AP Psych Unit 5 Flashcards
Memory
the persistence of learning over time through encoding, storage, and retrieval of information
Encoding
the processing of information into the memory system–for example, by extracting meaning
Storage
the process of retaining encoded information over time
Retrieval
the process of getting information out of memory storage
Shallow processing
encoding on a basic level based on the structure or appearance of words
Deep processing
encoding semantically, based on the meaning of the words; tends to yield the best retention
Selective attention
the focusing of conscious awareness on a particular stimulus
Automatic processing
unconscious encoding of incidental information, such as space, time, and frequency, and of well-learned information, such as word meanings
Mnemonic effect
memory aids, especially those technique that use vivid imagery and organizational devices
Method of loci
a mnemonic technique that involves associating items on a list with a sequence of familiar physical locations
Chunking
organizing items into familiar, manageable units; often occurs automatically
Sensory memory
the immediate, very brief recording of sensory information in the memory system
Working memory
a newer understanding of short-term memory that focuses on conscious, active processing of incoming auditory and visual-spatial information, and of information retrieved from long-term memory
Serial position effect
our tendency to recall best the last (a recency effect) and first items (a primacy effect) in a list
Mood-congruent memory
the tendency to recall experiences that are consistent with one’s current good or bad mood
Testing effect
enhanced memory after retrieving, rather than simply rereading, information. Also sometimes referred to as a retrieval practice effect or test-enhanced learning
Spacing effect
the tendency for distributed study or practice to yield better long-term retention than is achieved through massed study or practice
Retroactive interference
the disruptive effect of new learning on the recall of old information
Proactive interference
the disruptive effect of prior learning on the recall of new information
Repression
in psychoanalytic theory, the basic defense mechanism that banishes from consciousness anxiety-arousing thoughts, feelings, and memories
Anterograde amnesia
an inability to form new memories
Retrograde amnesia
an inability to retrieve information from one’s past
Misinformation effect
incorporating misleading information into one’s memory of an event
Source amnesia
attributing to the wrong source an event we have heard, heard about, read about, or imagined. Also called source misattribution. Source amnesia, along with the misinformation effect, is at the heart of many false memories
Déjà vu
that eerie sense that ‘I’ve experienced this before.’ Cues from the current situation may unconsciously trigger retrieval of an earlier experience
Long-term memory
the relatively permanent and limitless storehouse of the memory system. Includes knowledge, skills, and experiences
Flashbulb memory
a clear memory of an emotionally significant moment or event
Iconic memory
a momentary sensory memory of visual stimuli; a photographic or picture-image memory lasting no more than a few tenths of a second
Echoic memory
a momentary sensory memory of auditory stimuli; if attention is elsewhere, sounds and words can still be recalled within 3 or 4 seconds
Implicit memory
retention independent of conscious recollection. Also called nondeclarative memory
Explicit memory
memory of facts and experiences that one can consciously know and “declare.” Also called declarative memory
Episodic memory
A category of long-term memory that involves the recollection of specific events, situations and experiences.
Recall
a measure of memory in which the person must retrieve information learned earlier, as on a fill-in-the-blank test
Recognition
a measure of memory in which the person need only identify items previously learned, as on a multiple-choice test
Relearning
a measure of memory that assesses the amount of time saved when learning material again
