AP Psychology: Memory & Learning Definitions

Vocabulary flashcards generated from AP Psychology Memory & Learning Definitions.

Memory

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

Recall

The ability to retrieve information from memory without being given the answer or relevant cues.

Recognition

The ability to identify previously learned information when presented with it.

Relearning

Learning information again after it has already been learned, usually requiring less time than the initial learning.

Encoding

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

Storage

The process of retaining encoded information over time.

Retrieval

The process of bringing stored information into conscious awareness.

Parallel Processing

The brain's ability to process multiple aspects of information simultaneously.

Sensory Memory

The immediate and very brief recording of sensory information before it is processed further.

Short-Term Memory

A limited-capacity memory system that temporarily holds information for a short period of time, typically around 20–30 seconds without rehearsal.

Long-Term Memory

The relatively permanent and potentially unlimited storage of information, skills, and experiences.

Working Memory Model

A model of short-term memory that describes memory as an active system for temporarily holding and manipulating information.

Central Executive System

The component of working memory that directs attention and coordinates the other components of the system.

Phonological Loop

The working-memory component that temporarily stores and rehearses verbal and auditory information.

Visuospatial Sketchpad

The working-memory component that temporarily stores and manipulates visual and spatial information.

Multi-Store Model

A model proposing that memory consists of separate sensory, short-term, and long-term stores through which information passes.

Iconic Memory

A type of sensory memory that briefly stores visual information for a fraction of a second.

Echoic Memory

A type of sensory memory that briefly stores auditory information for several seconds.

Levels of Processing Model

A model proposing that the depth at which information is processed determines how well it will be remembered.

Structural Encoding

Processing information based on its physical appearance or structure.

Phonemic Encoding

Processing information based on the sound of the information, especially the sound of words.

Semantic Encoding

Processing information based on its meaning, which generally produces stronger long-term memories.

Neurogenesis

The formation of new neurons in the brain, particularly in areas such as the hippocampus that are involved in learning and memory.

Long-Term Potentiation (LTP)

A lasting strengthening of synaptic connections between neurons that occurs after repeated stimulation and is believed to contribute to learning and memory.

Synaptic Connections

Communication points between neurons where signals are transmitted from one neuron to another.

Neurons

Specialized nerve cells that receive, process, and transmit information through electrical and chemical signals.

Explicit Memory

Conscious memories of facts and experiences that can be intentionally recalled.

Semantic Memory

A type of explicit memory for general knowledge, facts, meanings, and concepts that are not tied to a specific personal experience.

Episodic Memory

A type of explicit memory for personally experienced events and their associated contexts.

Effortful Processing

Encoding that requires conscious attention and deliberate effort.

Implicit Memory

Unconscious memories that influence behavior without requiring conscious recollection.

Automatic Processing

Encoding information without conscious effort, often involving information such as space, time, frequency, or well-learned skills.

Procedural Memory

A type of implicit memory for learned skills and procedures, such as riding a bike or tying shoes.

Prospective Memory

The ability to remember to perform an intended action in the future.

Chunking

Organizing information into meaningful groups or units to increase the amount of information that can be held in working memory.

Categories/Categorizing

Organizing information into groups based on shared characteristics to make it easier to understand and remember.

Hierarchies

Mental organizations that arrange information from broad categories into increasingly specific subcategories.

Mnemonics

Memory aids that use organizational strategies, associations, or imagery to improve recall.

Method of Loci

A mnemonic technique that involves associating information with specific locations along a familiar mental route.

Spacing Effect

The tendency for information to be remembered better when study sessions are spread out over time rather than completed all at once.

Massed Practice

Studying information repeatedly in one concentrated session, commonly known as cramming.

Distributed Practice

Studying information across multiple sessions separated by periods of time, which generally improves long-term retention.

Testing Effect

The finding that actively retrieving information through testing improves long-term memory more effectively than simply rereading the information.

Retrieval Practice

The act of actively recalling previously learned information to strengthen memory and improve later retrieval.

Metacognition

Awareness and understanding of one's own thought processes and ability to monitor and regulate one's learning.

Shallow Processing

Processing information based primarily on its physical appearance or sound rather than its meaning.

Deep Processing

Processing information based on its meaning and connecting it to existing knowledge, which generally produces better long-term retention.

Memory Key Sequence

Encoding = getting information IN -> Storage = keeping it -> Retrieval = getting it OUT.