The initial, fleeting stage of memory which briefly holds incoming sensory information before it is either processed into the next stage or forgotten
Sensory Memory
The initial stage of memory which involves converting sensory input into a usable form for the brain
Encoding
In contrast to elaborative rehearsal, this technique uses simple repetition and is ineffective for transferring information into long-term memory
Maintenance Rehearsal
The final process in memory, after encoding and storage, where you bring information out of long-term memory and into your conscious mind
Retrieval
In psychoanalytic theory, this defense mechanism unconsciously pushes painful or threatening thoughts, impulses, and memories into the unconscious mind
Repression
The memory store that is also known as short term memory and typically only holds information for 15 to 30 seconds unless it is actively rehearsed
Primary Memory System
A student who only tries to remember vocabulary words by rhyming them, without understanding their definitions, is engaging in this type of encoding
Shallow Encoding
When a musician learns a new piece, they use this strategy to encode music notes in clusters, instead of processing each note individually
Chunking
Also known as declarative memory, this is intentionally retrieved and includes two subtypes
Explicit Memory
When an eyewitness's memory of a crime is distorted by news reports or suggestive questioning from police, they are experiencing this memory phenomenon
Misinformation Effect
The term that refers to your ability to think about your own thinking, like when you realize a study method isn't working and decide to try a different one
Metacognition
A beginner learning to play a violin or solve complex math problems would rely on this type of encoding, which requires focused concentration
Effortful Processing
A student who stays up all night studying for a final exam is utilizing this type of practice, which is less effective for long-term retention than spacing
Massed Practice
The memory phenomenon that explains why an interviewer might base their entire impression on the first few things a candidate says
Primacy Effect
The condition that was famously exhibited by patient H.M., who, after surgery, could remember his past but was unable to form new long-term memories
Anterograde Amnesia
The term describing the neurological process, often occurring during deep sleep, that stabilizes a new memory and makes it more resistant to being forgotten
Memory Consolidation
The modern take on short term memory, in which your mind works to actively process information rather than passively storing it
Working Memory
The phenomenon that explains why you remember more information by studying for one hour each day than by pulling an all-nighter
Spacing Effect
This memory phenomenon is why a veteran might experience flashbacks upon returning to a specific geographic area
Context-Dependent Memory
This occurs when new learning disrupts the recall of previously learned information
Retroactive Interference
The neural change that occurs in the hippocampus during memory consolidation, making it easier for a neural pathway to be reactivated over time
Long-Term Potentiation
These are three distinct levels of encoding, from least to most effective for recall, that focus on a word's physical appearance, its sound, and finally, its meaning
Structural, Phonemic, Semantic
The reason why you remember the first few words and the last few words on a vocab list, but might forget most of the ones in the middle
Serial Position Effect
If you study for a test while in a cheerful and optimistic mood, this memory principle suggests you would score best by taking the test while feeling the same way
State-Dependent Memory
This memory phenomenon explains why an individual might accidentally write last year's date on a check, as the old information gets in the way of remembering the new
Proactive Interference