Topic 2.6: Retrieving Memories AND Topic 2.7: Forgetting and Other Memory Challenges

AP Psychology Study Guide

Retrieval

the process of bringing to mind information that has been previously encoded and stored

Recall

retrieving information from past learning or experience without a memory cue

Recognition

identifying information previously learned, as on a multiple-choice test

Retrieval cues

stimuli that aid the recall or recognition of information stored in memory

Context-dependent memory

the theory that information is better remembered when when a person is present in the same environment in which the original memory was formed

Mood-congruent memory

a phenomenon that explains how a person is able to recall a memory in more detail if it coincides with their mood at the current time

State-dependent memory

a phenomenon that explains why a memory is improved when the person is in the same biological or psychological state as when the memory was initially formed

Testing effect

the phenomenon that testing an individual's memory makes the memory stronger and easier to retrieve

Metacognition

the phenomenon that learners can improve retrieval by understanding and regulating their own learning process, including their beliefs about learning

Forgetting curve

a mathematical formula by Ebbinghaus that demonstrates the rate at which information is forgotten over time if there is no attempt to retain it

Encoding failure

the inability to recall specific information because of insufficient encoding for storage in long-term memory

Proactive interference

the disruptive effect of prior learning on the recall of new information

Retroactive interference

the disruptive effect of new learning on the recall of old information

Tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon

the temporary inability to remember something you know, accompanied by a feeling that it's just out of reach

Repression

a theory that information or memories can be forgotten to defend the mind from distress

Misinformation effect

when misleading information encountered after an event has corrupted one's memory of the event

Source amnesia

the inability to recall where, when, or how one has learned something

Constructive memory

the theory that memories may not fully recall what actually happened since they can be "updated" by new information that is inaccurate

Imagination inflation

a phenomenon in which vividly imagining an event (that may not have happened) greatly increases one's confidence that the event actually occurred