AP Psych Unit 4 Test

2.4 - 2.8

memory

the persistence of learning over time through the encoding, storage, and retrieval of information

explicit memory

the facts, events, and experiences that we consciously know

semantic memory

explicit memory of facts and general knowledge; one of our two conscious memory systems

episodic memory

explicit memory of personally experienced events; one of our two conscious memory systems

implicit memory

retention of learned skills or classically conditioned associations independent of conscious recollection (AKA non declarative memory)

procedural memory

implicit memory of automatic skills and classically conditioned associations among stimuli

prospective memory

retrieving memories of our intended future actions

long-term potentiation

an increase in a nerve cell’s firing potential after brief, rapid stimulation; a neural basisfor learning and memory

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

central executive function

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

phonological loop

a memory component that briefly holds auditory information

visuospatial sketchpad

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

long-term memory

the relatively permanent and limitless archive of the memory system that includes knowledge, skills, and experiences

short-term memory

briefly activated memory of a few items (such as digits of a phone number while calling) that is later stored of forgotten

sensory memory

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

iconic memory

a momentary sensory memory of visual stimuli; a photograph or picture-image memory lasting no more than a few tenths of a second

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

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

effortful processing

encoding that requires attention and conscious effort

structural processing

elementary level of encoding, such as a word’s letters

phonemic processing

a more intermediate level of encoding, such as a word’s sound

semantic processing

deep processing based on the meaning of words

self-referent encoding

repeated self-testing

serial position effect

our tendency to recall best the last items in a list initially (a recency effect) and the first items in a list after a delay (a primacy effect)

What is the limit of sensory memory?

anywhere from a few tenths of a second to 3 or 4 seconds

What is the limit of short-term memory?

about seven bits of information

what is the limit of working memory?

it varies depending on a person’s age as well as other factors

what is the limit of long-term memory?

it’s limitless