AP Pysch 206

Alzheimer’s Disease

A progressive neurodegenerative disorder that causes memory loss, confusion, and changes in behavior, often due to the buildup of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain.

Recall

A type of memory retrieval where the individual must retrieve information without the aid of cues or prompts (e.g., an essay exam).

Recognition

A type of memory retrieval in which individuals identify previously learned information from a list or set of options (e.g., multiple-choice questions).

Relearning

A measure of memory that assesses how much faster information can be learned when it is studied again after being forgotten

Explicit Memory:

• Conscious, intentional recollection of factual information, previous experiences, and concepts (e.g., remembering your birthday).

Implicit Memory

Unconscious memory for skills, habits, and conditioned responses (e.g., riding a bike, classical conditioning).

Procedural Memory

A type of implicit memory that involves memory for skills and procedures, such as riding a bike or playing an instrument.

Neurogenesis

The process by which new neurons are created in the brain, particularly in areas like the hippocampus, which is involved in memory.

Long-Term Potentiation (LTP)

A lasting increase in the strength of synaptic connections between neurons, believed to be a neural basis for learning and memory.

Working Memory

A temporary storage system that actively holds and manipulates information needed for complex tasks such as reasoning, comprehension, and problem-solving.

Visuospatial Sketchpad

A component of working memory that handles visual and spatial information (e.g., remembering the layout of a room).

Long-Term Memory

The storage of information over an extended period of time, with virtually unlimited capacity.

Multi-Store Model

A theory of memory proposed by Atkinson and Shiffrin, which posits that memory consists of three stores: sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory.

Sensory Memory

The initial, brief storage of sensory information, such as visual or auditory stimuli, lasting only a few seconds.

Short-Term Memory

The part of memory that holds information for a short period (about 15–30 seconds) and has limited capacity (about 7±2 items).

Central Executive

The part of working memory that directs attention and coordinates the activities of the phonological loop, visuospatial sketchpad, and long-term memory.

Phonological Loop

A component of working memory that processes verbal and auditory information (e.g., repeating a phone number to remember it).

Iconic Memory

A brief visual memory of stimuli that last a few tenths of a second (e.g., the image of a flash of light).

Echoic Memory

A brief auditory memory that lasts about 3–4 seconds, allowing one to remember sounds or words heard recently.

Shallow Processing

A type of encoding that involves superficial features like the physical appearance or sound of information, leading to less durable memories.

Deep Processing

A type of encoding that involves processing the meaning of information, leading to stronger, more durable memories.

Automatic Processing

Unconscious encoding of information, such as space, time, and frequency, which occurs without effort (e.g., remembering where you were when something important happened).

Effortful Processing

is the active processing of information that needs sustained conscious effort.

Encoding

• The process of converting information into a form that can be stored in memory.

Storage

• The retention of encoded information over time

Retrieval

The process of accessing and bringing information from long-term memory into conscious awareness.

Structural Encoding

Encoding based on the physical structure of the stimulus, such as the appearance of words or letters.

Phonemic Encoding

Encoding based on the sound of words, such as repeating a word to help remember it.

Semantic Processing

Encoding based on the meaning of words and concepts, leading to deeper understanding and better retention.

Chunking

The process of organizing information into manageable units or chunks (e.g., remembering a phone number by breaking it into smaller segments).

Mnemonics

Memory aids or strategies that help in the encoding and retrieval of information (e.g., using acronyms, rhymes, or visual imagery).

Method of Loci

A mnemonic technique that involves associating information with specific locations or landmarks, often imagined in a familiar place.

Hierarchies

Organizing information into categories or levels to enhance memory retention (e.g., classifying animals into mammals, birds, etc.).

Categories

Grouping information based on shared characteristics or features, which helps in organizing and retrieving memories.

Spacing Effect

The phenomenon in which information is better retained when study sessions are spaced out over time, rather than crammed in one sitting.

Massed Practice

A study technique in which learning occurs in long, uninterrupted sessions (often leading to quick forgetting).

Distributed Practice:

A study technique in which learning is spread over time with breaks between sessions, leading to better long-term retention.

Testing Effect:

The phenomenon where taking tests or quizzes enhances long-term retention, even when no additional study is done.