2.6 AP Psychology

Module 2.6 Retrieving Memories

Production

  • The concept of memory retrieval, its importance, and its components are introduced.


Learning Targets

  • 2.6-1: Explain how external cues, internal emotions, and order of appearance influence memory retrieval.

  • 2.6-2: Explain how retrieval practice strategies, such as the testing effect, interleaving, and metacognition, support memory retrieval.


Retrieving Memories: Introduction

  • Memory retrieval is the last part of memory processing following encoding and storage.

  • Components of retrieval include:

    • Recall: Ability to produce previously learned information.

    • Recognition: Ability to identify previously learned items.


Retrieving Memories: Long-Term to Working Memory

  • For memories to be accessed, they must move from long-term memory to working memory.

  • Analogy: Finding a file in a cabinet and placing it on the desk represents moving memories into working memory for processing.


Retrieval Cues

Introduction

  • Memories are stored in a semantic network with associations/connections.

  • Information is often associated with:

    • Surroundings

    • Emotions

    • Context (e.g., seating position)

  • Retrieval cues are the associations that help retrieve memories more effectively.


Types of Retrieval Cues: Senses

  • The more cues linked to a memory, the easier it is to retrieve the memory.

  • Associations involving senses (sight, sound, smell, taste) are particularly effective.


Example of Retrieval Cues

  • A smell, like cookies while walking, can trigger memories of baking with a relative.


Need for Memory Retrieval

  • Memory retrieval is essential for:

    • Retrospective Memory: Accessing past experiences and important facts to learn and grow.

    • Prospective Memory: Remembering intentions (e.g., buying medicine, completing homework).

  • Effective retrieval cues can enhance memory association with the environment/senses.


Priming

Definition

  • Priming: Activation of associations without conscious awareness, referred to as the "wakening of associations" by philosopher-psychologist William James.


Example of Priming

  • Seeing or hearing 'rabbit' influences spelling 'hair/hare' without conscious recollection of 'rabbit'.


Characteristics of Priming

  • Described as "memoryless memory" where unconscious memories affect behavior (e.g., viewing horror leads to feeling of unease due to hidden memories).

  • Priming affects behavior modifications, such as reduced helpfulness when presented with money-related stimuli.


Priming Activities

  • Quickfire Questions:

    • Snow color, cloud color, what cows drink.

    • Simple math (2 + 2, 4 + 4, etc.) and naming vegetables.

    • Spelling 'S-T-O-P' repeatedly followed by a question about green lights.


Context-Dependent Memory

  • Recall is easier in the same context/environment as learned material, providing memory cues.

  • Encoding Specificity Principle: Effective retrieval when context cues match the memory context.

  • Example: Smelling grandma's perfume triggers memories of time spent with her.


State-Dependent Memory

  • Memory is recalled better in the same emotional, physical, or mental state as during the original experience.

  • Example: Forgetting where money was hidden while sober but recalling when intoxicated.

  • Mood Congruent: Recalling experiences consistent with current mood (e.g., negative emotions leading to recalling past negative events).


Serial Position Effect

  • Tendency to recall items from the start (primacy effect) and end (recency effect) of a list better than those in the middle.


Primary and Recency Effect

  • Primacy Effect: Early items reinforced through rehearsal, transitioning to long-term memory.

  • Recency Effect: Recent items remain in working memory, easily recalled.


Retrieval Practice Strategies

  • Strategies to improve memory retrieval include:

    • Metacognition: Self-assessing knowledge and identifying learning areas.

    • Testing Effect: Self-testing improves retention better than rereading.

    • Interleaving: Mixing subjects to enhance retention, preventing overconfidence.


Homework

  • Reflect and write about a personal experience where memory retrieval was crucial.

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