Ch. 3: Memory Definitions Flashcards
(33 cards)
What is encoding?
Converts sensory info into a usable code that can be stored in memory
What is storage?
Holds encoded info for a period of time
What is retrieval?
Locates stored info and returns it to consciousness when needed
What is rehearsal?
Active manipulation of info in STM in order to hold it for longer than the usual 18-20 secs
What is maintenance rehearsal?
rehearsal technique involving the repetition of info a number of times so it can be held in STM for longer than 18-20 secs
What is elaborative rehearsal?
linking new info in some meaningful way with new info already stored in LTM to hold it in STM for longer than 18-20 secs
What is self referencing?
Elaborative rehearsal technique involving linking new info to personal experiences to hold it in STM longer than 18-20 secs
What is the phonological loop?
(inner ear) stores limited number of sounds received from echoic memory or LTM for up to 2 secs unless info is rehearsed
What is the visuospatial sketchpad?
(inner eye) briefly stores visual and spatial info that is received from sensory memory or LTM
What is the episodic buffer?
An area of working memory that briefly stores info from phonological loop and visuospatial sketchpad with info retrieved from LTM, and integrates it into a single episode
What is the central executive?
coordinates and integrates info received from phonological loop, visuospatial sketchpad, episodic buffer and LTM
What is shallow processing?
processing info using structural encoding
what is structural encoding?
encoding information according to its basic structural features “looks like”
What is semantic encoding?
encoding info according to its meaning “what it means”
what is procedural memory?
A type of LTM for learnt actions and skills that can usually only be expressed as actions
What is declarative memory?
a type of LTM for specific factual info that can be expressed in words
What is semantic memory?
type of declarative memory for impersonal factual knowledge about the world
What is episodic memory?
type of declarative memory for personally significant events associated with specific times and places
What is the hippocampus?
a brain structure buried deep in the brain, extending into the temporal lobes; associated with memory formation and storage
What is the amygdala?
a cluster of neurons in the limbic system that is associated with memory, learning and initiating fear responses
What is retrograde amnesia?
form of memory loss for events occurring before an amnesia-causing event
what is anterograde amnesia?
form of memory loss for events that happen after an amnesia causing event
What is action potential?
electrical impulse along axon
What is long-term potentiation?
the strengthening of synaptic connections of neurons, resulting in more efficient functioning of neurons (more you use neural pathway, stronger it gets)
