very brief sensory memory of visual stimuli. Signup and view all the answers

What is echoic memory?

A momentary sensory memory of auditory stimuli. Signup and view all the answers

What is chunking?

A way of organizing information into familiar groupings. Signup and view all the answers

What are mnemonics?

Memory aids used to help remember information. Signup and view all the answers

What is the spacing effect?

Learning is more effective when study sessions are spaced out over time. Signup and view all the answers

What is the testing effect?

Testing an individual's memory can strengthen it. Signup and view all the answers

What is shallow processing?

Encoding based on the structure or appearance of words. Signup and view all the answers

What is deep processing?

Encoding semantically based on the meaning of words. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Memory

Persistence of learning occurs through encoding, storage, and retrieval.
Allows access to past experiences for present use.
Involves structures and processes for storing and retrieving information.

Encoding

Processing of information into the memory system.
First of three stages in memory (encoding, storage, retrieval).
Converts new information into a storable form.

Storage

Retaining encoded information over time.
Facilitates easier retrieval of information.
Differentiates between short-term and long-term memory storage.

Retrieval

Process of accessing information from memory storage.
Involves all three stages: encoding, storage, and retrieval.
Essential for recalling learned information when needed.

Parallel Processing

Brain's ability to process multiple aspects simultaneously.
Differentiates from step-by-step processing in computers.
Enables comprehensive perception of objects.

Sensory Information

Immediate recording of sensory data in memory.
Stored briefly in sensory memory before transferring to short-term memory.
Relates to five traditional senses: sight, hearing, taste, smell, touch.

Short-term Memory

Activated memory holding a few items briefly.
Information retained for approximately 30 seconds.
Can maintain longer through rehearsal, typically holds about 7 chunks of information.

Long-term Memory

Relatively permanent and limitless memory store.
Contains knowledge, skills, and experiences.
Three types: procedural, semantic, and episodic memory.

Working Memory

A modern understanding of short-term memory focusing on active processing.
Manages incoming auditory and visual-spatial information.
Crucial for complex cognitive tasks like learning and reasoning.

Explicit Memory

Conscious memory of facts and experiences.
Known as declarative memory, involves deliberate recollection.
Contrasts with implicit memory, which is automatic and unconscious.

Effortful Processing

Learning or storing information requiring attention and effort.
Involves techniques for better information retention.
Not necessary for all types of memory; some can be automatic.

Automatic Processing

Unconscious encoding of incidental information.
Similar to muscle memory, performed without conscious thought.
Can disrupt performance if attention shifts during the task.

Implicit Memories

Retention without conscious recollection, sometimes called automatic memory.
Relies on past experiences to recall information without intentional focus.
Functions independently of conscious awareness.

Iconic Memory

Brief sensory memory for visual stimuli, lasting a short duration.
Involves mental images of visual experiences.
Typically fades quicker than echoic memory.

Echoic Memory

Momentary sensory memory for auditory stimuli, lasting 3 to 4 seconds.
Allows recall of sounds and words even when attention shifts.
Both echoic and iconic memories are temporary sensory memories.

Chunking

Organizing information into familiar groupings for easier recall.
Useful for numbers, words, and phrases.
Example: remembering the Great Lakes through the acronym HOMES.

Mnemonics

Memory aids that enhance retention.
Techniques used to help remember information effectively.
Examples include phrases or acronyms to assist memory.

Spacing Effect

Learning is more effective when material is studied over time.
Spacing out study sessions leads to improved retention compared to cramming.

Testing Effect

Memory retrieval enhances retention and recall ability.
Information recalled better when tested shortly after learning.
Related to forgetting curve, emphasizing rapid information loss soon after learning.

Shallow Processing

Basic level encoding based on appearance or structure of words.
Less effective for long-term recall compared to deeper processing.
Surface-level engagement with information.

Deep Processing

Semantic encoding focused on the meaning of words.
Yields better retention through relating new information to existing knowledge.
Involves more analysis and understanding of material, leading to easier recall than shallow processing.

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Description

Explore the essential concepts of memory, including encoding, storage, and retrieval. This quiz delves into how information is processed and retained in memory, as well as the brain's ability to handle multiple aspects of information simultaneously. Test your understanding of the different types of memory storage and the processes involved in recalling information.