AP Psych - Memory Quiz

What is memory?

An active system that receives, organizes, stores, and retrieves information.

What are the three processes of memory?

Encoding, storage, and retrieval.

What is encoding in memory?

The set of mental operations that convert sensory information into a usable form for storage.

What does storage refer to in memory processes?

The process of holding onto a memory for a period of time.

What is retrieval in memory?

The process of getting information out of storage when needed.

What is the information-processing model of memory?

A model that focuses on how information is processed through encoding, storage, and retrieval.

What is the parallel distribution processing model (PDP)?

A model that views memory as a simultaneous process, allowing for faster reactions and decisions.

What does the levels of processing model suggest?

Information that is more deeply processed will be remembered more efficiently and for a longer time.

What is sensory memory?

The first system in the memory process where information enters through sensory systems.

What is iconic memory?

The visual sensory memory that lasts for a fraction of a second.

What is masking in sensory memory?

The process where new information pushes out old information in iconic memory.

What is eidetic imagery?

The ability to access a visual sensory memory over a long period of time.

What is echoic memory?

A brief memory of something a person has heard, lasting about 2-4 seconds.

What is short-term memory (STM)?

The memory system that holds information for up to 30 seconds.

What is selective attention?

The ability to focus on one stimulus from all sensory input.

What is the 'cocktail party effect'?

The ability to focus on a single conversation in a noisy environment.

What is the digit span test?

A test that measures how much information can be held in short-term memory.

What did George Miller conclude about the capacity of STM?

That it is about 7 pieces of information, plus or minus two.

What is maintenance rehearsal?

The process of repeating information in one's mind to help remember it longer.

What is working memory?

The ability to hold and manipulate information in your mind over short periods.

What are executive functions in memory?

The brain's control center that includes working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility.

What is inhibitory control?

The ability to resist strong impulses and stop oneself from acting.

What does cognitive flexibility refer to?

The ability to adjust behavior or thinking patterns when situations change.

What happens to information in short-term memory (STM) when rehearsal stops?

The memories decay and are forgotten.

What can cause interference in STM?

When the amount of information exceeds STM's capacity.

What are retrieval cues?

Hints or prompts that help retrieve information by connecting it to existing knowledge.

How does elaborative rehearsal enhance memory formation?

By providing multiple cues for meaning beyond just sound.

What is encoding specificity?

The tendency for memory to be improved if retrieval conditions match the conditions during encoding.

What is context-dependent learning?

Learning that is influenced by the physical surroundings in which it occurs.

What is state-dependent learning?

The phenomenon where memories formed in a specific physiological or psychological state are easier to recall in a similar state.

What is the difference between recall and recognition?

Recall involves retrieving memories with few cues, while recognition involves matching information to a stored image or fact.

What is the tip of the tongue phenomenon?

A situation where a person feels an answer is close to being recalled but cannot retrieve it.

What is the serial position effect?

The tendency to remember the first and last items in a list better than those in the middle.

What is the primacy effect?

The tendency to remember words at the beginning of a list better.

What is the recency effect?

The tendency to remember the most recently presented items at the end of a list.

What is the testing effect?

The phenomenon where practicing retrieval enhances learning and memory retention.

What are flashbulb memories?

Vivid memories of unexpected events with strong emotional associations.

What is automatic encoding?

A type of long-term memory that enters permanent storage with little or no effort.

What is constructive processing of memories?

The process by which memories are altered or reconstructed during retrieval.

What is hindsight bias?

The tendency to believe one could have predicted an outcome after it has occurred.

What is the misinformation effect?

When misleading information becomes part of a memory, affecting its accuracy.

What is false memory syndrome?

The creation of inaccurate memories through suggestions, often during hypnosis.

How do false memories compare to real memories in the brain?

They are formed in a similar way, especially when visual images are involved.

What factors can increase susceptibility to false memories?

Hypnosis, symptoms of depression, and unusual beliefs.

What is the role of plausibility in forming false memories?

Memories must be plausible for false memories to be constructed.

What are the three stages of the Multi-Store Model of memory?

Sensory Memory, Short-Term Memory, Long-Term Memory

What is Sensory Memory?

A brief, initial storage of sensory information lasting a few seconds.

What is the duration of Iconic Sensory Memory?

Lasts only a fraction of a second.

What is the capacity of Iconic Sensory Memory?

Everything that can be seen at once.

What is Echoic Sensory Memory?

Auditory sensory memory lasting 2-4 seconds.

What phenomenon is associated with Echoic Sensory Memory?

The 'What' phenomenon, where you hear something but take a few seconds to process it.

What is the duration of Echoic Sensory Memory?

About 2-4 seconds.

What is the capacity of Short-Term Memory?

About 7 pieces of information, plus or minus two (5 to 9 items).

Who proposed the 'Magic Number 7' in relation to Short-Term Memory?

George Miller.

