AP Psych Unit 2 Part 2: Memory

Memory

The process by which information is encoded, stored, and retrieved over time

Encoding

The process of putting information into the memory system

Storage

the creation of a permanent record of the encoded information

Retrieval

the calling back of stored information on demand when it is needed

Visual sensory memory

Iconic

Auditory sensory memory

Echoic

Short-term memory

Sensory inputs you pay attention to; kept for around 20 seconds

Long term memory

the memories we hold for periods of time longer than a few seconds after it is encoded

Explicit memory

You work to remember

Episodic memory

Memory of events

semantic memory

memories of facts and ideas

implicit memory

you remember without tryingpro

procedural memory

knowing how to do things

prospective memory

remembering to remember

working memory model

explains how our brain temporarily stores and manipulates information while we are actively thinking; several specialized parts

Phonological loop

holds auditory information, repeats sounds/words in your mind

visuospatial sketchpad

holds visual and spatial information, helps you create mental images

central executive

controls attention, directs information between subsystems, pulls info from long term memory to help organize and encode new information

Multi-store model

explains how info moves through three separate stores: first noticed in the sensory stream, then transferred to short-term memory, and finally moved into long-term memory

levels of processing model

how well we remember information depends on how deeply we process it

shallow processing

involves surface level features, little meaning

intermediate processing

focuses on the sound of the information; thinking about how the word sounds, not what it means

deep processing

focuses on the meaning of the information

long term potentiation

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

Mnemonic devices

use memory aids like acronyms, rhymes, or phrases to help encode and retrieve information quickly

method of loci

associate pieces of info with specific physical locations in a familiar place to recall them more easily

chunking

breaking up info into smaller, meaningful groups

visualization

create mental images or diagrams to represent info

distributed practice

study information over multiple short sessions

massed practice

cramming the memorization of info or the learning of skills into one session

maintenance rehearsal

repeating info over and over to keep it in short-term without adding meaning

elaborative rehearsal

connecting new info to meaning, prior knowledge, or context so it can be stored in long-term memory

autobiographical memory

memories from your entire life

retrograde amnesia

inability to recall memories from before the time of brain damage

anterograde amnesia

inability to form new memories after time of brain damage

recall

being able to access info without being cued

recognition

identifying info after experiencing it again

context-dependent memory

the environmental, emotional, and situational context in which info is learned influences memory

mood congruent memory

your current mood makes it easier to recall memories associated with the same mood

state-dependent memory

recalling info is easier when your internal, physical, or emotional state during retrieval matches your state during learning

testing effect

retrieving information from memory significantly enhances its long term retention

forgetting curve

after learning info, memory loss occurs rapidly but then slows down and stabilizes

proactive interference

old memories disrupt the formation of new memories

retroactive interference

new memories disrupt recall of old memories

tip of the tongue phenomenon

uses cues like related concepts or letters to help probe memory and use active recall and spaced repetition to help

constructive memory

we construct memories when we first encode them, and we may reconstruct or alter them each time we retrieve them