Information Processing Model

A framework used by cognitive psychologists to explain and describe mental processes. The model likens
the thinking process to how a computer works
Sensory Memory
The shortest-term element of memory. It is the ability to retain impressions of sensory information after
the original stimuli have ended. Lasts 3-4 seconds
Iconic Memory
Visual aspect of sensory memory
Echoic Memory
Auditory aspect of sensory memory
Working Memory
Short term memory that is stored while it is held in attention
Visuo-Spatial Sketchpad
A component of working memory responsible for handling visual and spatial information
Phonological Loop
A component of working memory that is responsible for handling auditory and verbal information,
including language and music
Central Executive
Functions as a supervisory system that controls information flow from and to its hypothesized
subordinate or "slave" systems that are known as the phonological loop, the visuo-spatial sketchpad and
the episodic buffer
Episodic Buffer
Acts as a 'backup' store which communicates with both long term memory and the components of
working memory
Dual Coding Hypothesis
States that it is easier to remember words associated with images rather than either alone
Operation Span
The maximum number of words than can be recalled following a simple mathematical verification and
the reading of word
Explicit Memory
Consists of memories that require conscious recall
Semantic Memory
General world knowledge that we have accumulated throughout our lives
Episodic Memory
Memory of autobiographical events
Implicit Memory
Memory that does not require conscious recall
Procedural Memory
Aids the performance of particular types of tasks without conscious awareness of these previous
experiences
Priming
The implicit memory effect in which exposure to a stimulus influences response to a later stimulus
Negative Priming
Prior exposure to a stimulus unfavorably influences the response to the same stimulus
Positive Priming
Prior exposure to a stimulus favorably influences the response to the same stimulus
Autobiographical Memory
A memory system consisting of episodes recollected from an individual's life, based on a combination of
episodic and semantic memory
Encoding
The process of receiving information and preparing it for storage
Effortful Encoding
Encoding that requires attention and conscious effort
Automatic Encoding
Encoding that does not require attention and conscious effort
Rote Rehearsal
Saying something to oneself over and over again
Chunking
A process by which individual pieces of information are bound together into a meaningful whole
Mnemonic Devices
A technique that aids in memory recall
Pegword System
Associates numbers with items that rhyme with or resemble the number
Method of loci
Associates each item in a list with a location along a route through a building that has already been
memorized
Self-Reference Effect
The tendency for individuals to best recall information that they can relate to their own experiences
Spacing Eeffect
The phenomenon of retaining larger amounts of information when the amount of time between
sessions of relearning is increases
Retrieval
The process of demonstrating that information has been retained in memory; includes recall,
recognition, and relearning
Context Effect
A retrieval cue by which memory is aided when a person is in the location where encoding took place
State-Dependent Mmemory
A retrieval cue by which memory is aided when a person is in the same state of emotion or intoxication
as when the encoding took place
Free Recall
The retrieval of memory without the help of cues
Cued Recall
The retrieval of memory with the help of cues
Serial-Position Effect
The tendency to better remember items presented at the beginning or end of a list
Primacy Effect
Results in a subject recalling primary information presented better than information presented later on
Recency Effect
Results in a subject recalling information presented later on better than primary information
Source Monitoring Error
A memory error by which a person remembers the details of an event but confuses the context by which
the details were gained
Source Amnesia
The inability to remember where, when or how previously learned information has been acquired, while
retaining the factual knowledge
Flashbulb Memories
A highly detailed, exceptionally vivid 'snapshot' of the moment and circumstances in which a piece of
surprising and consequential (or emotionally arousing) news was heard
Long-Term Potentiation
The strengthening of neural connections due to rehearsal or relearning
Decay
The fading of memory due to the passing of time
Retroactive Interference
Difficulty recalling old information because of newly learned information
Proactive Interference
Difficulty recalling new information because of already existing information
Retrograde Amnesia
The loss of previously formed memories
Anterograde Amnesia
The inability to form new memories
Semantic Networks
Organization of information in the brain by linking concepts with similar characteristics and meaning
Spreading Activation
The unconscious activation of closely linked nodes of a semantic network