AP Psych Cognitive Psychology Unit Vocab

Concepts

Form the basis of thought.

Prototypes

The ideal example for any given concept.

Schemas

Frameworks for thinking.

Assimilation

Taking in new information but not changing the schema.

Accommodation

Taking in new information and changing the schema.

Algorithms

Attempting all solutions until the correct one is found.

Heuristics

Using mental shortcuts to make judgements.

Representative heuristic

Decisions made according to prior expectations or stereotypes.

Availability heuristic

Recalling the first or most vivid example that comes to mind.

Mental set

A tendency to approach a problem in a particular way based on past experiences.

Priming

Exposure to a stimulus influences response to a subsequent prompt.

Framing

Cognitive bias influenced by how information is presented.

Gambler’s Fallacy

False belief that the probability of a random event changes based on previous outcomes.

Sunk-Cost Fallacy

Reluctance to abandon a strategy due to prior investments.

Executive functions

Cognitive processes that allow for goal-directed behavior and critical thinking.

Creativity

Thinking that includes generating novel ideas and engaging in divergent thinking.

Functional fixedness

Cognitive bias limiting innovative uses for an object.

Confirmation Bias

Tendency to seek information that confirms existing beliefs.

Belief Bias

Preexisting beliefs distorting logical reasoning.

Belief Perseverance

Holding onto an initial belief despite its discredit.

Explicit memory

Type of memory that is easily described or explained.

Episodic memory

Ability to recall specific past events and their details.

Semantic memory

Recalling words, concepts, or numbers essential for language.

Implicit memory

Subconscious memory use.

Procedural memory

Memory of procedures and processes.

Prospective memory

Ability to remember planned actions in the future.

Flashbulb memory

Vivid memory of emotionally significant moments.

Long-term potentiation

Process strengthening synaptic connections with frequent activation.

Levels of Processing Model

Memory encoding at three levels: structural, phonemic, semantic.

Working Memory Model

Examines components of working memory during information processing. Including central executive, phonological loop, and the visuospatial sketchpad.

Central executive

Manages attention and supervises other memory components.

Phonological loop

Holds auditory information and rehearses it.

Visuospatial sketchpad

Manipulates visual images and spatial information.

Multi-Store Model

Proposes 3 interacting systems for memory retention.

Encoding

Strategies to get information into memory.

Mnemonic devices

Techniques to help memorize by using patterns or imagery.

Chunking

Grouping information into meaningful categories.

Spacing effect

Distributed practice leads to stronger encoding.

Serial position effect

Recall is better for items at the beginning and end of a list.

Sensory memory

Immediate, short-duration memory that holds information briefly.

Echoic memory

Auditory sensory memory.

Iconic memory

Visual sensory memory.

Eidetic memory

Recalling a picture in detail shortly after seeing it.

Short-term memory

Holds 7±2 bits of information for about 20-30 seconds.

Long-term memory

Relatively permanent and limitless memory store.

Maintenance rehearsal

Rehearsing information over time to prolong storage.

Elaborative rehearsal

Rehearsing information in ways that promote meaning.

Autobiographical memory

Connection to personal experience enhances memorability.

Retrograde amnesia

Inability to recall past events before amnesia.

Anterograde amnesia

Loss of ability to create new memories after amnesia.

Alzheimer’s disease

Brain disorder that progressively destroys memory and thinking skills.

Infantile amnesia

Inability to recall early episodic memories.

Recall

Retrieval method reproducing previously presented material.

Recognition

Retrieval method identifying previously presented information.

Forgetting curve

Rapid forgetting after learning that levels off over time.

Tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon

Temporary inability to retrieve specific information.

Encoding failure

Failure to properly store information in long-term memory.

Retrieval failure

Stored information is accessible but temporarily inaccessible.

Proactive interference

Old information interferes with recalling new information.

Retroactive interference

New information interferes with recalling old information.

Misinformation effect

Memory distortion due to misleading information.

Source amnesia

Inability to recall when, where, or how something was learned.

Constructive memory

Memories shaped by interpretations and emotions.