unit 7: cognition (31-36) Flashcards
memory
the persistence of learning over time through the encoding, storage, and retrieval of info
encode
processing of info into the memory system
store
process of retaining encoded info over time
retrieve
process of getting info out of memory storage
parallel processing
processing many aspects simultaneously
**natural mode for processing several things
connectionism
viewing memories as products of interconnected neural networks
sensory memory
the brief, immediate recording of sensory info in the memory system
short-term memory
activated memory that holds a few things for a short amount of time
long-term memory
relatively permanent and limitless storehouse of the memory system
includes knowledge, skills, and experiences
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
explicit/declarative memory
memory of facts and experiences that one can consciously know and “declare.”
implicit memory
retention independent of conscious recollection
effortful processing
encoding that requires attention a conscious effort
automatic processing
unconscious encoding of incidental information, such as space, time, and frequency, and of well-learned information
without a conscious effort, we automatically process:
space, time, frequency
iconic memory
fleeting sensory memory of visual stimuli
echoic memory
fleeting sensory memory of auditory stimuli
chunking
organizing items into familiar, manageable units
mnemonics
memory aids
**techniques using vivid imagery & organizational techniques
3 effortful processing strategies
chunking, mnemonics, hierarchies
spacing effect
the tendency for distributed study or practice to yield better long-term retention than is achieved through massed study or practice
testing effect
enhanced memory after retrieving, rather than simply rereading, information
shallow processing
encoding on a basic level based on the structure or appearance of words
deep processing
encoding semantically, based on the meaning of the words; tends to yield the best retention
hippocampus
a neural center located in the limbic system; helps process explicit memories for storage
cerebellum
forms and stores implicit memories monitor & regulate behavior/automatic movements coordinating voluntary movement posture, balance, reflex memory timing, sequence memory
basal ganglia
movement regulation
skill learning (procedural memory)
habit formation
reward systems
amygdala
emotion processing
learning
fight or flight response
reward processing
flashbulb memories
a clear memory of an emotionally significant moment or event
long-term potentiation
an increase in a cell’s firing potential after brief, rapid stimulation
neural basis for learning and memory
2 memory systems
automatic and effortful
automatic: implicit memory: processed in the cerebellum & basal ganglia
space, time, frequency
motor & cognitive skills
classical conditioning
effortful: explicit memory: processed in hippocampus & frontal lobes
facts & general knowledge
personally experienced events
3 measures of memory
recall
retention
relearning
recall
retrieving info learned earlier
*fill-in-the-blank test
recognition
identify terms previously learned
*multiple-choice test
relearning
the amount of time saved after learning material again
priming
the activation, often unconsciously, of particular associations in memory
mood-congruent memory
tendency to recall experiences consistent with one’s current mood
serial position effect
tendency to recall the first and last items in a list
anterograde amnesia
inability to form new memories
retrograde amnesia
inability to retrieve past memories
forgetting curve
forgetting is initially rapid, then levels off over time
proactive interference
past info disrupting new info
retroactive interference
new info disrupting past info
repression
basic defense mechanism that banishes from consciousness anxiety-arousing thoughts, feelings, and memories
misinformation effect
incorporating misleading information into one’s memory of an event
source amnesia
attributing to the wrong source an event we have experienced, heard about, read about, or imagined
source amnesia + misinformation effect
false memories
deja vu
that eerie sense that “I’ve experienced this before”
cues from the current situation may unconsciously trigger retrieval of an earlier experience
how to improve memory
rehearse repeatedly make the material meaningful activate retrieval cues use mnemonics minimize interference sleep more self-test
cognition
all the mental activities associated with thinking, knowing, remembering, and communicating
concept
a mental grouping of similar objects, events, ideas, or people
prototype
mental image or best example of a category
creativity
the ability to create and produce novel ideas
convergent thinking
narrows the available problem solutions to determine the single best solution
divergent thinking
expands the number of possible problem solutions
5 components of creativity
expertise imaginative thinking skills venturesome personality intrinsic motivation creative environment
algorithm
methodical, logical rule or procedure that guarantees to solve a particular problem
heuristic
simple thinking strategy that often allows us to make judgments and solve problems efficiently
insight
sudden realization of a problem’s solution
confirmation bias
tendency to search for information that supports our preconceptions and to ignore or distort contradictory evidence
mental set
a tendency to approach a problem in one particular way
intuition
effortless, immediate, automatic feeling or thought
representativeness heuristic
judging the likelihood of things in terms of how well they seem to represent, or match, particular prototypes
may lead us to ignore other relevant information
availability heuristic
estimating the likelihood of events based on their availability in memory
if instances come readily to mind we presume such events are common
overconfidence
tendency to overestimate the accuracy of our beliefs and judgments
belief perseverance
clinging to one’s initial conceptions after the basis on which they were formed has been discredited
framing
the way an issue is posed
can significantly affect decisions and judgments
main points of intuition
intuition is huge
intuition is usually adaptive
intuition is recognition born of experience
