Introduction to Memory - AP Psychology
- What is the function of the amygdala in memory?
- The amygdala is involved in emotional memory formation. It strengthens memory consolidation for emotionally arousing events.
- What is the spacing effect?
- Distributed practice leads to better long-term retention. Spaced learning sessions outperform massed practice for retention.
- Define storage as it relates to memory.
- Storage is maintaining information over time. It preserves encoded information until needed for retrieval.
- What is the decay theory of forgetting?
- Memory fades due to the passage of time. Memory traces naturally weaken without reinforcement or use.
- What is the method of loci?
- A mnemonic technique associating items with locations. It links new information to familiar spatial locations for retrieval.
- What is the definition of memory in psychology?
- Memory is the process of encoding, storing, and retrieving information. It encompasses how we take in, retain, and access information.
- What is the serial position effect?
- Tendency to recall first and last items in a list better. Position in a sequence affects memorability due to attention patterns.
- Define anterograde amnesia.
- Anterograde amnesia is the inability to form new memories. Brain damage prevents consolidation of new explicit memories.
- What is the role of the hippocampus in memory?
- The hippocampus is crucial for forming new explicit memories. It consolidates new information into long-term storage systems.
- Identify the three main processes involved in memory.
- Encoding, storage, retrieval. These three sequential stages form the complete memory system.
- What is episodic memory?
- Episodic memory is the recall of personal experiences and events. It stores autobiographical memories tied to specific times and places.
- What is a mnemonic device?
- A mnemonic device is a memory aid using associations. It uses patterns, rhymes, or imagery to enhance memory encoding.
- What is the duration of sensory memory?
- Sensory memory lasts a few milliseconds to 2 seconds. This extremely brief duration requires quick attention to transfer information.
- What is encoding in the context of memory?
- Encoding is transforming sensory input into a format for storage. It converts raw sensory data into memorable representations.
- Define retrograde amnesia.
- Retrograde amnesia is the inability to recall past memories. Brain damage disrupts access to previously formed memories.
- What is the difference between recall and recognition?
- Recall is retrieving without cues; recognition is identifying from options. Recognition typically requires less cognitive effort than recall.
- What is interference theory in memory?
- Forgetting occurs because other information interferes. Competing memories disrupt retrieval of target information.
- Describe short-term memory.
- Short-term memory holds information temporarily for analysis. It serves as a workspace for conscious mental processing.
- What is a flashbulb memory?
- A vivid, detailed memory of an emotionally significant event. Strong emotions during encoding create exceptionally clear memories.
- What is the capacity of short-term memory?
- Approximately 7 ± 2 items. Miller's magic number describes typical working memory limitations.
- Define the recency effect.
- Better recall of items at the end of a list. Recent items remain accessible in short-term memory during testing.
- What is source amnesia?
- Inability to recall where or how information was acquired. Memory content persists while contextual details fade over time.
- What is explicit memory?
- Explicit memory involves conscious recall of facts and events. It requires deliberate, effortful retrieval of specific information.
- What is sensory memory?
- Sensory memory is the brief storage of sensory information. It acts as a temporary buffer for immediate sensory input.
- What is the concept of cognitive load?
- Cognitive load is the total mental effort used in working memory. It measures how much mental capacity current tasks consume.
- Differentiate proactive and retroactive interference.
- Proactive: old interferes with new; retroactive: new interferes with old. These mechanisms describe how memories compete and interfere.
- What is the misinformation effect?
- Memory distortion due to misleading post-event information. False information presented after an event alters original memories.
- What is the role of the prefrontal cortex in memory?
- The prefrontal cortex is involved in working memory and decision making. It coordinates complex cognitive tasks and temporary information storage.
- Define implicit memory.
- Implicit memory involves skills and conditioned responses. It operates automatically without conscious awareness or effort.
- What is the testing effect?
- Retrieval practice enhances long-term memory retention. Active retrieval strengthens memory traces more than passive review.
- What does retrieval mean in the study of memory?
- Retrieval is accessing stored information for use. It brings stored memories back into conscious awareness.
- Define long-term memory.
- Long-term memory is the storage of information over extended periods. It has virtually unlimited capacity and duration.
- Define the primacy effect.
- Better recall of items at the beginning of a list. Initial items receive more rehearsal and transfer to long-term memory.
- Which brain area is involved in procedural memory?
- The basal ganglia is involved in procedural memory. This brain region specializes in motor learning and skill acquisition.
- What are the two main types of long-term memory?
- Explicit (declarative) and implicit (non-declarative). These categories distinguish conscious versus unconscious memory processes.
- What is the role of the cerebellum in memory?
- The cerebellum is involved in procedural and motor memory. It coordinates automatic movements and skill-based learning.
- What is semantic memory?
- Semantic memory is the storage of general world knowledge. It includes facts, concepts, and general knowledge about the world.
- Describe procedural memory.
- Procedural memory is the memory of motor skills and actions. It enables automatic performance of learned physical skills.
- What is chunking in memory?
- Chunking is organizing information into manageable units. It expands short-term memory capacity by grouping related items.