AP PSYCHOLOGY UNIT 2: Cognitive Psychology Set I

Memory

the persistence of learning over time through the encoding, storage, and retrieval of information

Parallel processing

the processing of many aspects of a problem simultaneously; the brain’s natural mode of information processing for many functions, including vision. Contrasts with the step by step processing of most computers and conscious problem-solving

Sensory memory

the immediate very brief recording of sensory information in the memory system

Short term memory

activated memory that holds a few items briefly before the information is stored or forgotten

Long term memory

the relatively permanent and limitless storehouse of the memory system. Includes knowledge, skills, and experiences

Working memory

a newer understanding of short term memory that focuses on conscious active processing of incoming auditory and visual spatial information, and of information retrieved from long term memory

Explicit memory

memory of facts and experiences that one can consciously know and declare

Effortful processing

encoding that requires attention and conscious effort

Automatic processing

unconscious encoding of incidental information such as space time and frequency, and of well learned information such as word meanings

Implicit memory

retention independent of conscious recollection

Iconic memory

a momentary sensory memory of visual stimuli; a photographic or picture image memory lasting no more than a few tenths of a second

Echoic memory

a momentary sensory memory of auditory stimuli, if attention elsewhere sounds and words can still be recalled within 3 or 4 seconds

Shallow processing

encoding on a basic level on the structure or appearance of words

Deep processing

encoding semantically based on the meaning of words; tends to yield the best retention

Recall

a measure of memory in which the person must retrieve information learned earlier

Recognition

a measure of memory in which the person need only identify items previously learned

Priming

the activation, often unconsciously, of certain associations thus predisposing one’s perception memory or response

Mood congruent memory

the tendency to recall experiences that are consistent with one’s current good/bad mood

Serial position effect

our tendency to recall best the last and first items in a list

Anterograde amnesia

an inability to form new memories

Retrograde amnesia

an inability to retrieve information from one’s past

Proactive interference

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

Retroactive interference

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