Memory:
The mental processes involved in acquiring, storing, and retrieving information.
Encoding:
The process of transforming information into a form that can be entered into and retained by the
memory system.
Storage:
The process of retaining encoded information in memory over time.
Retrieval:
The process of recovering information stored in memory so that we are consciously aware of it.
Sensory memory:
The immediate, initial recording of sensory information in the memory system, lasting only a
fraction of a second.
Short-term memory (STM):
The part of the memory system where information is stored for roughly 20-30 seconds before it
is either forgotten or transferred to long-term memory.
Long-term memory (LTM):
A type of memory responsible for the storage of information over an extended period of time.
Visual sensory memory:
Also known as iconic memory, it is the brief storage of visual information for a few tenths of a
second.
Auditory sensory memory:
Also known as echoic memory, it refers to the brief storage of auditory information, lasting a few
seconds.
Maintenance rehearsal:
A technique to retain information in short-term memory by repeating it over and over.
Elaborative rehearsal:
A memory technique that involves thinking about the meaning of the information and making
connections with other information to store it in long-term memory.
Chunking:
A memory strategy that involves grouping pieces of information into meaningful units or chunks
to make them easier to remember.
, Working memory:
A cognitive system responsible for temporarily holding information available for processing,
combining attention and short-term memory.
Phonological loop:
A component of working memory that processes verbal and auditory information.
Visuospatial sketchpad:
A component of working memory that holds and processes visual and spatial information.
Central executive:
The component of working memory that controls attention and coordinates information from the
phonological loop and visuospatial sketchpad.
Forgetting:
The inability to retrieve previously stored information from memory.
Decay theory:
The theory that information in memory fades or decays over time if it is not used.
Interference theory:
The idea that forgetting occurs because other information interferes with the retention or
retrieval of the target information.
Retroactive interference:
When new information interferes with the ability to remember old information.
Proactive interference:
When old information interferes with the ability to remember new information.
Prefrontal cortex:
A part of the brain involved in decision-making, planning, and memory, particularly working
memory and higher-order cognitive functions.
Amygdala:
A brain structure involved in emotional processing and the formation of emotional memories,
especially fear-related memories.
Medial temporal lobe:
The region of the brain important for the formation of new memories, including the hippocampus
and surrounding areas.
Cerebellum:
A brain structure that plays a key role in motor control and the learning of procedural memories.
The mental processes involved in acquiring, storing, and retrieving information.
Encoding:
The process of transforming information into a form that can be entered into and retained by the
memory system.
Storage:
The process of retaining encoded information in memory over time.
Retrieval:
The process of recovering information stored in memory so that we are consciously aware of it.
Sensory memory:
The immediate, initial recording of sensory information in the memory system, lasting only a
fraction of a second.
Short-term memory (STM):
The part of the memory system where information is stored for roughly 20-30 seconds before it
is either forgotten or transferred to long-term memory.
Long-term memory (LTM):
A type of memory responsible for the storage of information over an extended period of time.
Visual sensory memory:
Also known as iconic memory, it is the brief storage of visual information for a few tenths of a
second.
Auditory sensory memory:
Also known as echoic memory, it refers to the brief storage of auditory information, lasting a few
seconds.
Maintenance rehearsal:
A technique to retain information in short-term memory by repeating it over and over.
Elaborative rehearsal:
A memory technique that involves thinking about the meaning of the information and making
connections with other information to store it in long-term memory.
Chunking:
A memory strategy that involves grouping pieces of information into meaningful units or chunks
to make them easier to remember.
, Working memory:
A cognitive system responsible for temporarily holding information available for processing,
combining attention and short-term memory.
Phonological loop:
A component of working memory that processes verbal and auditory information.
Visuospatial sketchpad:
A component of working memory that holds and processes visual and spatial information.
Central executive:
The component of working memory that controls attention and coordinates information from the
phonological loop and visuospatial sketchpad.
Forgetting:
The inability to retrieve previously stored information from memory.
Decay theory:
The theory that information in memory fades or decays over time if it is not used.
Interference theory:
The idea that forgetting occurs because other information interferes with the retention or
retrieval of the target information.
Retroactive interference:
When new information interferes with the ability to remember old information.
Proactive interference:
When old information interferes with the ability to remember new information.
Prefrontal cortex:
A part of the brain involved in decision-making, planning, and memory, particularly working
memory and higher-order cognitive functions.
Amygdala:
A brain structure involved in emotional processing and the formation of emotional memories,
especially fear-related memories.
Medial temporal lobe:
The region of the brain important for the formation of new memories, including the hippocampus
and surrounding areas.
Cerebellum:
A brain structure that plays a key role in motor control and the learning of procedural memories.