What is the duration of Short-Term Memory?

About 12-30 seconds.

What determines which sensory messages get encoded into memory?

Selective attention.

What is the main storage area in the Multi-Store Model?

Long-Term Memory.

What happens to information from Short-Term Memory to Long-Term Memory?

It can be moved through rehearsal or if it is deemed important.

What types of codes are used to encode sensory memory?

Visual codes, acoustic codes, and semantic codes.

What is the purpose of the Central Executive in the Working Memory Model?

To manage and coordinate the activities of the working memory system.

What does the Phonological Loop do in the Working Memory Model?

It processes and stores auditory information.

What is the function of the Visuo-Spatial Sketchpad?

It processes and stores visual and spatial information.

What is the significance of rehearsal in memory retention?

Rehearsal helps transfer information from Short-Term Memory to Long-Term Memory.

What is the role of attention in memory encoding?

Attention allows us to focus on specific stimuli, determining what gets encoded into memory.

What is the difference between Sensory Memory and Short-Term Memory?

Sensory Memory is a brief initial storage of sensory information, while Short-Term Memory is a temporary storage area for actively thought-about information.

What is the encoding process in Sensory Memory?

Sensory messages are encoded into neural messages in the nervous system.

What is the consequence of not attending to sensory information?

It is not encoded into memory and is quickly lost.

What is the importance of the Multi-Store Model?

It provides a framework for understanding the structure and function of memory.

How does the Multi-Store Model conceptualize memory?

As a warehouse with different storage rooms for different types of memory.

What is working memory?

The memory system in which information is processed and temporarily held for brief periods of time while being used, lasting about 12-30 seconds.

What is the difference between short-term memory and working memory?

Short-term memory holds information temporarily, while working memory involves manipulating that information for cognitive tasks.

What are the four interrelated systems of the working memory model?

1. Visuospatial Sketchpad 2. Phonological Loop 3. Central Executive 4. Episodic Buffer

What does the Central Executive do in the working memory model?

It manages attention and coordinates other parts of working memory, such as focusing attention and prioritizing tasks.

What is the function of the Phonological Loop?

It handles verbal and auditory information, consisting of a phonological store and an articulatory rehearsal process.

What is the role of the Visuospatial Sketchpad?

It processes visual and spatial information, allowing us to visualize objects and their locations.

What is the purpose of the Episodic Buffer?

It integrates information from the phonological loop, visuospatial sketchpad, and long-term memory into a single representation.

What does the Levels of Processing Model emphasize?

It emphasizes that information processed more deeply, according to its meaning, will be remembered more efficiently.

What is shallow processing?

Encoding information based on superficial characteristics without attaching meaning, leading to quick forgetting.

What is deep processing?

Encoding information based on its meaning and connections to existing knowledge, leading to better retention.

What is structural encoding?

Processing that involves encoding the physical characteristics of stimuli, focusing on superficial features.

What is phonemic encoding?

Processing that involves the sounds or pronunciation of a stimulus, focusing on phonetic characteristics.

What is semantic encoding?

Processing that involves understanding the meaning of a stimulus and its relationship to other concepts in memory.

How does semantic encoding enhance memory retention?

By actively relating the stimulus to existing knowledge and experiences, creating a richer representation in memory.

What is an example of shallow processing?

Memorizing a list of words without understanding their meaning.

What is an example of deep processing?

Relating a historical event to current events to enhance understanding and retention.

What is the duration of information retention in working memory?

Information is retained for about 12-30 seconds unless techniques are used to assist.

What cognitive tasks might utilize working memory?

Remembering a password, solving a math problem, or imagining furniture placement.

What is the articulatory rehearsal process?

An inner voice that helps repeat and rehearse verbal information to keep it active in working memory.

What is the phonological store?

The 'inner ear' that holds words and sounds for a short period of time.

How does the Central Executive integrate information?

By coordinating inputs from both the phonological loop and the visuospatial sketchpad.

What is the significance of the Levels of Processing Model?

It suggests that deeper processing leads to better encoding and retrieval of information.

What is an example of structural encoding?

Processing the visual appearance of letters in a word without considering its meaning.

How does shallow processing affect memory?

It leads to a tendency to forget information quickly due to lack of meaningful engagement.

What is encoding in memory?

The process and strategies used to take information and store it in long-term memory.

What is long-term potentiation (LTP)?

The process by which repeated activation of neurons strengthens the connections between them, aiding memory retention.

What are mnemonic devices?

Techniques that aid memory retention by organizing information in a way that is easier to recall.

What is the spacing effect?

The phenomenon where information is better retained when study sessions are spaced out over time.

What is chunking?

A memory strategy that involves grouping information into meaningful units to improve retention.

What is the method of loci?

A mnemonic technique that associates information with specific locations in a familiar setting.

What is elaborative rehearsal?

A memory strategy that connects new information to prior knowledge to enhance retention.