AP Psychology Mr. Sinn - Unit 2 Keywords

Flashcards covering key terms related to perception, cognition, memory, intelligence, and testing.

Perception

Interpreting information obtained through the senses.

Sensation

The raw data or information received from sensory receptors.

Top-Down Processing

Using prior knowledge and experience to interpret information.

Bottom-Up Processing

Interpreting stimuli based on what is directly in front of you, without prior knowledge.

Schema

A mental framework built from past experiences. Example: A child's understanding of a dog, shaped by previous encounters with various dogs

Perceptual Set

Mental shortcuts that influence how we interpret stimuli.

Selective Attention

Focusing on one stimulus while ignoring others.

Cocktail Party Effect

Ability to focus on one conversation in a noisy environment.

Inattentional Blindness

Failing to notice visible stimuli due to focused attention elsewhere.

Change Blindness

Failing to notice changes in the environment.

Figure-Ground

Differentiating the object in focus from the background.

Continuation

Tendency to follow a continuous path.

Closure

Filling in gaps to see a complete image.

Similarity

Grouping similar items as a single unit.

Proximity

Grouping objects that are close together.

Symmetry

Perceiving symmetrical items as a group.

Binocular Cues

Depth cues requiring both eyes.

Monocular Cues

Depth cues requiring only one eye.

Concepts

Mental categories for grouping information.

Prototypes

Best example of a concept.

Assimilation

Adding new info into an existing schema without changing it.

Accommodation

Changing a schema to fit new information.

Algorithms

Step-by-step problem-solving method.

Heuristics

Mental shortcuts.

Representative Heuristic

Judging by resemblance to a stereotype.

Availability Heuristic

Judging by how easily examples come to mind.

Mental Set

Using past problem-solving strategies.

Priming

Exposure to one stimulus affects response to another.

Framing

How information is presented influences decisions.

Divergent Thinking

Generating many solutions to a problem.

Convergent Thinking

Narrowing down to the best single solution.

Functional Fixedness

Inability to see alternate uses for an object.

Apparent Movement

Perceiving motion where none exists.

Perceptual Constancy

Perceiving objects as unchanging despite changes in sensory input.

Explicit Memory

Memory that requires conscious recall.

Implicit Memory

Memory without conscious awareness.

Prospective Memory

Remembering to do something in the future.

Parallel Processing

Processing multiple types of information at once.

Long-Term Potentiation (LTP)

Strengthening synapses through repeated use.

Working Memory Model

System for temporarily storing and managing information.

Multi-Store Memory Model

Info moves from sensory to short-term to long-term memory.

Levels of Processing Model

The depth of processing affects memory retention.

Visual Encoding

Encoding based on visual input.

Acoustic Encoding

Encoding based on sound.

Tactile Encoding

Encoding through touch.

Organizational Encoding

Structuring info using sequences/groups.

Elaborative Encoding

Connecting new info to what you already know.

Semantic Encoding

Encoding based on meaning.

Mnemonic Devices

Tools to aid memory.

Method of Loci

Associating information with locations.

Chunking

Breaking info into manageable units.

Distributed Practice

Spacing study sessions over time.

Testing Effect

Memory improves with repeated retrieval.

Serial Position Effect

Remembering the beginning and end better than the middle.

Recall

Retrieving info without cues.

Recognition

Identifying info using retrieval cues.

Context-Dependent Memory

Better recall when in the same environment as when learning.

Mood-Congruent Memory

Easier to recall memories matching your current mood.

State-Dependent Memory

Improved recall when in the same physical or mental state as when learning.

Metacognition

Awareness and understanding of your own thinking processes.

Forgetting Curve

Memory loss occurs rapidly at first, then levels off.

Encoding Failure

Info was never properly stored.

Tip-of-the-Tongue Phenomenon

Knowing you know something but can’t quite recall it.

Proactive Interference

Old info interferes with new info.

Retroactive Interference

New info interferes with old info.

Repression

Unconsciously blocking distressing memories.

Constructive Memory

Memories are reconstructed when recalled.

Reconsolidation

Altering a memory during recall before re-storing it.

Misinformation Effect

Distortion of memory by misleading information.

Ego

Mediator between the id and superego, operates on reality.

Superego

Part of personality based on morals and ideals.

Id

Unconscious drive focused on pleasure.

Intelligence

Ability to learn, adapt, and solve problems.

Fluid Intelligence

Solving new, abstract problems quickly.

Crystallized Intelligence

Accumulated knowledge over time.

Fixed Mindset

Belief that intelligence is unchangeable.

Growth Mindset

Belief that intelligence can be developed.

IQ (Intelligence Quotient)

Standardized measure comparing mental and chronological age.

Standardization

Consistent procedures across all test-takers.

Reliability

Consistency of a test’s results.

Validity

Whether a test measures what it claims to.

Flynn Effect

Rise in average IQ scores over time.

Stereotype Threat

Fear of confirming a negative stereotype.

Stereotype Lift

Performing better when reminded of a positive stereotype.

Achievement Test

Measures what a person already knows.

Aptitude Test

Measures potential for future success.