AP PSYCH MEMORY (36)

Memory

persistence of learning over time; it is information that has been acquired and stored and can be retrieved.

Encoding

 first stage of memory, where perceived information is transformed into a format that can be processed and stored in the brain.

Storage

process of retaining information in the brain over time.

Retrieval

process of accessing and bringing stored information back into conscious awareness.

Multi-Store Mode

describes memory as a three-part system that includes: Sensory Memory, Short-term Memory & Long-term Memory. 

Sensory Memory

initial stage of memory where sensory information is stored for a very brief period. It acts as a buffer for stimuli received through the senses and retains impressions of these stimuli for a few seconds at most.

Iconic Memory

type of sensory memory that briefly holds visual images. It captures a precise copy of a visual scene for a fraction of a second before it fades.

Echoic Memory

type of sensory memory that retains auditory information. It holds sounds for about 3-4 seconds, allowing the brain to process spoken language and other auditory stimuli.

Short-Term Memory

temporarily holds a small amount of information, typically for about 15 to 30 seconds. It has a limited capacity. 

Long-Term Memory

stage of memory where information is stored indefinitely, with a virtually unlimited capacity. It allows for the long-term retention of knowledge, skills, experiences, and facts.

Working Memory

form of short-term memory used for temporarily holding and manipulating information. Short-term and long-term memories combine. Ex: Cooking from a recipe

Central Executive

control center of working memory. It manages attention, coordinates other memory components, and integrates information from our senses and long-term memory. Essential for planning, problem solving, and decision making

Phonological Loop

component of Working Memory responsible for processing and storing verbal and auditory information. It consists of two parts:

• Temporarily holds words and sounds for a few seconds.

• Rehearses and refreshes information in the phonological store through subvocal repetition.

Ex: repeating items in your head that you need to buy from the store

Visuospatial Sketchpad

component of Working Memory that handles visual and spatial information. It allows for the temporary storage and manipulation of images and spatial relationships, enabling tasks such as:

• Navigation

• Geometry

• Visual tracking

• Manipulating objects

Long-Term Potentiation (LTP)

long-lasting increase in signal transmission between neurons that results from their simultaneous activation. LTP is considered one of the major cellular mechanisms that underlies learning and memory.

Ex: Learning how to play a guitar and then mastering it

Effortful Processing

type of memory encoding that requires active work and attention to embed information into long-term memory.

Automatic Processing

unconscious encoding of information about space, time, frequency, and well-learned tasks. Ex: Driving to a familiar place

Levels of Processing Model

proposes that the depth at which information is thought about affects how well it is remembered. 

Shallow Encoding

basic level of processing that focuses on surface characteristics of information, such as the sound or appearance of words, without engaging with its meaning. 

• Involves Minimal Attention: Relies on repetition or simple recognition.

• Leads to Fragile Memories: Results in memories that are less likely to be retained over time.

Ex: flipping through a magazine

Structural

type of shallow processing that focuses on the physical structure of information. 

Phonemic

shallow processing that focuses on the auditory aspects of information.

Deep Encoding

involves thoroughly processing information by focusing on its meaning and connecting it to existing knowledge. This type of encoding:

• Analyzes the significance and implications of information.
  

• Creates durable and easily retrievable memories.

Chunking (Grouping)

memory strategy that involves grouping individual pieces of information into larger, meaningful units. This technique helps to:

• By organizing information into chunks, more items can be held in short-term memory.

• Makes it easier to remember and retrieve information by reducing cognitive load.

Ex: phone numbers

Categories (Grouping)

method of organizing information by grouping related items together into categories. This process enhances memory by:

• Helps structure information in a more logical way.

• Makes it easier to access information through associated links between items within the same category.

Ex: Grocery store aisles

Hierarchies (Grouping)

organizing information into a system of ranked categories or levels. This method enhances memory by:

• Facilitates efficient search and recall through a structured format.

• Helps in understanding complex relationships between concepts by viewing them in a layered approach.

Mnemonics

techniques used to improve memory. They help in recalling information by associating it with simple cues like patterns, vivid images, or rhymes. 

• These tools make it easier to retrieve information from memory by providing a mental shortcut.

Ex: My Very Excellent Mother Just Served Us Nachos

story, emotion, place

The 3 major components of encoding memories are

Method of Loci

mnemonic technique that involves associating items to be remembered with specific physical locations. It enhances memory by:

• Links information to visual representations of familiar locations.
  

• Allows for retracing the mental path through these locations to retrieve the associated information.