Memory—a complex mental process that allows us to recognize
people and perform learned actions—is the subject of Chapter
10.
Section 1 details the three processes involved in
memory: encoding, storage, and retrieval. Encoding is the
process by which the senses transform information into memory.
After information is encoded, it is stored for a period of
time. During retrieval, information is brought to mind from
storage. Memory has three stages—sensory, short-term
and long-term—and each has a different purpose and timespan.
This section defines maintenance rehearsal, chunking, semantic
memory, episodic memory, and procedural memory.
Section 2 describes how stored memory can be retrieved
by recognition, recall, and relearning. Included are definitions
of schemas, reconstructive memory, and state-dependent learning.
Problems in remembering can be due to decay, interference,
or repression. In interference, previous memories can interfere
with present remembering (proactive interference) or information
remembered just recently can interfere with past memories
(retroactive interference). The section concludes with a discussion
of methods to improve memory, including elaborate rehearsal
and mnemonic devices.
