Unit 5 AP Psych (1)

Memory

The persistence of learning over time through the encoding, storage, and retrieval of information.

Encoding

The process of getting information into the memory system.

Storage

The process of retaining encoded information over time.

Retrieval

The process of getting information out of memory storage.

Recall

The process of bringing information from stored memories into conscious awareness.

Recognition

The ability to notice something that has been learned previously.

Relearning

The process of learning something for the second time.

Sensory memory

The stage of memory that holds an exact copy of incoming information for a few seconds.

Iconic memory

An immediate, brief memory of a visual image that lasts no more than half a second.

Echoic memory

The brief sensory memory of audible sounds.

Short-term memory

Stored differently than long-term memories, holds quick observations for 10-30 seconds.

Long-term memory

Stores material organized according to meaning and lasts for long periods of time.

Explicit memories

Memories that you try to remember.

Implicit memory

Memories that you get without trying to remember.

Effortful processing

The process of consciously and actively encoding information.

Automatic processing

The unconscious encoding of information.

Spacing effect

The phenomenon where information is better retained when it is studied or practiced over a longer period of time.

Testing effect

The phenomenon where memory is enhanced through the act of retrieving information.

Flashbulb memory

A vivid memory of something significant.

Anterograde amnesia

The inability to form new memories after a specific event.

Retrograde amnesia

The inability to recall memories that were formed before a specific event.

Storage decay

The fading or weakening of memories over time.

Retrieval failure

The inability to retrieve information from memory.

Interference

The disruption of memory caused by the presence of competing information.

Motivated forgetting

The intentional forgetting of memories.

Memory construction errors

Errors that occur when memories are reconstructed or distorted.

Source amnesia

The inability to remember where or how a memory was acquired.

True memories

Memories that accurately reflect past events.

False memories

Memories that are distorted or fabricated.

Concept

A mental grouping of similar things.

Prototype

The best example of a concept.

Convergent thinking

Thinking that aims to find a single correct answer.

Divergent thinking

Creative thinking that allows for multiple correct answers.

Creativity

The ability to produce novel and valuable ideas.

Intrinsic motivation

Motivation that comes from within oneself.

Creative environment

An environment that fosters and encourages creativity.

Algorithm

A step-by-step procedure for solving a problem.

Heuristics

Mental shortcuts or rules of thumb used to solve problems.

Insight

A sudden realization of the solution to a problem.

Halo effect

The tendency to overgeneralize positive traits based on one characteristic.

Confirmation bias

The tendency to favor information that confirms one's existing beliefs or values.

Phonemes

The smallest distinctive sound units in a language.

Morphemes

The smallest language units that carry meaning.

Grammar

A set of rules that enable people to communicate in a language.

Aphasia

Impairment in the language area, usually caused by damage to specific brain areas.

Critical period

A specific time period during which it is easiest to learn new things.

Intelligence

The ability to learn from experience, solve problems, and adapt.

G Factor

A general intelligence factor that underlies specific mental abilities.

Factor analysis

A statistical technique used to identify related variables or factors.

Howard Gardner's 8 Intelligences

Visual-spatial, linguistic-verbal, logical-mathematical, body-kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, naturalistic.

Savant syndrome

A condition in which individuals with developmental disorders have exceptional abilities in specific areas.

Sternberg's Three Intelligences

Analytical, creative, practical.

Creative

The ability to come up with new ideas

Practical

The ability to get along in different contexts

Emotional Intelligence

Perceiving, Understanding, Managing, Using Emotions

Mental Age

A measure of intelligence developed by Binet and Simon to improve children's education

Lewis Terman

Creator of the Stanford-Binet intelligence test

IQ

Intelligence quotient, a measure of intelligence

Achievement Tests

Tests designed to assess knowledge and skills in a specific subject

Aptitude Tests

Tests designed to assess a person's ability in a particular skill or field of knowledge

Standardization

The process of using a representative sample to establish norms for a test

Cross-Sectional Evidence

Data collected at a single point in time from individuals of different ages for comparison and analysis

Longitudinal Evidence

Data collected from the same individuals or groups over an extended period to observe changes over time

Crystallized Intelligence

Accumulated knowledge and skills gained through experience and education