Memory Encoding, Storage, and Retrieval (6B) - Psych & Soc
- What is the Atkinson–Shiffrin (modal) model's three memory stores?
- Sensory memory, short-term memory, long-term memory. Sequential stages where information flows from sensory to permanent storage.
- What is the primacy effect attributed to in memory research?
- More rehearsal leads to better encoding into long-term memory. Early items get extra rehearsal time before new items arrive.
- What is the Atkinson–Shiffrin (modal) model sequence of memory stores?
- Sensory memory short-term memory long-term memory. Information flows sequentially through three distinct memory systems.
- What component of working memory is responsible for attentional control and coordination?
- Central executive. Directs attention and coordinates subsystem activities.
- What is the central executive in Baddeley's working memory model?
- Attentional control system coordinating working memory processes. Directs attention and coordinates subsystems.
- What is working memory in the information-processing model?
- Active, limited-capacity system for holding and manipulating info. Temporarily holds info you're consciously thinking about.
- What is maintenance rehearsal?
- Rote repetition to keep information active in STM. Simple repetition prevents decay but doesn't create lasting memories.
- Which brain structure is most critical for forming new explicit (declarative) memories?
- Hippocampus (medial temporal lobe). Consolidates new declarative memories from STM to LTM.
- Which retrieval principle states that matching internal state or context improves recall?
- Encoding specificity (state-dependent and context-dependent retrieval). Memory best when retrieval conditions match encoding conditions.
- What is rehearsal, and which type best supports long-term retention?
- Repeated processing; elaborative rehearsal best supports LTM. Meaningful processing creates stronger memory traces.
- What is the visuospatial sketchpad in Baddeley and Hitch working memory model?
- Subsystem that maintains visual and spatial information. Processes visual imagery and spatial relationships.
- What is the definition of encoding in the context of human memory?
- Converting information into a storable memory representation. First step in memory formation, transforming sensory input into neural codes.
- What is long-term memory (LTM) in terms of duration and capacity?
- Relatively permanent storage with large capacity. Unlimited duration and capacity unlike working memory.
- What is iconic memory?
- Brief visual sensory memory lasting about s. Allows perception of complete visual scenes despite brief exposure.
- What is maintenance rehearsal?
- Rote repetition to keep information in working memory. Prevents decay but doesn't transfer to long-term storage.
- What is the typical capacity of working memory (digit span)?
- About $7 2$ items (often chunks in practice). Miller's magic number; modern research shows fewer chunks.
- What is episodic memory?
- Explicit memory for personally experienced events and context. Remembering your birthday party vs. knowing what birthdays are.
- What is the Atkinson–Shiffrin (multi-store) model sequence for information flow in memory?
- Sensory memory → short-term memory → long-term memory. Sequential stages with attention and rehearsal as gatekeepers.
- What is chunking, and what does it primarily improve in working memory?
- Grouping items; increases effective capacity. Combines multiple items into meaningful units.
- What is elaborative rehearsal?
- Linking new information to existing knowledge and meaning. Creates meaningful associations rather than rote repetition.
- What is the difference between explicit (declarative) and implicit (nondeclarative) memory?
- Explicit = conscious; implicit = nonconscious (skills/priming/conditioning). Explicit requires conscious recall; implicit operates automatically.
- Identify which effect explains better recall for early list items after a delay: primacy or recency.
- Primacy effect. Early items enter long-term memory through rehearsal.
- Which long-term memory type stores facts and general knowledge?
- Semantic memory. Stores conceptual knowledge without personal context.
- What is chunking as a strategy for improving working memory performance?
- Grouping items into meaningful units to increase effective capacity. Combines multiple items into single units (e.g., phone numbers).
- What is procedural memory?
- Implicit memory for skills and habits (how to perform tasks). Procedural memory enables automatic execution of learned actions through repeated practice, stored implicitly without declarative awareness.
- Identify the effect: a word is recalled better when preceded by a related word.
- Semantic priming. Semantic priming activates related concepts in memory networks, reducing response times and improving recall through spreading activation.
