Basic Memory Processes
This memory process involves putting information into memory.
What is encoding?
This memory system holds sensory information for ½–2 seconds.
What is sensory memory?
Another name for short-term memory.
What is working memory?
This type of memory stores information indefinitely and has unlimited capacity.
What is long-term memory?
“Don’t use it, you lose it.”
What is decay theory?
This process refers to maintaining information over time.
What is storage?
This type of sensory memory briefly holds visual information.
What is iconic memory?
The average length of time information stays in short-term memory.
What is 18–30 seconds?
General knowledge, facts, and concepts are stored here.
What are semantic memories?
When one memory blocks another, this is called _____.
What is interference?
This process involves locating stored information and bringing it into awareness.
What is retrieval?
This sensory memory stores sounds for about 3–10 seconds.
What is echoic memory?
The limited capacity of short-term memory.
What is 7 ± 2 items (5–9 items)?
Knowing how to ride a bike is this type of memory.
What is procedural memory?
New information interfering with old memories.
What is retroactive interference?
Turning a phone number into a meaningful pattern is an example of this process.
What is encoding? (or elaborative rehearsal)
This sense has fewer steps to reach the brain and produces lasting memories.
What is olfactory memory?
Grouping numbers in phone numbers is an example of this strategy.
What is chunking?
Personally relevant life experiences are stored as this type of memory.
What are episodic memories?
Old information interfering with new learning.
What is proactive interference?
Forgetting a fact because you can’t access it demonstrates a failure of this process.
What is retrieval?
Information that is not transferred from sensory memory will do this.
What is decay / be lost forever?
Repeating information over and over without meaning.
What is maintenance rehearsal?
This brain structure acts as the gateway to episodic and semantic memory
What is the hippocampus?
Forgetting information because it is psychologically painful.
What is repression (motivated forgetting)?