Early Childhood: Information Processing

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and terms related to information processing, attention, executive function, working memory models, and memory systems in early childhood.

Executive Function

A set of cognitive processes that show gains in early childhood, including inhibition, flexible shifting, working memory, and planning.

Flexible Shifting of Attention

An aspect of executive function studied through rule-use tasks; children can typically switch rules around age 4.

Divided Attention

The ability to switch focus between tasks or external stimuli; also referred to as multitasking.

Selective Attention

The ability to focus on a single task or stimulus while ignoring distracting information.

Sustained Attention

The ability to stay on task for long periods of time.

Sensory Memory

The first stage of the memory system, which stores sensory input in its raw form for a very brief duration long enough for the brain to register and begin processing.

Working Memory

The component of memory in which current conscious mental activity occurs, playing an increasingly important role in problem solving and flexible shifting.

Long-Term Memory

The component of the memory system also known as permanent memory.

Atkinson & Shiffrin Stage Model of Memory

A model proposed in 1968 that characterizes memory in terms of stages based on the length of time information remains available to us.

Baddeley's Model of Working Memory

A model of working memory consisting of four components: Phonological Loop, Visuospatial Sketchpad, Central Executive, and Episodic Buffer.

Phonological Loop

A component of Baddeley's working memory model responsible for holding verbal and auditory information.

Visuospatial Sketchpad

A component of Baddeley's working memory model responsible for holding visual and spatial information.

Central Executive

The controlling component of Baddeley's working memory model that coordinates attention and cognitive resources.

Episodic Buffer

A component of Baddeley's working memory model that integrates information across subsystems and interfaces with long-term memory.

Explicit Memory

Conscious long-term memory, consisting of declarative memory for facts and events.

Implicit Memory

Unconscious long-term memory, consisting of procedural memory for skills and tasks.

Declarative Memory

A category of explicit conscious long-term memory that stores facts and events.

Procedural Memory

A category of implicit unconscious long-term memory that stores skills and tasks.

Episodic Memory

A type of declarative explicit memory that stores personal events and experiences, including autobiographical memory.

Semantic Memory

A type of declarative explicit memory that stores general facts and concepts.

Theory of Mind

An area of cognitive gain in early childhood involving the understanding of false belief.

Types of Memory Classification

A hierarchical taxonomy dividing memory into Sensory Memory, Short-term Memory, and Long-term Memory (split into Explicit and Implicit Memory).