- What is the difference between storage and retrieval in memory?
- Storage = keeping info; retrieval = accessing stored info. Storage maintains info; retrieval accesses what's stored.
- What is iconic memory, and which sensory modality does it primarily involve?
- Brief visual sensory memory. Stores visual impressions for ~0.5 seconds after stimulus disappears.
- What is short-term memory (STM) and its typical duration without rehearsal?
- Temporary store; about – s without rehearsal. Limited capacity system holding current information briefly.
- What is priming in the context of implicit memory?
- Prior exposure facilitates later processing of related stimuli. Can be perceptual (visual) or conceptual (semantic).
- What is long-term potentiation (LTP) in terms of synaptic change?
- Persistent strengthening of synapses after repeated activation. Enhanced synaptic transmission underlies learning and memory.
- What is maintenance rehearsal, and what type of memory does it mainly support?
- Rote repetition; primarily supports short-term/working memory. Simple repetition without meaning; doesn't create lasting memories.
- What is procedural memory, and which broad memory category does it belong to?
- Skill and habit memory; implicit (nondeclarative) memory. Motor skills operate without conscious awareness.
- Which brain region is most associated with working memory and executive control?
- Prefrontal cortex. The prefrontal cortex coordinates attention and manipulation of information in working memory, supporting executive functions like planning and decision-making.
- What is retrieval in the context of human memory?
- The process of accessing stored information. Reactivates stored memory traces to bring them to consciousness.
- What is retrieval in the context of human memory?
- The process of accessing stored information. Reactivates stored memory traces for conscious use.
- What is the definition of storage in the context of human memory?
- Retention of encoded information over time. Maintains encoded memories in neural networks across time.
- Which retrieval method is described by: "produce information without options or cues"?
- Recall. Free retrieval requires generating answers from memory alone.
- What is the visuospatial sketchpad responsible for in working memory?
- Temporary storage and manipulation of visual and spatial information. Processes mental imagery and spatial navigation tasks.
- What is maintenance rehearsal in memory encoding?
- Rote repetition to keep information active in working memory. Simple repetition without meaning, less effective than elaboration.
- What is the difference between explicit (declarative) and implicit (nondeclarative) memory?
- Explicit is conscious recall; implicit is unconscious influence on behavior. Declarative requires awareness; procedural operates automatically.
- Which encoding strategy is described by organizing items into meaningful groups?
- Chunking. Overcomes working memory's 7±2 item limit by grouping.
- What is iconic memory, and about how long does it last?
- Visual sensory memory lasting about s. Stores visual afterimages for split-second processing.
- What is elaborative rehearsal?
- Linking new information to existing knowledge for LTM encoding. Creates meaningful connections for durable memory formation.
- What is long-term potentiation (LTP) as a proposed mechanism of learning and memory?
- Persistent strengthening of synapses after repeated stimulation. Cellular mechanism where synaptic connections strengthen with use.
- What is storage in the context of human memory?
- The retention of encoded information over time. Maintains encoded memories in neural networks over time.
- Which brain structure is most critical for forming new explicit memories?
- Hippocampus (medial temporal lobe). The hippocampus integrates and binds information from various cortical areas, essential for declaring new explicit memories before consolidation.
- What is the difference between encoding and storage in the context of memory?
- Encoding creates memory traces; storage maintains them over time. Encoding forms initial representations; storage preserves them.
- What is rehearsal in memory, and which type best supports long-term retention?
- Repetition; elaborative rehearsal best supports long-term retention. Maintenance rehearsal keeps info active; elaborative creates lasting memories.
- What is chunking in memory, and what does it primarily increase?
- Grouping items into units; increases effective STM capacity. Combines multiple items into meaningful units.
- Which type of memory store holds information for milliseconds to seconds with high capacity?
- Sensory memory. Brief, high-capacity buffer for raw sensory input.
- What is long-term potentiation (LTP) as a mechanism of memory?
- Persistent strengthening of synapses after repeated activation. Cellular mechanism where synapses become more responsive.
- What is the difference between explicit and implicit memory?
