Learning & Memory

Question 1

what is the total time hypothesis?

Answer 1

the amount learned is a function of the time spent learning.

practice drives structural brain plasticity.

Question 2

Does repetition always result in learning?

Answer 2

simple repetition with no attempt to organise the material might not lead to learning.
especially if info is not seen as useful.

Question 3

what are the 3 reasons why distributed practice works?

Answer 3

• Deficient processing
• Encoding variability
• Study-phase retrieval

Question 4

Explain ‘Deficient Processing’

Answer 4

• Less attention is paid to recently encountered stimuli

- After a longer delay stimuli attract more attention

Question 5

Explain ‘Encoding Variability’

Answer 5

• Multiple encoding instances create richer associations

- Variety of ways stimulus has been encoded

Question 6

Explain ‘Study-phase retrieval’

Answer 6

• Second presentation is a reminder of the previous occurrence
• This act strengthens memory for the item
• Bigger benefits when memory is not recent (more effortful)

Question 7

Describe what the testing effect shows.

Answer 7

• The effect shows that having to retrieve the answer, rather than being presented with, leads to greater retention.
• the sooner the item is tested after the initial presentation the more likely it will be recalled and strengthened.

Question 8

What are the limitations of the testing effect?

Answer 8

• Errors in recall when training may affect later recall unless corrective feedback is provided
• The erroneous retrieval may be strengthened in memory

Question 9

Describe the Spacing Effect.

Answer 9

Spaced presentation enhances memory.

Question 10

What is the effect of motivation on learning?

Answer 10

Increased motivation/curiosity to learn = increases memory storage.

Question 11

Describe the automatic way of using motivation to learn?

Answer 11

External (e.g., reward) or internal (e.g., curiosity) motives prior to exposure to stimuli improves memory even when time spent studying or strategies used are controlled.

Question 12

Describe the strategic way of using motivation to learn?

Answer 12

People use deeper and more elaborate memorization strategies for high-value items.

Question 13

How does your curiosity to learn something affect your internal motivation to learn?

Answer 13

• Curiosity creates a powerful state that favours encoding of new information (even incidental).