Psychology (memory)

Question 1

Memory Encoding

Answer 1

Types of information that can be interpreted and processed by humans.

Encoding: Stimuli in environment transformed and can be inserted into memory
- Stimuli—>sense modalities—>thalamus—>hipocampus (decides if information should be stored as memories).

Question 2

4 basics types of encoding (VAKS)

Answer 2

1. Visual/iconic: inputting pics into mind.
2. Acoustic/echoic: inputting sounds.
3. Kinesthetic: inputting body sensations.
4. Spatial: inputting “sensation of direction.”

Question 3

Abstract encoding

Answer 3

Semantic: encoding meanings such a words.

Elaborative: attaching new info to preexisting memories based on meanings.

Question 4

Semantic Network Theory

Answer 4

Encode new information by situating it among conceptual portions we’ve already formed.
a. ‘Spreading activation.’ => scanning brain for memories fo help explain new info.

Question 5

Memory optimization

Answer 5

Techniques converting into into storage unit more easily.

Question 6

Sensory memories

Answer 6

Lasts 1-2 seconds and provide sense of continuity to our experience
a. Once info has passed sensory it becomes short term memory.

Question 7

Short term memory

Answer 7

Last 15-30 seconds and holds awareness for a limited period of time.

- stores max 4-9 items 
- primarily acoustic
- vulnerable to distraction.

Question 8

Long-term memory and it’s types

Answer 8

Becomes long term from short term memory through rehearsal
- Hippocampus —> Neocortex

Types:

• implicit memories: know but can’t easily articulate
• explicit memories: declarative.

Question 9

Broadbent’s Filter

Answer 9

Stimuli selectively attended to and processed at varying levels of depth

Question 10

Memory retrieval

Answer 10

What enables us to recognize and recall info we once learned.
- process of converting data from memory into active conciousness

Question 11

Eidetic memories (photographic)

Answer 11

Recall accurate visuals after brief look.

Question 12

Patterns of memory recall

Answer 12

• Serial recall: recall info best in same order occurred.
• Serial Position Effect: Remember start and end.
• Cued recall: learn info in patterned ways and given hint about the pattern.

Question 13

Memory interference: Source monitoring

Answer 13

Retroactive interference: difficulty recalling older memory because memorized a similar item more recently.

Proactive interference: difficulty recalling new memories because similar but older memory entrenched.

Source monitoring: attribute memory to a particular source whether correctly or not.

• internal (inside own mind.)
• external (outside mind).

Question 14

Sensation

Answer 14

Stimulation of sensory receptors and resulting neural impulse activity by something in the environment.

Question 15

Perception

Answer 15

Brain’s process of filtering, prioritizing and subjectively interpreting stimuli.

Question 16

2 ways stimuli produce changes in nervous system.

Answer 16

Sensory adaptation: stimuli perceived to be less strong once senses adjust.

Sensitization: particular stimulus causes a stronger reaction than once did.

Question 17

Absolute Detection Threshold

Answer 17

Lowest level of intensity at which a stimulus is detectable by an individual.

Question 18

Signal detection theory

Answer 18

Multiple factors influence detection of stimuli: intensity, competing stimuli, traits/ experiences of individual.

Question 19

Weber’s Law

Answer 19

“Just noticeable difference.”

Relationship between Original intensity and threshold of perceiving.

Question 20

Part and whole processing

Answer 20

Bottom-up processing: Attending to raw sensory details and then big picture.

Top-down processing: sensing “whole picture” first before noticing the small details.

Question 21

Gestalt principles

Answer 21

Humans perceive patterns in what they see, hear.

Question 22

We perceive oh ce visual scenes as

Answer 22

• Forms with outlines (ventral and dorsal brain).

- Figure-Ground organization- items that have borders we see one in foreground and one in the back. Even in 2D