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.