Module 5 AP Psych

relearning

a measure of memory that shows the amount of time saved when learning material a second time

sensory memory

the immediate, very brief recording of sensory information in the memory system

working memory

a newer understanding of short-term memory; conscious, active processing of both (1) incoming sensory information and (2) information retrieved from long-term memory

retrieval

the process of getting information out of memory storage

central executive

a memory component that coordinates the activities of the phonological loop and visuospatial sketchpad

phonological loop

a memory component that briefly holds auditory information

recall

retrieving information that is not currently in your conscious awareness but that was learned at an earlier time

parallel processing

processing multiple aspects of a stimulus or problem simultaneously

encoding

the process of getting information into the memory system

recognition

identifying items previously learned

storage

the process of retaining encoded information over time

visuospatial sketchpad

a memory component that briefly holds information about objects’ appearance and location in space

effortful processing

encoding that requires attention and conscious effort

implicit memory (non-declarative memory)

retention of learned skills or classically conditioned associations independent of conscious recollection

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

automatic processing

unconscious encoding of incidental information (such as space, time, and frequency) and of familiar or well-learned information (such as sounds, smells, and word meanings)

explicit memory (declarative memory)

retention of facts and experiences that one can consciously know and “declare”

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

testing effect

enhanced memory after retrieving, rather than simply rereading, information

chunking

organizing items into familiar, manageable units

shallow processing

encoding on a basic level

deep processing

encoding semantically, based on the meaning of the words

mnemonics

memory aids that use vivid imagery and organizational devices

spacing effect

the tendency for distributed study to yield better long-term retention than is achieved through massed study or practice

flashbulb memory

a clear memory of an emotionally significant moment or event

memory consolidation

the neural storage of a long-term memory

semantic memory

explicit memory of facts and general knowledge

hippocampus

a neural center located in the limbic system; helps process explicit memories

episodic memory

explicit memory of personally experienced events

priming

the activation of associations in memory

interleaving

a practice strategy that involves mixing the study of different topics

encoding-specificity principle

the idea that cues specific to a particular memory will be most effective in helping you recall it

mood-congruent memory

the tendency to recall experiences that are consistent with one’s current mood

serial position effect

the tendency to recall the last items in a list initially and the first items in a list after a delay

reconsolidation

the process in which previously stored memories are potentially altered before being stored again

source amnesia

faulty memory for how, when, or where information was learned

retrograde amnesia

an inability to remember information from one’s past

proactive interference

forward-acting disruptive effect of older learning on the recall of new information

anterograde amnesia

an inability to form new memories

déjà vu

when cues from the current situation unconsciously trigger retrieval of an earlier experience

repression

a defense mechanism that banishes anxiety-arousing thoughts, feelings, and memories from consciousness

misinformation effect

when a memory has been corrupted by misleading information

retroactive interference

backward-acting disruptive effect of newer learning on the recall of previously learned information