Memory Flashcards
(45 cards)
Processing
The operations we perform on sensory information in the brain.
Input
For human memory, this refers to the sensory information we receive from our environment.
Storage
The retention of information into a form that can be used and stored by the brain
Acoustic encoding
The process of storing sound in our memory system
Visual encoding
The process of storing something that is seen in our memory system
Semantic encoding
The process of storing the meaning of information in our memory system, rather than the sound of a word, we store the definition/ meaning of that word
Output
For memory, this refers to the information we recall; in a broader sense, output can refer to behavioural response.
Retrieval
The recall of stored memories
Short- term memory
Our initial memory store that is temporary and limited
Long- term memory
A memory store that holds potentially limitless amounts of information fr up for a lifetime
Duration
The length of time information can be stores in a short-term and long-term memory
Capacity
The amount of information that can be stored in short-term and long-term memory
Rehearse
When we repeat information over and over again to make it stick
Displacement
When the short-term memory becomes ‘full’ and new information pushes out older information
Interference
When new information overwrites older information, for example when a new phone number takes the place of an old number in your memory
Amnesia
Memory loss, often through accident, disease or injury
Anterograde amnesia
A memory condition that means new long-term memories cannot be made; this is typically caused by injury to the brain
Retrograde amnesia
A memory condition that affects recall of memories prior to an injury to the brain
Active reconstruction
Memory is not an exact copy of what we experienced, but an interpretation or reconstructed or events that are influences by our schema (expectation) when we remember them again
Schema (memory)
A packet of knowledge about an event , person or place that influences how we perceive and remember
Omission
When we leave out unfamiliar, irrelevant or unpleasant details when remembering something
Transformation
When details are charged to make them more familiar and rational
Familiarisation
When unfamiliar details are changed to align with our schema
Rationalisation
When we add details into our recall to give a reason for something that may not have originally fitted with a schema
