Unit 7&11 Cognition Flashcards
AP Unit 5
Memory
the persistence of learning over time through the storage and retrieval of information.
Flashbulb memory
a clear memory of an emotionally significant moment or event
Encoding
the processing of information into the memory system-for example, by extracting meaning.
Storage
the retention of encoded information over time
Retrieval
the process of getting information out of memory storage
Eidetic memory
photographic memory, the ability to recall images, sounds, or objects in memory with extreme precision.
Sensory memory
the immediate, very brief recording of sensory information in the memory system
Short-term memory
activated memory that holds a few items briefly, such as the seven digits of a phone number while dialing, before the information is stored or forgotten
Working memory
a newer understanding of short-term memory that focuses on conscious, active processing of incoming auditory and visual-spatial information, and of information retrieved from long-term memory
Long-term memory
the relatively permanent and limitless storehouse of the memory system. Includes knowledge, skills, and experiences
Automatic processing
unconscious encoding of incidental information, such as space, time, and frequency, and of well-learned information, such as word meanings
Effortful processing
encoding that requires attention and conscious effort
Rehearsal
the conscious repetition of information, either to maintain it in consciousness or to encode it for storage
Maintenance rehearsal
the process of repeatedly verbalizing or thinking about a piece of information. Increases time info can stay in short term memory
Elaborative rehearsal
a memory technique that involves thinking about the meaning of the term to be remembered, as opposed to simply repeating the word to yourself over and over.
Spacing effect
the tendency for distributed study or practice to yield better long-term retention than is achieved through massed study or practice
Serial position effect
our tendency to recall best the last and first items in a list
Visual encoding
the encoding of picture images
Acoustic encoding
the encoding of sound, especially the sound of words
Semantic encoding
the encoding of meaning, including the meaning of words
Imagery
mental pictures;a powerful aid to effortful processing, especially when combined with semantic encoding
Mnemonics
memory aids, especially those techniques that use vivid imagery and organizational devices
Chunking
organizing items into familiar, manageable units; often occurs automatically
Iconic memory
a momentary sensory memory of visual stimuli; a photographic or picture-image memory lasting no more than a few tenths of a second
Echoic memory
a momentary sensory memory of auditory stimuli; if attention is elsewhere, sounds and words can still be recalled within 3 or 4 seconds
Long-term potentiation (LTP)
an increase in a synapse’s firing potential after brief, rapid stimulation. Believed to be a neural basis for learning and memory
Amnesia
the loss of memory
Anterograde amnesia
loss of memory for events that occur after an incident causing amnesia, therefore, a person can’t store new information in their short-term memory.
Retrograde amnesia
loss of memory for events that occur before an incident causing amnesia, therefore, a person can’t retrieve any information from their long-term memory that existed before the incident.
Episodic memory
a category of long-term memory that involves the recollection of specific events, situations and experiences. Your first day of school, your first kiss, attending a friend’s birthday party and your brother’s graduation are all examples of episodic memories.
Semantic memory
a category of long term memory which is concerned with ideas, meanings, and concepts which are not related to personal experiences.
Procedural memory
a type of long-term memory of how to perform different actions and skills.
Implicit memories
retention independent of conscious recollection AKA procedural memory
Explicit memories
memory of facts and experiences that one can consciously know and “declare,” AKA declarative memory
Retrieval cues
Any stimulus that helps us recall information from our long-term memory.
Recall
a measure of memory in which the person must retrieve information learned earlier, as on a fill-in-the-blank test
Recognition
a measure of memory in which the person need only identify items previously learned, as on a multiple-choice test
Relearning
a measure of memory that assesses the amount of time saved when learning material for a second time
Priming
the activation, often unconsciously, of a particular associations in memory
Proactive interference
the disruptive effect of prior learning on the recall of new information
Retroactive interference
the disruptive effect of new learning on the recall of old information
Repression
in psychoanalytic theory, the basic defense mechanism that banishes from consciousness anxiety-arousing thoughts, feelings, and memories