Psychology Test Revision

Memory

The faculty by which the brain encodes, stores and retrieves information.

Encoding

The process of translating raw sensory information into a format your brain understands.

Storage

The process of keeping information in memory for a period of time for later use.

Retrieval

Accessing previously stored information when needed, aided by effective storage and cues from the environment.

Recall

Accessing information without cues.

Recognition

Identifying previously learned information after encountering it again, usually in response to a cue.

Relearning

Learning information that was previously learned.

Atkinson-Shiffrin Multi-Store Model of Memory

Describes three stores of memory that are separate but function simultaneously for encoding, storing, and retrieving information.

Sensory Memory

A type of memory where information from the environment is received by our senses.

Iconic Memory

Visual sensory memory that holds a brief visual image of what has been seen, lasting around 0.3 seconds.

Echoic Memory

Auditory sensory memory that holds sound information for about 3-4 seconds.

Short-Term Memory (STM)

Also known as working memory, allows manipulation of info from sensory and long-term memory.

Chunking

A method of increasing STM capacity by grouping individual bits of information into larger chunks.

Maintenance Rehearsal

A rote memorization technique that involves constant recitation of information.

Elaborative Rehearsal

A technique that involves expanding new information by linking it to existing memories to enhance understanding.

Long-Term Memory (LTM)

A potentially permanent memory store with infinite capacity for storing information over extended periods.

Procedural Memory

A type of LTM that involves skills and processes about how to perform tasks.

Declarative Memory

A type of LTM that involves specific facts or events that can be declared.

Episodic Memory

A type of declarative memory for autobiographical information and personal experiences.

Semantic Memory

A type of declarative memory that involves factual information and general knowledge.

Selective Attention

The ability to select certain stimuli in the environment to process while ignoring distractions.

Divided Attention

The act of distributing attention to multiple stimuli simultaneously.

Working Memory

A model proposed by Baddeley that consists of different systems for handling different types of information.

Central Executive

Part of the working memory model that monitors and coordinates the operation of the slave systems.

Phonological Loop

Part of working memory that deals with spoken and written material.

Visuospatial Sketch Pad

Part of working memory that manages visual and spatial information.

Episodic Buffer

A limited capacity storage system that integrates information from various sources into a coherent whole.

Independent Variable

The variable that is systematically changed to observe its effect on the dependent variable.

Dependent Variable

The variable that is observed and measured in an experiment based on the independent variable.

Control Variables

Variables that are kept constant to prevent their effects on the results.

Extraneous Variable

Unwanted factors that could negatively affect the data collected.

Conclusions in Research

Interpretation of data collected, summarizing findings, and formulating explanations.

Hippocampus

Brain structure responsible for organizing and storing new declarative memories.

Cerebellum

Brain region involved in implicit memories, motor learning, and classical conditioning.

Amygdala

Brain structure that regulates emotions and plays a role in forming emotional memories.

Reception

The process by which sensory receptors detect specific stimuli.

Transduction

Conversion of sensory stimuli into an electrical signal known as an action potential.

Transmission

The movement of action potentials along neurons to the brain for processing.

Bottom-Up Processing

Perception built from sensory input.

Top-Down Processing

Perception influenced by prior knowledge, experiences, and expectations.

Selection in Perception

The process of filtering sensory information to focus on what is most relevant.

Organization in Perception

Categorizing and sorting perceived information into meaningful patterns.

Interpretation in Perception

The deliberate step where meaning is assigned to organized sensory information based on past experiences.