Memory Types, Processes, and Experimental Methods in Psychology

sensory storage

holds sensory information for a few seconds or less, unattended information is lost, also holding information

short term storage

A memory store that briefly holds a limited amount of information in awareness, information that isn't maintained is lost

long term storage

a memory storage system that allows relatively permanent storage, probably of an unlimited amount of information(that can be forgotten)

explicit memory

memory of facts and experiences that one can consciously know and "declare" (declarative memory), readily express if asked and aware

Hippocampus

a neural center located in the limbic system; helps process explicit memories for storage (save button)

Episodic Memory

memories of PERSONAL events in a specific time and space

implicit memory

seemingly automatic recall of information that we cannot readily express

procedural memory

a type of implicit memory that involves motor skills and behavioral habits

primacy effect

tendency to remember words at the beginning of a list especially well

regency effect

better memory for the items at the end of a list (reflects working memory)

semantic memory

memory for knowledge about the world

Heuristic

category of simple thinking shortcuts

confirmation bias

when we ignore information that goes against our beliefs and search for evidence that supports our beliefs

belief perseverance

clinging on to your beliefs after contrary evidence has been shown

Theory

well-tested explanation that unifies a broad range of phenomen, more direct

Hypothesis

A testable prediction, often implied by an if then statement

framing effect

Decisions are influenced by how the choices are stated, once you hear someone else opinion your viewpoint changes

naturalistic observation

observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate and control the situation

Correlation

a mutual relationship or connection between two or more things associated

Experimental

to explore cause and effect, trial

IV

hypothesized causes, manipulation of a certain thing. Ex: Dosage amounts of (histamine)

Independent variable

is the variable that is changed or controlled in a scientific experiment to test the effects on the dependent variable

DV

hypothesized causes; outcome, if our manipulation caused a change

Ex: Level of drowsiness (effect)

control group

the group that does not receive the experimental treatment, no changed applied

experimental group

the group in an experiment that receives the variable being tested, change is applied