- Explicit is conscious recall; implicit is nonconscious influence on behavior. Explicit requires deliberate recall; implicit works automatically.
- What is storage in the context of human memory?
- Retention of encoded information over time. Maintains encoded memories in neural networks over time.
- What working-memory subsystem temporarily stores and manipulates visual and spatial information?
- Visuospatial sketchpad. Processes visual imagery and spatial relationships.
- Identify the retrieval principle: recall is improved when context at retrieval matches encoding.
- Encoding specificity principle (context-dependent memory). Memory improves when learning and recall environments match.
- What is the spacing effect (distributed practice) in long-term memory formation?
- Spaced study yields better long-term retention than massed practice. The spacing effect demonstrates that distributing learning sessions over time strengthens memory consolidation through repeated retrieval and reduced interference.
- Which long-term memory type stores personally experienced events with context?
- Episodic memory. Includes time, place, and emotional context of experiences.
- What is the phonological loop in Baddeley's working memory model?
- A subsystem that temporarily stores and rehearses verbal/auditory info. Enables subvocal rehearsal and language processing.
- What is the Atkinson–Shiffrin (modal) model sequence of memory stores?
- Sensory memory → short-term memory → long-term memory. Information flows through three sequential memory stages.
- What is the typical duration of short-term memory without rehearsal?
- About to seconds. Without active maintenance, short-term memory decays rapidly due to interference and trace degradation, limiting its role to temporary storage.
- What is the key difference between sensation and perception in memory formation?
- Sensation detects input; perception organizes and interprets it. Sensation is raw input; perception adds meaning and organization.
- What is chunking in memory, and what does it improve most directly?
- Grouping items into meaningful units; increases effective STM capacity. Overcomes the 7±2 item limit by creating larger units.
- What is echoic memory?
- Auditory sensory memory lasting about to seconds. Sound echoes persist briefly after stimulus ends.
- What is echoic memory?
- Brief auditory sensory memory lasting about – s. Enables understanding of continuous speech despite gaps.
- What is the Atkinson–Shiffrin (three-stage) model of memory?
- Sensory memory → short-term memory → long-term memory. Sequential flow through three distinct memory stores.
- Which brain structure is most critical for forming new explicit (declarative) memories?
- Hippocampus (medial temporal lobe). Damage causes anterograde amnesia, preventing new memory formation.
- Which explicit memory subtype involves personal events tied to time and place?
- Episodic memory. Autobiographical memories with context.
- What is long-term potentiation (LTP) in the context of memory?
- Persistent strengthening of synapses after repeated activation. Neural basis of learning via enhanced synaptic transmission.
- What is long-term potentiation (LTP) in the neurobiology of memory?
- Persistent strengthening of synapses after repeated activation. Neural basis of learning: synapses strengthen with use.
- Which type of memory store holds raw sensory input for milliseconds to seconds?
- Sensory memory. Brief buffer that captures all sensory input before rapid decay.
- What is the levels-of-processing framework for encoding?
- Deeper semantic processing produces better long-term retention. Shallow (structural) vs deep (semantic) processing affects retention.
- What is the distinction between episodic and semantic memory within explicit memory?
- Episodic is events; semantic is facts and concepts. Personal experiences vs. general knowledge.
- What is the levels-of-processing principle in memory?
- Deeper, semantic processing yields stronger, longer-lasting memories. Craik & Lockhart showed meaningful processing beats shallow processing.
- What is chunking in short-term memory?
- Grouping items into meaningful units to increase effective capacity. Overcomes STM limits by combining individual items into larger units.
- What is the typical duration of iconic (visual sensory) memory?
- About seconds. Visual afterimages fade extremely quickly.
- What is the key distinction between recall and recognition?
- Recall reproduces info; recognition identifies previously learned info. Recall generates info; recognition matches to memory.
- What is the central executive in Baddeley's working memory model?
- Attentional controller that allocates resources and coordinates subsystems. Directs attention and manages cognitive resources.
- Which type of memory stores near-exact sensory impressions for a very brief time?
- Sensory memory. First stage holds raw sensory data for milliseconds to seconds.
