Key Terms

Question 1

What is capacity

Answer 1

Capacity is how much information can be stored. It’s represented in terms of ‘bits of information’

Question 2

What is coding

Answer 2

Coding is the way information is changed so it can be stored. Information enters the brain via the senses then is stored in various ways such as visual, acoustic, and semantics

Question 3

What is long term memory

Answer 3

Long term memory is the past events. Lasts 2 mins - 100 years. Potentially unlimited duration and capacity. Typically coded semantically

Question 4

What is short term memory

Answer 4

Memory for immediate events. Last seconds or mins if not rehearsed. Limited to 4 chunks/items. Typically coded acoustically. And is AKA ‘working memory’

Question 5

What is duration

Answer 5

A measurement of how long a memory last before it is no longer available

Question 6

What is the multi-store model

Answer 6

An explanation of memory based off 3 separate memory stores and how information is transferred between these stores.

Question 7

What is the sensory register

Answer 7

The information at the senses. Information collected by the nose ears mouth etc. the information is retained for a very brief amount of time - less than half a second. The capacity of sensory memory is very large. Coding method depends on sense used to collect information.

Question 8

What is the central executive

Answer 8

The central executive monitors and coordinates all other mental functions in the working memory

Question 9

What is the episodic buffer

Answer 9

The episodic buffer receives input from many sources, temporarily stores the information, then integrates it in order to construct a mental episode.

Question 10

What is the phonological loop

Answer 10

The loop codes speech in the working memory, typically involving maintenance rehearsals - hence the loop

Question 11

What is the Visio-spatial sketch pad

Answer 11

Codes visual information in terms of separate objects aswell as the arrangement of these objects

Question 12

What is the working memory model

Answer 12

An explaination of the memory used when working on a task

Question 13

What is episodic memory

Answer 13

The memory of events and person memories- includes emotional tones

Question 14

What is procedural memory

Answer 14

The memory for how actions are done - these memories are automatic

Question 15

What are semantic memories

Answer 15

Memories of facts and knowledge - can be abstract or concrete concepts

Question 16

Define interference

Answer 16

An explanation for forgetting when one memory disrupts the ability to recall neither

Question 17

Define proactive interference

Answer 17

Past learning interfering with current learning

Question 18

Define retroactive interference

Answer 18

Current learning distrusting past learning

Question 19

Define cute

Answer 19

Things that serve as a reminder. May meaningfully link to the material and may not be

Question 20

Define retrieval failure

Answer 20

Retrieval failure is the inability to recall a memory due to the lack of cues

Question 21

Define eye witness testimony

Answer 21

The evidence provided in court by a person who witnessed the crime with the purpose to identify the perpetrators

Question 22

Define leading questions

Answer 22

A question that leads to a Desired answer

Question 23

Define misleading information

Answer 23

Supplying information that may lead a witness’ memory of a crime being altered

Question 24

Define post event discussion

Answer 24

A conversion between co-witnesses or an interviewer and an eyewitness after a crime has taken place - may contaminate a witness’ memory

Question 25

Define anxiety

Answer 25

An unpleasant emotional state that is often accompanied by increased heart rate and rapid breathing

Question 26

Define the cognitive interview

Answer 26

A police interview technique encouraging the witness to recreate the events in order, change order, reinstate their mental state, report everything, or change perspective