Basic Concepts

Memory - “the persistence of learning over time through the encoding, storage, and retrieval of information” (pg. 191)

Recall - “memory demonstrated by retrieving information learned earlier” (pg. 199)

Recognition - “memory demonstrated by identifying items previously learned” (pg. 199)

Three Stages of Memory:

1. Sensory - “immediate, very brief recording of sensory information in the memory system” (pg. 191)

   1. Iconic - visual sensory memory

   2. Auditory - auditory sensory memory

2. Short-term (working) - “activated memory that holds a few items briefly” (pg. 191)

3. Long-term - “relatively permanent and limitless storehouse of the memory system” (pg. 191)

Memory Processes

Encoding

Encoding - “the processing of information into the memory system” (pg. 191)

Automatic Processing - “unconscious encoding of everyday information… and of well-learned information” (pg. 191)

Effortful Processing - “encoding that requires attention and conscious effort” (pg. 191)

Chunking - “organizing items into familiar, manageable units” (pg. 193)

Storage

Storage - “the process of retaining encoded information over time” (pg. 191)

Retrieval

Retrieval - “the process of getting information out of memory storage” (pg. 191)

Serial Position Effect - Tendency to remember last and first items in a long list better than the middle items

• Immediately after learning, we remember the last items best (the recency effect); after a delay, we remember the first items best (the primacy effect)

Von Restorff Effect - unique item embedded in otherwise homogeneous list recalled better than average items and items immediately around those items are easier to remember