Cognitive Psychology Vocabulary - Memory and Research Terms

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers essential terms from a lecture on memory, research terminology, and cognitive studies, focusing on the effects of sleep on memory and experimental procedures.

reduce errors

To decrease mistakes or errors; for example, through regular practice in writing tasks.

according to

Based on or as stated by a specific report, person, or source.

first-of-its-kind

A groundbreaking or pioneering study or object that is the first ever of its specific type.

finding

A discovery or result obtained through research or investigation.

appear in a journal

To be published or featured in an academic or medical publication.

practical implications

The real-world impacts or applications that results or findings may have for specific groups like teachers or students.

multiple-choice test

A type of objective assessment where respondents choose the correct answer from a list of options.

confuse A with B

To mix up or mistake one thing for another.

principal investigator

The lead researcher who is responsible for supervising an entire research project.

assistant professor

A lecturer or academic rank at a university.

muddle

To confuse or mix up information, often applied to how stress affects memory.

research

A systematic study or investigation to establish facts or reach new conclusions.

suggest that

To indicate or imply that a certain conclusion or result is likely.

be better able to do sth

To have a greater capacity or likelihood of performing a specific action successfully.

pick out

To identify or recognize something or someone from a group.

presence

The state of existing, being present, or being available in a certain place.

false memory

An inaccurate or distorted recollection of an event that did not actually occur as remembered.

previous research

Earlier studies or prior investigations conducted on a particular subject.

improve memory

To enhance, strengthen, or increase one's ability to recall information.

participant

An individual who takes part in a research study or experiment.

train

To teach, instruct, or familiarize someone with a specific task or recognition skill.

be shown

To be presented with or displayed specific items, such as a series of images.

identify

To recognize, detect, or determine what something is.

earlier session

A previous meeting or period of work where data was collected.

sleepless

Being without sleep or staying awake.

experiment

A scientific test or trial carried out to observe results or test a hypothesis.

conduct

To carry out, perform, or manage an activity such as research or a study.

course of a day

The period of time throughout or during a single day.

result

The outcome, consequence, or data found at the conclusion of an experiment.

show that

To demonstrate or indicate a fact based on evidence or data.

have problems with

To struggle with or find difficulty in performing a certain task.

choose fewer incorrect words

To select more accurately or make fewer mistakes during a recognition task.

suspect

To believe or assume something is the case based on evidence, though without absolute proof.

be due to

To be caused by or to result from a specific factor.

strengthen

To reinforce or enhance something, such as the durability of a long-term memory.

source of memory

The origin or context from which a specific memory was first acquired.

context

The specific situation, setting, or environment in which an event occurs or information is learned.

acquire information

To obtain, gain, or take in new knowledge or data.

vital element

An essential factor or key component necessary for a process, such as sleep for health.

memory process

The cognitive mechanism or sequence of steps involved in forming and retrieving memories.

in other words

A phrase used to introduce a statement that explains something in a different or clearer way.

affect

To influence or have an impact on something, such as academic performance.

memory ability

The capacity or efficiency of an individual to recall or retain information.

further research

Additional or future studies required to confirm or expand upon existing findings.

population group

A specific demographic or social group being studied.

particularly

Used to singe out a specific thing or show that it applies especially to one group.

elderly

Relating to or being senior citizens or older adults.

individual

A single person or human being as distinct from a group.

generally

In most cases; usually or typically.

memory performance

The efficiency or level of success with which an individual uses their memory.

younger individuals

People who belong to a younger age demographic.

be prone to

To be susceptible to or more likely to experience something, such as memory errors.

given

Considering or taking into account specific circumstances or facts.

reject

To dismiss, rule out, or refuse to accept information or a hypothesis.

false information

Inaccurate data or misinformation that is not true.

potentially

Possibly or perhaps; having the capacity to happen in the future.

quality of life

The standard of health, comfort, and happiness experienced by an individual or group.