| Term | Definition |
| memory | learning that has persisted over time; information that has been acquired, stored, and can be retrieved |
| encoding | the processing of information into the memory system |
| storage | the process of retaining encoded information over time |
| retrieval | the process of getting information out of storage |
| parallel processing | the processing of many aspects of an environment simultaneously; the brain’s natural mode of step by step processing |
| sensory memory | the immediate, very brief recording of sensory information in the memory system |
| short-term memory | activated memory that briefly holds information before it is stored or forgotten |
| long-term memory | the relatively permanent and limitless storehouse of the memory system, including knowledge, skills, and experiences |
| working memory | a newer understanding of short term memory that focuses on conscious, active processing of incoming auditory and visual information retrieved from long term memory |
| explicit memory | memory of facts and experiences that one can consciously know |
| effortful processing | encoding that requires attention and conscious effort |
| automatic processing | unconscious encoding of incidental information such as space, time, frequency, and well learned information |
| implicit memory | retention independent of conscious recollection |
| explicit memory | a momentary sensory memory of visual stimuli |
| echoic memory | a momentary sensory memory of auditory stimuli |
| chunking | organizing items into familiar, manageable categories, often automatically |
| mnemonics | memory aids that often use vivid imagery and organization devices |
| spacing effect | the tendency for distributed study or practice to yield better long term retention than is achieved through mass study |
| testing effect | enhanced memory after retrieving rather than simply rereading, information |
| shallow processing | encoding on a basic level based on the structure or appearance of words |
| deep processing | encoding semantically, based on the meaning of the words; tends to yield the best retention |
| hippocampus | the part of the brain that processes explicit memories |
| cerebellum | the part of the brain that processes implicit memories |
| amygdala | the part of the brain responsible for processing emotions such as fear and aggression |
| flashbulb memory | a clear memory of an emotionally significant event |
| long term potentiation | the neural basis for learning and memory; an increase in synaptic efficiency |
| aplysia | a species of sea snail that was studied, showing an increase in potential neural firing efficiency after repeated shocks |
| serotonin | the neurotransmitter that causes LTP when released into the synapses |
| synapse | the area between neurons where nerve cells communicate with each other through neurotransmitters |
| CREB | a protein that helps reshape synapses and consolidate short term memories |
| nootropics | drugs that enhance cognitive ability |
| recall | the ability to consciously retrieve memories |
| recognition | the ability to recognize memories when memory cues are present |
| relearning | a measure of memory that assesses the amount of time saved when learning material a second time |
| priming | the activation of a strand of memories that leads to the recall of a specific piece of information |
| context dependent memory | memory recall is improved when encoding and recall occur in the same external environment |
| state dependent memory | what we learn while in one internal state is best recalled when in that state again |
| mood congruent memory | the tendency to recall memories that are consistent with one’s current mood |
| rosy retrospection | the tendency to remember an experience as more enjoyable than one would have felt at the time of the experience |
| serial position effect | recall is best for the first and last items on a list |
| anterograde amnesia | the inability to form new memories |
| retrograde amnesia | the inability to recall past memories |
| encoding | when we cannot remember something because we did not encode it in the first place |
| next in line effect | when recall is better for what other people say but poor for a person just before you in line |
| storage decay | refers to the poor durability of stored memories, even well encoded ones |
| Ebbinghaus' forgetting curve | indicates that the course of forgetting is initially rapid, then levels off overtime |
| retrieval failure | refers to situations where the information cannot be accessed even though it is retained in memory |
| proactive interference | when you attempt to retrieve newly learned information but instead retrieve older information |
| retroactive interference | when you try to retrieve old information, but instead retrieve new information |
| tip of the tongue phenomenon | a retrieval failure phenomenon that occurs when stored information is temporarily blocked |
| positive transfer | when previously learned information facilitates our learning of new information |
| repression | a defense mechanism that banishes anxiety arousing thoughts, feelings, and memories from consciousness |
| misinformation effect | involves incorporating misleading information into one’s memory of an event |
| source amnesia | involves attributing an event to the wrong source we have experienced, heard, read, or imagined |
| dejavu | the eerie sense that you have experienced something before |
