Memory

The persistence of learning over time through the storage and retrieval of information

Recall vs. Recognition

• Recall - Retrieve info from memory
• Recognition - Identify target from possible targets

Memory Process

1. Encoding - Processing of information
2. Storage - Retention of encoded material over time
3. Retrieval - Getting info out of storage

Sensory Memory - A half second holding tank for all sensory info; Iconic/Echoic Memory

Short Term Memory - Encoded from STM; encoded visually, acoustically, or semantically; holds 7 items for 20 seconds; works better with numbers

Methods to convert STM to LTM

• Chunking - Organizing items into familiar, manageable units.
• Mnemonic Devices
• Rehearsal

Long Term Memory - Limitless storehouse of information

• Explicit (declarative) memories; includes episodic and semantic memories
• Implicit (non-declarative) memories; includes procedural and conditioned memories

Encoding Information - Serial positioning effect 

• Primary - We remember the first items the best
• Recency effect - We remember the last items after just hearing them 

Spacing effect - Ebbinghaus's forgetting curve

Encoding ways

• Visual - Encoding pictures
• Acoustic - Encoding of sound, esp. sound of words
• Semantic - Encoding meaning

Flashbulb Memories - Memories of significant events

Mood Congruent Memory - Memories retrieved match current mood

State Dependent Mood - Memories retrieved match current state

Forgetting

• Retroactive interference - New info blocks out old info
• Proactive interference - old information blocks out new information

Long Term Potentiation

• Long-lasting improvement in signal transmission between two neurons that results fro stimulating them synchronously
• Improved efficiency creates memories

Train your memory!