MCAT Encoding, Storage, and Retrieval

Question 1

Encoding

Answer 1

Moving information to long-term memory.

Question 2

Levels of processing

Answer 2

Information that’s processed on a deeper level are better able to be retrieved than information at a shallower level.

Question 3

Self- reference effect

Answer 3

Information that’s connected to something more personal is better able to be recalled because it’s understood on a deeper level.

Question 4

What’s the basis behind memory?

Answer 4

1. Encoding
2. Storage
3. Retrieval

Question 5

What are the 3 types of memory?

Answer 5

1. Sensory memory- quickly stores information from the environment ( echoic = auditory, iconic = visual).
2. Short- term memory- Stores information for about 20 seconds and holds about 7 items.
3. Long-term memory- hold information indefinitely.

Question 6

How do we get to the point of holding information for an indefinite amount of time?

Answer 6

Through maintenance rehearsal.

Question 7

The process of chunking

Answer 7

A way to improve storage by organizing information into blocks of information.

Question 8

What are the two types of long-term memory?

Answer 8

Implicit ( nondeclarative) memory- memory that’s unconsciously recalled. Includes procedural memory ( how to complete a task), emotions/reflexes between stimuli.

Explicit ( declarative) memory- memory that’s consciously recalled. Includes semantic memory ( facts) and episodic memories ( times in your life).

To help remeber think being explicit makes a very “ declarative” statement

Question 9

How are semantic memory connected to each other?

Answer 9

They’re connected via nodes which are individual chunks of semantic memory.

Question 10

Spreading activation model ( priming)

Answer 10

When activation of one node is activates other connected nodes.

Question 11

What are the 3 forms of retrieval?

Answer 11

Retrieval is the recall of encoded information from memory.

• Recall- retrieve information from memory.
• Recognition- we recognize encoded information when we see it.
• Relearning - when we re-learn information it’s encoded stronger the next time.

Question 12

Context- dependent effects

Answer 12

Retrieval of information is easier when we do it in the same place where we learned it.

Question 13

State- dependent effects

Answer 13

Memory is recalled easier when were in the same emotional state we were as we learned it.

Question 14

Serial- position effect

Answer 14

We tend to remember the first few items in the list ( primacy effect) and few last items ( recency effect).

Items in the middle of the list are harder to recall.

Question 15

” Tip- of- the - tongue” phenomenon

Answer 15

When we can recall only part of the word and having the feeling it’s on the tip of out tongue.

Question 16

The forgetting curve

Answer 16

Represents that information initially is forgotten the fastest and then levels off unless maintenance rehearsal is done.

Question 17

Interference. What are the two types?

Answer 17

Interference is when information effects encoding or recalling of other information.

• Proactive interference- when old information makes it harder to learn new information.
• Retroactive interference - When new information makes it harder to recall previously encoded information.

Question 18

Memory construction

Answer 18

When someone changes their memories when trying to recall information.

Question 19

Misinformation effect

Answer 19

When someone feeds us false information it can lead to alterations of our recalled memories.

Question 20

Source monitoring effect

Answer 20

When we attribute learned information to the wrong source.

Question 21

Aging results in the decline in what types of memory?

Answer 21

Decline in episodic and source memory ( where the information came from) but not procedural memory. As well as semantic memory.

Also a decline in flashbulb memory.

Question 22

Flashbulb memory

Answer 22

Declines with age.

Very vivid memories of memorable events ( think 9/11 or baby being born).

Question 23

Amnesia. What are the two types?

Answer 23

Memory loss.

Retrograde amnesia- lost old memories.

Anterograde amnesia- unable to form new memories.

Question 24

Neural plasticity

Answer 24

Ability of neurons to change.

• potentiation- strengthening of neural connections.

Depression- weakening of neural connections.

Question 25

Plasticity involves what types of changes?

Answer 25

Synaptic changes - changes in receptors.

Structural changes -Sprouting ( new connections) and pruning ( reduction of connections). Also includes rerouting of neural connections.

Question 26

Long- term potentiation

Answer 26

Repeated stimulation causes strengthening of synapses.

Question 27

Long term depression

Answer 27

Less stimulation of neuron leads to synaptic pruning.

Internalization of receptors.

Question 28

What effect does long term potentiation and long term depression has on receptor density?

Answer 28

Long term potentiation will lead to increases receptor density.

Long term depression will lead to decreased receptor density.