Forgetting and Other Memory Challenges - AP Psychology

Identify the term: Gradual fading of memory traces over time.

Decay theory. Memory traces naturally weaken without use or rehearsal.
What is the definition of repression according to Freud?

Repression is the unconscious blocking of unpleasant memories. Defense mechanism pushing traumatic memories into unconscious.
Identify the term: Memory process affected by context and environment.

Context-dependent memory. Environmental context at encoding aids later retrieval.
What is the main effect of interference on memory?

Interference hinders the retrieval of memories. Competing information makes target memory harder to access.
Who developed the forgetting curve?

Hermann Ebbinghaus. German psychologist who studied memory and forgetting systematically.
What does 'mnemonic device' refer to?

A tool or strategy used to improve memory recall. Memory aid using familiar patterns or associations.
What is the primary cause of infantile amnesia?

Underdeveloped brain structures and language skills. Immature neural networks cannot form lasting memories.
What is the definition of proactive interference?

Proactive interference is when older memories inhibit the recall of newer information. Old learning interferes with new learning.
What does the term 'chunking' refer to in memory?

Organizing information into familiar, manageable units. Grouping increases working memory capacity and recall.
Identify the term: Vivid, detailed memories of an important event.

Flashbulb memories. Clear, emotional memories that feel permanent but can be inaccurate.
What is the definition of encoding failure?

Encoding failure occurs when information is not processed into memory. Information never enters memory due to lack of attention.
Identify the term: A memory error caused by misleading information.

Misinformation effect. Post-event information alters original memory content.
What is a schema in the context of memory?

A schema is a cognitive framework that helps organize and interpret information. Mental structure that influences how we encode and recall.
What is the definition of retroactive interference?

Retroactive interference is when newer memories inhibit the recall of older information. New learning interferes with old learning.
What is the concept of 'self-reference effect' in memory?

Information related to oneself is more easily remembered. Personal relevance enhances encoding and retrieval processes.
What is the definition of a flashbulb memory?

A vivid, detailed memory of an emotionally significant event. Often inaccurate despite feeling extremely clear and confident.
Identify the term: Loss of the ability to retrieve past memories.

Retrograde amnesia. Loss of memories formed before brain injury or trauma.
Identify the term: The inability to remember where one learned something.

Source amnesia. Context details fade while content may remain accessible.
What does the term 'implicit memory' refer to?

Memory that is not consciously recalled, such as skills and procedures. Automatic memories like riding a bike or typing.
Which memory process involves transforming information into a storable format?

Encoding. First stage where information enters memory system.
What is the role of retrieval cues in memory?

Retrieval cues aid in accessing stored memories. Environmental or internal prompts trigger memory recall.
Identify the term: Errors in memory due to false or misleading information.

Memory distortion. Memory becomes altered by incorrect post-event information.
What is the definition of 'encoding specificity principle'?

The principle that memory is improved when information available at encoding is also available at retrieval. Matching encoding and retrieval contexts improves recall.
What does the term 'anterograde amnesia' refer to?

The inability to form new memories after a trauma. Brain damage prevents consolidation of new memories.
What is the definition of source amnesia?

Source amnesia is the inability to remember where, when, or how one acquired information. Remember the fact but forget the context of learning.
What does 'reconstruction' mean in the context of memory?

The process of piecing together memories using general knowledge and expectations. Memory is rebuilt rather than replayed exactly.
What is the tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon?

A state where one cannot fully retrieve a word but has partial recall. Knows the word exists but cannot access it temporarily.
Identify the term: Memories that can be consciously recalled.

Explicit memories. Declarative memories requiring conscious effort to recall.
What is the main cause of decay in memory?

The fading of memory traces over time. Unused memory traces naturally deteriorate over time.
Identify the term: Difficulty recalling old information due to new learning.

Retroactive interference. New learning disrupts recall of previously learned material.
What is the definition of 'retrieval cue'?

A prompt or stimulus that aids in recalling information. Environmental or internal hint that triggers memory access.
What is the concept of state-dependent memory?

Memory retrieval is more efficient when one is in the same state as during encoding. Internal state matching between encoding and retrieval helps.
Identify the term: A decrease in memory performance due to interference.

Blocking. Interference prevents access to stored memories temporarily.
What role does the hippocampus play in memory?

It is crucial for forming new explicit memories. Essential brain structure for consolidating explicit memories.
What term describes the inability to retrieve memories from before age three?

Infantile amnesia. Due to underdeveloped hippocampus and language skills.
What is the forgetting curve?

The forgetting curve describes how information is lost over time when there is no attempt to retain it. Shows rapid initial forgetting that slows over time.
Identify the term: The tendency to recall the first and last items in a list best.

Serial position effect. Primacy and recency effects in list recall.
State the main cause of retrieval failure.

Lack of retrieval cues or ineffective encoding. Context and cues present during encoding help retrieval.
What is the spacing effect in memory?

The tendency for distributed study to yield better long-term retention. Spaced practice beats massed practice for retention.

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