Psychology of Learning Vocab

Schema

A mental framework or concept that helps organize and interpret information

Priming

The unconscious activation of specific associations in memory, which then influences subsequent thoughts, feelings, and behaviors

Selective Attention

The ability to focus on important information while ignoring irrelevant stimuli

Effortful Processing

The encoding of information that requires attention and conscious effort

Encoding

The process of transforming sensory information into a form that can be stored in memory

Retrieval Cues

Stimuli that help in the recall of stored information from memory

Elaborative Rehearsal

A powerful memory strategy that involves making meaningful connections between new information and what you already know

Deep Processing

Encoding information based on its meaning, leading to better memory retention

Cognitive Load

The amount of mental effort being used in a person's working memory at any given time

Chunking

The cognitive process of grouping individual pieces of information into larger, meaningful units to improve memory and information processing

Sensation

The process by which our sensory receptors and nervous system receive and represent stimulus energies from our environment

Perception

The process of organizing and interpreting sensory information to make sense of the world around us

Spacing Effect

The phenomenon where learning is more effective when study or practice is distributed over time

Long-Term Memory

The system responsible for storing information for extended periods, potentially a lifetime

Testing Effect

A psychological principle showing that retrieval of information through practice tests strengthens memory and learning

Motivation

The process that initiates, directs, and sustains goal-directed behavior

Extrinsic Motivation

Engaging in an activity to obtain an external reward or avoid a punishment, rather than for the inherent enjoyment of the activity itself

Intrinsic Motivation

The desire to perform an activity for its inherent satisfaction rather than for some separable consequence

Humanistic Approach

Emphasizes the positive aspects of human nature, focusing on free will, personal growth, and the inherent drive to reach one’s full potential

Overlearning

Continuing to review and practice material even after you’ve already mastered it, this builds confidence and reduces the chances of forgetting important details later

Context-Dependent Memory

The phenomenon where memory recall is enhanced when the external environment or context during retrieval is similar to the information was initially learned

Self-Efficacy

An individual’s belief in their own ability to succeed in specific situations or accomplish a task

Maintenance Rehearsal

Repeating information over and over, helps with short-term recall