AP Psychology Unit One: Memory Flashcards

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards covering key memory concepts, models, processes, and phenomena from Unit One.

Memory

The persistence of learning over time through the encoding, storage, and retrieval of info.

Recall

Retrieving info w/out being given the answers or choices.

Recognition

Identifying info. that you have previously learned when you see it again.

Relearning

Learning something again faster than you learn 1st time.

Parallel Processing

Processing multiple pieces of info at the same time.

Sensory Memory

A very brief storage of sensory info, usually lasting only a fraction of a second to a few seconds.

Short-term memory

A temporary memory system that holds a small amount of info for a short time.

Long-term memory

A relatively permanent and large-capacity storage of information.

Working memory

A recovery system that temporarily holds and actively works w/ info.

Central executive

The part of the working memory that directs attention and coordinates the other parts of working memory.

Multi-Store model

The idea that memory moves through sensory memory -> short-term memory -> long-term memory.

Phonological loop

The working-memory system responsible for temporarily storing and repeating verbal, auditory info.

Visuospatial sketch pad

The working-memory system that temporarily holds and manipulates visual and spatial info.

Neurogenesis

The process of creating new neurons (brain cells).

Long-Term potentiation (LTP)

A lasting strengthening of connection between neurons after repeated activation; it is thought to help with learning and memory.

Encode

Get information into our brain.

Store

Retain info.

Retrieve

Get the info back out of brain.

Explicit Memories

Memories you consciously remember.

Effortful Processing

Learning that requires conscious attention and effort.

Automatic Processing

Learning info without conscious awareness/effort.

Implicit Memories

Memories that affect your behavior without conscious awareness.

Iconic Memory

A very brief visual sensory memory.

Echoic Memory

A very brief auditory sensory memory.

Chunking

Grouping info into smaller, meaningful units.

Mnemonics

Memory aids that help you remember info.

Spacing effect

We remember info. better when we spread studying over time instead of cramming.

Distributed Practice

Studying in short sessions spread over time.

Mass Practice

Study info. in one long session (cramming).

Testing effect

Retrieving info through testing, practice questions improves memory.

Shallow processing

Processing info based on surface-level features, like appearance or sound.

Deep processing

Processing info based on its meaning, which makes it easier to remember.

Semantic Memory

Memory for facts, info, and meaning.

Episodic Memory

Memory for personal experiences, events.

Hippocampus

Brain area important for forming and consolidating explicit memories.

Memory consolidation

The process of stabilizing and storing a memory in long-term memory.

Flashbulb Memories

Very vivid memories of emotional or surprising events.

Elaborative Rehearsal

Connecting new info. to info. you already know to remember it better.

Priming

When exposure to one thing influences ur response to smth later.

Primacy Effect

Better memory for the first items in a list.

Recency effect

Better memory for the last items in a list.

Content-Dependent Memory

Memory improves when you are in the same physical environment where you learned it.

Mood-congruent Memory

We tend to remember experiences that match our current mood.

State-dependent Memory

Memory improves when you are in the same physical/mental state as when you learned it.

Serial position effect

Tendency to remember the beginning and end of a list better than the middle.

Interleaving

Studying different topics or skills mixed together instead of one at a time.

Encoding specificity principle

We remember info. better when the conditions during retrieval match the conditions when we encode it.