T4: Memory / Forgetting Flashcards
Loftus Experiment
Loftus presented a doctored ad for disneyland to subjects including bugs bunny. after, when asked questions, 16% of subjects said they saw bugs and even had stories with him. (creating a false memory)
retrieval
process of getting information out of long term memory
testing memory
recall, recognition, relearning
recall
fill in the blank test: free recall, serial recall, cued recall
free recall
“write everything you’ve learned”
serial recall
“list the order of the planets”
cued recall
hint –> remember it
Recognition
ability to identify items previously learned (multiple choice test)
Relearning
ability to master previously learned information more quickly than originally learning it
recall vs recognition
we can often recognize things that cannot be recalled. recognition is a more sensitive measure of memory than recall.
retrieval cues
bits of information we encode while encoding a target piece of information that form a web of associations. (words, context, mood, meaning, schema)
priming
(words) activation of particular associations in memory (ex rabbit->concept->hair/hare)
context cues
place/space (learn it in the psych room, remember it in the psych room)
Encoding specificity principle
retrieval improves when cues available during recall are similar to those present during encoding are similar to those present during encoding. putting yourself back in the context where you experienced something can prime retrieval.
state dependent memory
(tired, hungry, stressed, drug states) tendency for information to be better recalled when in the same state as when learned
mood dependent memory
(ex: mad at someone, then you remember other times you’ve been angry) same as state dependent memory
meaningfulness
the extent to which items elicit associations with existing memories. resides in learner, not material to be learned. (Self reference effect)
self reference effect
info relevant to self improves retrieval
schema
organized mental representation of the world that is adaptive and formed by experience. retrieval is enhanced when information to be remembered is consistent with prior, existing schemas.
novelty
an image (thing) that doesn’t fit with the schema so you’ll remember it. fits with contrast from sensation+perception.
rehearsal
saying/seeing things multiple times helps you remember them
when do we forget?
encoding failure, storage decay, retrieval failure/interference, motivated forgetting, amnesia
encoding failure
if you don’t encode info properly you won’t retrieve it properly
storage decay
Ebbinghaus forgetting curve. encoded memories fade after storage, initially rapid, then levels off with time.
