Memory: the persistence of learning over time through the storage and retrieval of information.
Flashbulb memory: a clear memory of an emotionally significant moment or event. The memory
is as clear as looking at a picture. Ex. Being in the Twin Towers on 9/11, you remember every
detail: sights, sounds, smells, etc.
Semantic memory: fact based Jeopardy-like information.
Procedural memory: how-to memory.
Episodic memory: memories of certain episodes/events. Ex. vacations, birthdays, holidays,
prom, etc. Not every episodic memory is a flashbulb memory, but every flashbulb memory is an
episodic memory.
Eidetic memory: photographic memory, very rare.
Prospective memory: remembering not to forget to do something. Ex. I can’t forget to call my
boss later today.
The Three Stage of Memory (They MUST go in this order!!!):
1. Encoding: the processing of information into the memory system.
2. Storage: the retention of encoded information over time.
3. Retrieval: the process of getting information out of memory storage.
Parallel processing: the processing of many aspects of a problem simultaneously; the brain’s
natural mode of information processing for many functions. We take in a lot of information at the
same time, not like a computer in which you can only input one piece of information at a time.
Automatic processing: unconscious encoding of incidental information such as space, time, and
frequency, and of well-learned information, such as the meanings of words.
Shallow processing: encoding the shapes, looks, or surface structure of things, especially words,
not the meanings. It is difficult to remember things if it is only shallowly processed. *Remember:
the “what would you need on an island activity” – does the word have the letter E in it?
Deep processing: encoding something according to its semantics.
Semantic encoding: the encoding of meaning, including the meaning of words.
Self-referent processing: encoding something based on how it relates to you. This is a type of
deep processing.
Effortful processing: encoding that requires attention and conscious effort.
Rehearsal: the conscious repetition of information, either to maintain it in consciousness or to
encode it for storage.
