Psychology Modules for Active Learning Modules 34-36

Failure to store sufficient information to form a useful memory

Tested his own memory at different intervals of learning by using nonsense syllables. He plotted a forgetting curve (forgetting is rapid at first and is followed by a slow decline

Physical changes in nerve cells or brain activity that take place when memories are stored

The fading or weakening of memories assumed to occur when memory traces become weaker

Theory that memory traces weaken when memories are not periodically used or retrieved

Stimuli associated with a memory. Retrieval cues usually enhance memory

Memory influenced by one's physical state at the time of learning and at the time of retrieval. Improved memory occurs when the physical states match

The tendency for new memories to interfere with the retrieval of older memories, and the reverse

The tendency for new memories to interfere with the retrieval of old memories

The tendency for old memories to interfere with the retrieval of newer memories

Mastery of one task aids in the learning or performing of another

Mastery of one task conflicts with learning or performing another

Unconsciously pushing unwanted memories out of awareness

An active conscious effort to put something out of mind or to keep it form awareness

Loss of memory for events that preceded a head injury or amnesia-causing event

Loss of the ability to form or retrieve memories for events that occur after an injury or trauma

Process by which relatively permanent memories are formed in the brain

A brain structure associated with emotion and the transfer of information from the short-term memory to long-term memory

Especially vivid memory created at a time of high emotion. Have the tendency to not always be accurate

The limbic system.

Heightened activity in the limbic system intensifies memory consolidation

The basal ganglia and the cerebellum

The sea animal that allows scientists to study memory as it occurs in single nerve cells

The ability to retain a "projected" mental image long enough to use it as a source of information (they are seen on a plain surface and are more common in children)

Mental pictures or visual depictions used in memory

Have naturally superior memory often using mental images, they don't have superior intellectual abilities, they have specialized interests and knowledge that make it easier to encode and recall certain information

Any kind of memory system or aid

organize memories into chunks

a practice schedule that alternates study periods with brief rests

A practice schedule in which studying continues for long periods, without interruption

Using a familiar word or image to link two items