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AP Psychology Memory Flashcards

RCHS Advanced Placement Psychology
Unit 2 Chapter 9 Terms

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12503815488memorythe persistence of learning over time through the storage and retrieval of information.0
12503815489encodingthe processing of information into the memory system—for example, by extracting meaning.1
12503815490storagethe retention of encoded information over time.2
12503815491retrievalthe process of getting information out of memory storage.3
12503815492sensory memorythe immediate, very brief recording of sensory information in the memory system.4
12503815493short-term memoryactivated memory that holds a few items briefly, such as the seven digits of a phone number while dialing, before the information is stored or forgotten.5
12503815494long-term memorythe relatively permanent and limitless storehouse of the memory system. Includes knowledge, skills, and experiences.6
12503815495working memorya 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.7
12503815496automatic processingunconscious encoding of incidental information, such as space, time, and frequency, and of well-learned information, such as word meanings.8
12503815497effortful processingencoding that requires attention and conscious effort.9
12503815498rehearsalthe conscious repetition of information, either to maintain it in consciousness or to encode it for storage.10
12503815499spacing effectthe tendency for distributed study or practice to yield better long-term retention than is achieved through massed study or practice.11
12503815500serial position effectour tendency to recall best the last and first items in a list.12
12503815501visual encodingthe encoding of picture images.13
12503815502acoustic encodingthe encoding of sound, especially the sound of words.14
12503815503semantic encodingthe encoding of meaning, including the meaning of words.15
12503815504imagerymental pictures; a powerful aid to effortful processing, especially when combined with semantic encoding.16
12503815505mnemonicsmemory aids, especially those techniques that use vivid imagery and organizational devices.17
12503815506chunkingorganizing items into familiar, manageable units in STM because space is limited to 7 bits. This increasing the efficiency of STM.18
12503815507iconic memorya momentary sensory memory of visual stimuli; a photographic or picture-image memory lasting no more than a few tenths of a second.19
12503815508echoic memoryA momentary sensory memory of auditory stimuli; if attention is elsewhere, sounds and words can still be recalled within 3 or 4 seconds.20
12503815509long-term potentiation (LTP)an increase in a synapse's firing potential after brief, rapid stimulation. Believed to be a neural basis for learning and memory.21
12503815510flashbulb memorya clear memory of an emotionally significant moment or event.22
12503815511amnesiathe loss of memory.23
12503815512implicit memoryretention independent of conscious recollection. (Also called non-declarative or procedural memory.)24
12503815513explicit memorymemory of facts and experiences that one can consciously know and "declare." (Also called declarative memory.)25
12503815514hippocampusa neural center that is located in the limbic system; helps process explicit memories for storage.26
12503815515recalla measure of memory in which the person must retrieve information learned earlier, as on a fill-in-the-blank test.27
12503815516recognitiona measure of memory in which the person need only identify items previously learned, as on a multiple-choice test.28
12503815517relearninga measure of memory that assesses the amount of time saved when learning material for a second time.29
12503815518primingthe activation, often unconsciously, of certain associations, thus predisposing one's perception, memory, or response.30
12503815519mood-congruent memorythe tendency to recall experiences that are consistent with one's current good or bad mood.31
12503815520proactive interferencethe disruptive effect of prior learning on the recall of new information.32
12503815521retroactive interferencethe disruptive effect of new learning on the recall of old information.33
12503815522repressionin psychoanalytic theory, the basic defense mechanism that banishes anxiety-arousing thoughts, feelings, and memories from consciousness.34
12503815523misinformation effectincorporating misleading information into one's memory of an event.35
12503815524source amnesiaattributing to the wrong source an event we have experienced, heard about, read about, or imagined. (Also called source misattribution.) Source amnesia, along with the misinformation effect, is at the heart of many false memories.36
12503815525ConsolidationThe process of the brain forming a LTM37
12503815526episodic memoryExplicit memories that have a time and a place.38
12503815527procedural memoryImplicit memories (retrieved unconsciously) which involved motor skills; for example; riding a bike, typing, and tying a shoe.39
12503815528Curve of forgettingIndicates LTM decay over time. Rapid decay occurs within the first 20 minutes and then memory decay slows down to 20-30% over 30 days.40
12503815529Selective AttentionTransferring sensory memory into STM.41
12503815530Elaborative RehearsalConnecting new information with memories already stored in LTM.42
12503815531Maintenance RehearsalRepeating new information over and over to strengthen LTM.43
12503815532Deep processingSimilar to elaboratiave rehearsal; connecting semantics of a new word to LTM which builds a strong memory trace that is resistant to memory decay.44
12503815533Shallow ProcessingPhonetic memory building which leads to a fragile memory trace that is susceptible to rapid decay. (Focusing on how to say the word).45
12503815534cerebellumBrain part that stores implicit memories.46
12503815535hippocampusBrain part responsible for the storage of LTM.47
12503815536EngramsKarl Lashley searched the brain for specific memory traces. Never found them48

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