Chapter 1 Flashcards
What is behaviorism?
A psychological approach that emphasizes observable behaviors and the ways they are learned through interaction with the environment.
What was the cognitive revolution?
A shift in psychology during the mid-20th century that focused on understanding internal mental processes, such as memory and problem-solving.
What are control processes in memory?
Strategies or mechanisms (e.g., rehearsal, encoding, retrieval) that manage the flow of information in memory systems.
What are converging operations?
Using multiple methods or approaches to address a single research question, increasing reliability and validity.
What is the declarative-nondeclarative distinction?
Declarative memory involves conscious recall of facts and events, while nondeclarative memory involves unconscious skills and habits.
What is distributed practice?
A learning strategy where study sessions are spaced out over time, enhancing retention.
What is embodied cognition?
A theory suggesting that cognitive processes are deeply rooted in the body’s interactions with the physical world.
What is an engram?
A physical or biological trace in the brain that represents a memory.
What is the episodic-semantic distinction?
Episodic memory refers to personal experiences and events, while semantic memory involves general knowledge and facts.
What is the explicit-implicit distinction?
Explicit memory involves conscious recall, while implicit memory influences behavior without conscious awareness.
What is the forgetting curve?
A graph showing how information is lost over time if there is no effort to retain it.
What is learning?
The process of acquiring knowledge or skills through experience, study, or teaching.
What are fuzzy trace theories?
Theories proposing that memory is stored as both detailed (verbatim) and general (gist) traces.
What was the Gestalt movement?
A psychological approach emphasizing the human tendency to perceive patterns and wholes rather than isolated parts.
What is a learning curve?
A graphical representation of the rate of learning over time.
What is long-term memory?
A memory system capable of storing information for extended periods, ranging from days to years.
What is massed practice?
A learning strategy where study sessions are grouped together in a short time frame (also known as cramming).
What are metaphors for memory?
Conceptual comparisons, such as memory as a “junk drawer” or “computer,” used to explain how memory works.
What is the modal model of memory?
A framework proposing three stages of memory: sensory registers, short-term memory, and long-term memory.
What is a nonsense syllable?
A meaningless string of letters, such as “ZUP,” used in memory experiments to study learning and forgetting.
What is overlearning?
Continuing to study or practice material after it has been mastered, leading to improved long-term retention.
What is paired associate learning?
A memory task where participants learn to associate pairs of items, such as a word and its translation.
What is recall?
The act of retrieving information from memory without external cues.
What is recognition?
The ability to identify previously learned information when presented with it.
What is savings?
The reduction in time or effort needed to relearn information, indicating some retention from initial learning.
What are sensory registers?
Temporary storage systems for sensory information, such as visual or auditory inputs, lasting only a few seconds.
What is short-term memory?
A memory system that temporarily holds a small amount of information for immediate use.
What is verbal learning?
A study of how verbal material, such as words or syllables, is acquired, retained, and recalled.
