Memory & Learning: Comprehensive Study Guide

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts in Memory and Learning.

Memory

The retention of information over time through encoding, storage, and retrieval.

Mnemonists

Individuals with extraordinary memory capabilities.

Encoding

The process of transforming information into a format that can be stored in memory.

Depth of Processing (Levels of Processing Theory)

Theory that suggests the depth of processing affects memory retention, ranging from shallow to deep processing.

Elaboration

Forming connections between new information and existing knowledge to enhance memory retention.

Sensory Memory

Holds information from the environment for a very brief period.

Short-Term Memory (STM)

Holds a limited amount of information for a short duration.

Chunking

Grouping information into manageable units to increase STM capacity.

Long-Term Memory (LTM)

Relatively permanent and limitless storage of information.

Explicit Memory (Declarative Memory)

Conscious recollection of facts and events.

Episodic Memory

Memory for personal experiences and events.

Semantic Memory

Memory for facts, concepts, and general knowledge.

Implicit Memory (Nondeclarative Memory)

Unconscious memory of skills and procedures.

Procedural Memory

Memory for skills and habits.

Priming

Exposure to one stimulus influences the response to a subsequent stimulus.

Working Memory

An active mental workbench where information is manipulated and assembled.

Central Executive

Oversees and coordinates the phonological loop and visuospatial working memory.

Retrieval

The process of accessing stored information.

Retrieval Cues

Stimuli that help access memories.

Serial Position Effect

Tendency to recall items at the beginning and end of a list more effectively.

Primacy Effect

Better recall for items at the beginning of a list.

Recency Effect

Better recall for items at the end of a list.

Interference Theory

Forgetting occurs when other information interferes with what we are trying to remember.

Proactive Interference

Old information interferes with new information.

Retroactive Interference

New information interferes with old information.

Decay Theory

Memory traces fade over time if not used.

Tip-of-the-Tongue Phenomenon

Knowing information but being unable to retrieve it.

Flashbulb Memory

Vivid, detailed memories of emotionally significant events.

Ebbinghaus's Forgetting Curve

Illustrates the rapid rate at which information is forgotten over time.

Anterograde Amnesia

Inability to form new memories.

Retrograde Amnesia

Inability to retrieve past memories.

Eyewitness Testimony

Often inaccurate due to memory imperfections.

Repressed Memories

Controversial concept of memories being unconsciously blocked due to trauma.

Learning

A relatively permanent change in behavior or knowledge resulting from experience.

Associative Learning

Learning that certain events occur together.

Classical Conditioning

Learning through association between two stimuli.

Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS)

Stimulus that naturally triggers a response.

Unconditioned Response (UCR)

Unlearned, natural response to the UCS.

Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

Previously neutral stimulus that triggers a conditioned response after association.

Conditioned Response (CR)

Learned response to the previously neutral CS.

Acquisition

Initial stage of learning when a response is established.

Generalization

Tendency for stimuli similar to the CS to elicit a similar CR.

Discrimination

Ability to distinguish between the CS and other stimuli.

Extinction

Weakening of the CR when the CS is presented without the UCS.

Spontaneous Recovery

Reappearance of an extinguished CR after a rest period.

Operant Conditioning

Learning through consequences of voluntary behavior.

Law of Effect

Behaviors followed by satisfying consequences are more likely to be repeated.

Reinforcement

Increases the likelihood of a behavior.

Positive Reinforcement

Adding a desirable stimulus.

Negative Reinforcement

Removing an undesirable stimulus.

Punishment

Decreases the likelihood of a behavior.

Learned Helplessness

Organism learns to accept aversive stimuli without attempting to avoid them.

Observational Learning

Learning by observing others.

Bandura's Model of Observational Learning

Includes Attention, Retention, Motor Reproduction, Reinforcement.