Module 24: Studying and Encoding Memories

Multiple-choice questions test our _____. Fill-in-the-blank questions test our _____

recognition; recall

If you want to be sure to remember what you’re learning for an upcoming test, would it be better to use recall or recognition to check your memeory? Why?

It would be better to test your memory with recall (such as short-answer or fill-in-the-blank-self test questions) rather than recognition (such as with multiple-choice questions). Recalling information is harder than recognizing it. So if you can recall it that means your retention of the material is better than if you could only recognize it. Your chances of test success are, therefore greater

How does working memory concept update the classic Atkinson-Shiffrin three-stage information-processing model?

The Atkinson-Shiffrin model viewed short-term memory as a temporary holding space for briefly storing recent thoughts and experiences. The newer idea of working memory expands our understanding of Atkinson-Shiffrin’s short-term memory stage, emphasizing the conscious, active processing that takes place as the brain makes sense of new experiences and links them with our long-term memories

What are two basic functions of working memory?

Working memory’s two basic functions are active integration of new information with existing long-term memories and focusing of our spotlight of attention.

What is the difference between automatic and effortful processing, and what are some examples of each?

Automatic processing occurs unconsciously (automatically) for such things as the sequence and frequency of a day’s events, and reading and comprehending words in our own language(s). Effortful processing requires attentive awareness and happens, for example, when we work hard to learn new material in class, or new lines for a play.

At which of the Atkinson-Shiffrin’s three memory stages would iconic and echoic memory occur?

sensory memory

Which strategies are better for long-term retention: cramming and rereading material or spreading out learning over time and repeatedly testing yourself?

Although cramming and rereading may lead to short-term gains in knowledge, distributed practice, and repeated self-testing will result in the greatest long-term retention

If you try to make the material you are learning personally meaningful, are you processing at a shallow or a deep level? Which level leads to greater retention?

Making material personally meaningful involves processing at a deep level, because you are processing semantically-based on the meaning of the words. Deep processing leads to greater retention.

A psychologist who asks you to write down as many objects as you can remember having seen a few minutes earlier is testing your _____

recall

The psychological terms for taking in information, retaining it, and later getting it back out are _____, ______, and ______/

encoding; storage; retrieval

The concept of working memory

a. clarifies the idea of short-term memory by focusing on the active processing that occurs in this stage

b. splits short-term memory into two substages-sensory memory and iconic memory

c. splits short-term memory into two types: implicit and explicit memory

d. clarifies the idea of short-term memory by focusing on space, time, and frequency

a. clarifies the idea of short-term memory by focusing on the active processing that occurs in this stage

sensory memory may be visual (______ memory) or auditory (______ memory)

iconic; echoic

our short-term memory for new information is limited to about ____ bits of information

seven

memory aids that use visual imagery or other organizational devices are called ______.

mnemonics