AP Psych 2.1-2.3

metacognition

thinking about one’s thinking processes

executive functions

cognitive processes that allow individuals to generate, organize, plan, and carry out goal-directed behaviors and critical thinking occurs at prefrontal lobe

prototypes

a mental image or best example of a category that aids in recgonzing and categorizing objects or concepts

Schemas

cognitive frameworks or blueprints. that help organize and interpret info based on past experiences and knowledge

assimiliation

the cognitive process of fitting new infro into existing schemas

-simplifies new infro making easier to understand and remember by integrating it with what yk

Accomodation

the cognitive process of modifying existing schemas or creating new ones in response to new info

Convergent Thinking

cognitive process that focuses on finding a single, correct solution to a problem by applying logical steps

relies heavily on logic and existing knowledge

divergent thinking

a thought process or method used to generate creative ideas by exploring many possible solutions

functional fixedness

a cognitive bias that limits a person to using an object only in the way it is traditionally used

algorithims

step by step procedures or formulas for solving problems that gurantee a correct solution

heuristics

mental shortcuts or “rules of thumb”

memory

the persistence of learning over time (info thats stored and can be retrieved)

encoding

1st stage of memory

perceived info is transformed into a format that can be processed and stored in brain

storage

process of retaining info in the brain over time

retrieval

process of accessing and bringing stored info back into conscious awareness

multistore model

describes memory as a three part system: sensory, short term, long term

sensory memory

initial stage of memory where sensory info is stored for a very BRIEF period

-acts as a buffer for stimuli: recorded thru the senses and retains impressions for a few seconds at most

Iconic Memory

type of sensory memory that briefly holds visual images

-it captures a precise copy of a visual scene for a fraction of a second before it fades

-it allows the brain time to process and potentially transfer visual info to short-term memory

echoic memory

type of sensory memory that retains auditory info

-holds sounds for about 3-4 seconds, allowing brain to process spoken language and other auditory stimuli

short term memory

temporarily holds a small amount of information

15-30 seconds (limited capacity

Long Term Memory

stage of memory where info is stored indefinetely, w/ an unlimited capacity (long term retention)

working memory

form of short term memory used for temporarily holding and manipulating info

combines short term and long term memory

central executive

control center of working memory

—>manages attention, coordinates other memory components, and integrates info from our senses + long-term respect

phonological loop

component of working memory responsible for processing and storing verbal and auditory info

two parts

-temporarily holds words and sounds for a few seconds

-rehearses and refreshes info in phonological store through subvical repetition

visuospatial sketchpad

component of working mmeory that handles visual and spatial info

it allows for temporary storage $ maniuplation of image and spatial relationships

Long-Term Potentiation (LTP)

long lasting increased in signal transmission between neurons that results from other simultaneous alteration

LTP is considered one of the major cellular mechanisms that undermines learning & memory

levels of processing mdoel

priposes that the depth at which info is thought abt affects how well it is remembered

This model argues that the deeper the processing, the more connections are made within the brain, thereby enhancing the likelihood of recalling info latter

shallow encoding

a basic level of processing that focuses on surface characteristics of info

involves minimal attention

structural/phoneic

structural type of shallow processing that focuses on the physical structure of info (i.e. focusing mainly on distinct headings, highlighted words)

phenomeic shallow processing that focuses on the auditory aspects of info (ie. concentrating how a word sounds rather than what it means

deep encoding

involves thoroughly processing info by focusing on its meaning & concentrating it to existing knowledge

This type of encoding:

analyzes the significance and implications of info

-creates durable and retrievable memories

chunking (grouping)

like grouping a string of numbers into a phone number

categories

memory through grouping (i.e. a grocery list)

hierarchies (grouping)

organizes info into a system of ranked categories or levels

Mneomics

helps in recalling information by associating it with simple cues like patterns, rhymes (these are mental shortcuts)

Method of Loci

loci means location

involves associating items to be remembered with specific physical locations