Cognition (Memory Edition)

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to cognition and memory in AP Psychology.

Memory

The persistence of learning over time; it is information that has been acquired and stored and can be retrieved.

Encoding

The first stage of memory, where perceived information is transformed into a format that can be processed and stored in the brain.

Storage

The process of retaining information in the brain over time.

Retrieval

The process of accessing and bringing stored information back into conscious awareness.

Sensory Memory

The initial stage of memory where sensory information is stored for a very brief period.

Iconic Memory

Type of sensory memory that briefly holds visual images.

Echoic Memory

Type of sensory memory that retains auditory information for about 3-4 seconds.

Short-Term Memory

Temporarily holds a small amount of information, typically for about 15 to 30 seconds.

Long-Term Memory

Stage of memory where information is stored indefinitely, with a virtually unlimited capacity.

Working Memory

Form of short-term memory used for temporarily holding and manipulating information.

Central Executive

The control center of working memory that manages attention and coordinates other memory components.

Phonological Loop

A component of working memory responsible for processing and storing verbal and auditory information.

Visuospatial Sketchpad

A component of working memory that handles visual and spatial information.

Long-Term Potentiation (LTP)

Long-lasting increase in signal transmission between neurons that results from their simultaneous activation.

Proactive Interference

When older memories inhibit the ability to learn and remember new information.

Retroactive Interference

When new learning impairs the recall of previously encoded information.

Tip-of-the-Tongue Phenomenon

Common memory experience where an individual feels confident in recalling a word or name but cannot immediately do so.

Source Amnesia

The inability to remember where, when, or how previously learned information was acquired.

Anterograde Amnesia

Memory disorder characterized by an inability to form new memories following the onset of the amnesia.

Retrograde Amnesia

Memory disorder that involves the loss of memories formed before the onset of amnesia.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Progressive neurological disorder that leads to memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes.

Repression

Distressing thoughts and memories are unconsciously blocked from entering conscious awareness.

Constructive Memory

The process by which memories are not merely retrieved but actively constructed.

Misinformation Effect

When new, incorrect information influences how we remember past events.

Spacing Effect

Learning is more effective when study sessions are spaced out over time.

Testing Effect

Long-term memory is enhanced when some of the learning period is devoted to retrieving the information through testing.

Metacognition

The awareness and understanding of one's own thought processes, especially in relation to learning and memory.

Automatic Processing

Unconscious encoding of information about space, time, frequency, and well-learned tasks.

Effortful Processing

Memory encoding that requires active work and attention to embed information into long-term memory.

Mnemonics

Techniques used to improve memory by associating it with simple cues like patterns or vivid images.

Method of Loci

Mnemonic technique that involves associating items to be remembered with specific physical locations.