Chapter 7 Memory Flashcards
(40 cards)
Define the decay theory of forgetting.
Memory traces lose strength with time
Define the interference theory of forgetting.
Memory traces are replaced (and overwritten) with other memories; older memory can interfere with new memory and new memory can interfere with older memories
What is the fan effect/What happens when you learn more facts about a concept?
You have slower retrieval about any one fact because the information competes with each other.
What are the two kinds of interference?
Proactive and retroactive interference
Define proactive interference
Old memories interfere with more recent memories
Define Retroactive interference
New memories overwrite old memories
What type of interference does a large amount of stimuli tend toward?
Proactive interference
What theory of forgetting is correct?
Both decay and interference
How does context affect memory?
The closer the context for encoding and retrieval, the easier retrieval is
What types of context affect memory?
emotional, semantic, and environmental
Define the encoding specificity principle
The probability of retrieving a memory depends on the similarity of the moment of retrieval to its original encoding
What were the results of the Godden and Baddeley principle (1975)?
Support for the encoding specificity principle; a dry learning environment was good for dry recall environment (wet for wet)
How does mood/emotional context affect memory?
it is easier to remember happy memories when we are happy; in laboratory: participants in a good mood are better at recalling positive words
What is the difference between mood and emotion?
Mood is an all day thing; emotion is a more microlevel thing
Define state-dependent learning
it is easier to recall information when you are in the same emotional, physical state as when you learned the information
Define Karsakoff Syndrome
Loss of memory, memory dysfunction due to chronic alcoholism
Define Retrograde Amnesia
Loss of memories that occurred before an injury
Define Anterograde amnesia
Loss of ability to create new memories; short term memories cannot be stored as long-term
Define Implicit Memory
Knowledge that we cannot consciously recall
Define explicit memory
knowledge that we can consciously recall
Which type of memory suffers with amnesia?
explicit memory
What type of memory is priming?
Implicit memory
What does the existence of priming with amnesia demonstrate?
we have independent and separable memory systems
What area of the brain is responsible for explicit memory?
the hippocampal regions
