Chapter 6.1 The basics of information processing

Question 1

Encoding

Answer 1

the process by which information is initially recorded in a form usable to memory
- ex. typing, being exposed to the information and encoding it in a meaningful way

Question 2

storage

Answer 2

the maintenance of material saved in memory
- ex. flash drive, if we have not adequately stored information about the name of the U.S. President, we will be unable to recall it later

Question 3

Retrieval

Answer 3

the process by which material in memory storage is located, brought into awareness, and used
- ex. Computer, success in responding to the question about the president is a result of how well the material can be retrieved from storage

Question 4

Automatization

Answer 4

the degree to which an activity requires attention

• process that require relatively little attention are automatic
• process that require relatively large amounts of attention are controlled

Question 5

concepts

Answer 5

categorization of objects, events, or people that share common properties
- ex. acquiring the concept of dog from encoding the information that four legs, a wagging tail, and barking are often found together

Question 6

sensory store

Answer 6

the initial, momentary storage of information, lasting only an instant

Question 7

short-term memory

Answer 7

the short-duration, limited-capacity memory component in which selected input from the memory store is worked on

• begins the process of storing information in terms of meaning
• lasts 15 to 25 seconds

Question 8

chunk

Answer 8

a meaningful group of stimuli that can be stored as a unit in short-term memory
- can be a letter or number or word that relates less to physical size than to meaningfulness

Question 9

Rehearsal

Answer 9

the repetition of information that has entered short-term memory
-permits the transfer of material into long-term memory

Question 10

working memory

Answer 10

a set of temporary memory stores that actively manipulate and rehearse information

Question 11

central executive

Answer 11

control the functions of short-term memory, coordinating the processing of material, determining problem-solving strategies, directing attention, and selecting strategies for remembering in short-term memory

Question 12

Long-term memory

Answer 12

the memory component in which information is stored on a relatively permanent basis
-nearly limitless in capacity

Question 13

retrevial

Answer 13

the process of locating and bringing information stored in memory into awareness

Question 14

retrieval cues

Answer 14

stimuli that permit people to recall information

Question 15

declarative memory

Answer 15

memory for factual information (names, dates, facts)

- remember information about things

Question 16

procedural memory

Answer 16

memories relating to skills and habits (how to ride a bike)

- remember information about how to do things