Information Processing & Memory

Attention

Alertness and focus

Learning curve

gradual upward slope representing increased retention of material as the result of learning

effects of stimulants on learning

increases memory, learning, and brain chemicals

effects of depressants on learning 

block the firing of brain nerve cells and reduce learning, decreases learning over time 

state-dependent learning

learning and reproduction of the material are dependent on the state of the body at the time of learning

how emotional factors affect learning

increases learning, humor can be positive in moderation

transfer of training

learning is carried over from one task to another based on similarities between the tasks 

positive transfer

transfer of learning that results from similarities between 2 tasks

negative transfer

interference with learning that results from differences between 2 otherwise similar tasks

information processing

take in, analyze, store, and retrieve material

bringing back information we have learned

schema

an organized and systematic approach to answering questions or solving problems

elaboration process

Attaching a maximum number of associations to an item to be learned so that it can be retrieved more easily.

Mnemonic devices

Unusual methods made to aid memory in retrieval; method of location, acronym, and narrative

Chunking

Putting items into clusters or chunks so that the items are learned in groups rather than separately.

Principle learning

Overall view of the material to be learned is developed so that the material is better organized

Forgetting

An increase in errors in bringing material back from memory

Forgetting curve

Graphic representation of the rate and amount of forgetting

How overlearning affects the forgetting curve

The more rehearsal, the greater retention

Recall

Ability to bring back and integrate many specific learned details

Recognition

The ability to pick the correct object or event from a list of choices

Interference theory

The idea that we forget because new and old material (interfere) with one another especially when it is similar because it causes confusion.

2 theories of memory

1) Nerve firings occur for each memory/info. Repeat material = solidify the track, Neurotransmitters increase to help across synapses.

2) Synapses grow once a pattern is established. We make certain memories and the synapses hold them as they are stored.

Amnesia

The blocking of older memories and/or the loss of new ones

Explanations for amnesia

Blow to the head and temporary reduction of blood supply from an injury

Short term memory

Information is stored for a few seconds to a few minutes

Long term memory

Retains information for hours, days, weeks months, or decades

Consolidation

Memory solidifies over time, eventually becoming permanent

Sensory memory system

Includes direct receivers of information from the environment

Iconic memory

Brief visual memory that can be sent to short term memory

Acoustic memory

Brief sound memory that can be sent to short term memory

Eidectic imagery

An iconic memory lasting a minute or so that it keeps images in front of the viewer so objects can be counted or analyzed (photographic memory).