AP Psych Memory

Information processing model

Three things that must occur to remember: encode, store, and retrieve

Encoding

to put in the new info

storage

to organize the info

retrival

to pull out the info

Automatic processing

unconscious encoding of information

effortful processing

the conscious and deliberate encoding of information that requires focused attention, mental effort, and active engagement

Explicit memory

facts and experiences from long term memory that one can consciously retrieve

implicit memory

retention of learned skills or classically conditioned association unconsciously recollected

Episodic memory

personally experienced events or situations

Semantic memory

facts and general knowledge

Shallow processing

encoding on a basic level, based on structure or appearance

Deep processing

encoding semantically, based on the meaning

Structural encoding

a type of shallow processing where you encode by the visual details of something

Phonemic encoding

a type of shallow processing where you encode by the auditory aspects of something

Semantic encoding

a type of deep processing where you encode by the meaning, emotion, or idea associated with something

Multi-store model

stage I: sensory memory
stage II: short term memory

stage III: long term memory

Sensory memory

an immediate recording of sensory information (can be a fleeting memory of visual stimuli - iconic - or auditory - echoic)

Short term memory (STM)

can hold a few things briefly before its stored or forgotten (some memories, like trauma, may bypass this stage)

Long term memory (LTM)

relatively permanent and limitless storehouse of memory

Working memory

Another understanding of STM. The conscious and active processing of incoming sensory info and info retrieved from long term memory. Helps us carry out tasks, achieve goals, and solve problems

central executive

the 'boss' of working memory, integrating information from different sources and making decisions about what to focus on. It plays a crucial role in multitasking by enabling individuals to switch attention between different tasks efficiently.

phonological loop

a component of working memory that specializes in the temporary storage and manipulation of auditory information

visuospatial sketchpad

a component of working memory that handles the temporary storage and manipulation of visual and spatial information, such as mentally navigating a new route or picturing an object

episodic buffer

It combines information from different parts of working memory and from long-term memory into a coherent sequence/episode

Prospective memory

the ability to remember to perform future intentions, like taking medicine or attending a meeting

Mnemonic devices

a memory aid typically using vivid imagery of organizational devices

Method of Loci

technique that uses visualization of familiar spaces to help recall info (AKA memory palace)

Chunking

organizing items into familiar, manageable units

distributed practice/spacing effect

learning is more efficient when study sessions are spread out over time

massed practice

learning information in a short amount of time with not a lot of processing time

Serial position effect

information at the beginning or end of a list is easier to remember than the middle

Maintenance rehearsal

the mental repetition of information (like a phone number) to keep it active in short-term/working memory

elaborative rehearsal

a powerful memory technique that helps transfer information from short-term to long-term memory by linking new information to existing knowledge

Autobiographical memory

your personal collection of life experiences, blending specific events (episodic) with general knowledge (semantic) to form your life story and sense of self

Retrograde amnesia

inability to recall old memories

Anterograde amnesia

inability to form new memories

Infantile amnesia

inability of most adults to retrieve episodic memories before the age of 3-4 because of a developing brain

Retrieval cues

hints or stimuli (like smells, sounds, words, or feelings) that help trigger the recall of information from long-term memory)

Context-dependent memory

stronger recall occurring in the same environment where the original memory was formed, influenced by specific contextual information and cues present during learning

State-dependent memory

a recall phenomenon where you remember information better if your internal physical or emotional state (like mood, arousal, or being under the influence of a substance) is the same during retrieval as it was when you first learned it

mood congruent memory

the psychological tendency to recall memories that match your current emotional state, meaning you remember sad things when sad

Retrieval practice

learning strategy that involves actively recalling information from memory (like through quizzes, self-testing, or brain dumps) rather than passively rereading notes

Testing effect

the psychological phenomenon where the act of retrieving information from memory strengthens long-term retention of that information

Metacognition

thinking about thinking

Forgetting curve (Ebbinghaus)

Most forgetting happens soon after learning, with a steep drop in retention within the first 24 hours.The rate of forgetting slows down over time, but the knowledge continues to fade unless revisited.

Encoding failure

occurs when info isnt processed or organized (often when we arent paying attention)

Proactive interference

the forward-acting disruptive effect of older info on new info

Retroactive interference

the backward-acting disruptive effect of newer learning on the recall of old info

Tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon

a form of retrieval failure where one knows a word but is unable to recall it

Repression

the unconscious blocking of distressing thoughts, memories, or impulses from conscious awareness

Misinformation effect (tie to framing)

a phenomenon where a person recalls misleading information instead of accurately recalling the information presented earlier (ex. car crash or bunny effect)

Source amnesia

recalling a fact without remembering where you learned it

Constructive memory

our brains rebuild memories, not perfectly replay them, blending facts with current knowledge, emotions, and suggestions, leading to distortions or false memories

memory consolidation

the brain's natural process of stabilizing new, real memories over time

imagination inflation

a type of memory distortion where imagining a false event makes you more confident it actually happened, creating a false memory