- What is iconic memory?
- Visual sensory memory lasting about to seconds. Brief visual afterimage allows processing after stimulus disappears.
- What is chunking in memory, and what does it improve?
- Grouping items into meaningful units; increases effective capacity. Like remembering phone numbers as 3-3-4 instead of 10 digits.
- What is echoic memory?
- Auditory sensory memory lasting about – seconds. Stores sound echoes briefly after hearing them.
- What are the three stages of the Atkinson–Shiffrin (modal) model of memory?
- Sensory memory, short-term (working) memory, long-term memory. Information flows from brief sensory to limited STM to permanent LTM.
- Identify the retrieval principle: Recall improves when internal/external context matches encoding.
- Encoding specificity (context-dependent memory). Memory is enhanced when retrieval context matches encoding context.
- What is the capacity and typical duration of short-term (working) memory?
- About items; duration about to seconds. Miller's magic number limits immediate recall without rehearsal.
- What is storage in the context of human memory?
- The retention of encoded information over time. Maintains encoded memories in neural networks over time.
- What is the typical capacity of short-term memory in Miller's classic estimate?
- About items. Miller's magic number for immediate memory span.
- What are the two major subdivisions of explicit (declarative) long-term memory?
- Episodic memory and semantic memory. Episodic stores personal experiences; semantic stores facts.
- What is the spacing effect, and what study strategy does it support for durable learning?
- Distributed practice yields better retention than cramming. Spaced intervals strengthen memory consolidation.
- What type of encoding focuses on visual features such as shape or color?
- Visual encoding. Processing based on appearance, common in recognizing objects.
- What is working memory (relative to short-term memory)?
- Active, limited-capacity system for holding and manipulating information. Unlike passive STM, it actively processes information.
- What is the testing effect in memory?
- Retrieval practice improves later recall more than restudying. Active retrieval strengthens memory pathways more than passive review.
- Which option best describes the levels-of-processing theory of encoding?
- Deeper semantic processing produces better long-term retention. Meaningful processing creates stronger memory traces than surface features.
- Which retrieval method is described by: "identify the correct information among options"?
- Recognition. Matching stored information to presented alternatives.
- What is sensory memory, and what is its typical duration?
- Brief initial store; iconic s, echoic – s. First memory stage holding raw sensory input very briefly.
- What is the difference between explicit (declarative) and implicit (nondeclarative) memory?
- Explicit is conscious recall; implicit is unconscious learning (skills/priming). Explicit requires conscious effort; implicit occurs automatically.
- What is iconic memory?
- Visual sensory memory lasting about seconds. Brief visual afterimage in sensory register.
- What is retroactive interference?
- New information disrupts retrieval of previously learned information. Recent learning interferes backward with old similar material.
- What is the difference between retrograde amnesia and anterograde amnesia?
- Retrograde: loss of past; anterograde: cannot form new memories. Direction of memory loss differs: before vs. after injury.
- What is the visuospatial sketchpad in Baddeley's working memory model?
- Subsystem for temporary storage/manipulation of visual-spatial info. Processes visual and spatial information.
- What is the visuospatial sketchpad in Baddeley's working memory model?
- A subsystem that temporarily stores and manipulates visual/spatial info. Mental workspace for visual imagery and spatial tasks.
- What is rehearsal, and which memory store does it primarily support?
- Repeated review; maintains information in short-term memory. Repetition prevents decay in STM.
- What are the two main subtypes of explicit (declarative) memory?
- Episodic memory and semantic memory. Two forms of conscious, declarative memory.
- What is the Atkinson–Shiffrin (modal) model's three memory stores?
- Sensory memory, short-term memory, long-term memory. Sequential flow through three distinct memory systems.
- Identify the phenomenon: recall improves when the retrieval context matches encoding context.
- Encoding specificity (context-dependent memory). Environmental cues present during learning aid later retrieval.
- What is the definition of encoding in the context of human memory?
- Conversion of information into a storable memory trace. Transforms sensory input into neural codes for memory storage.
- What is the difference between episodic memory and semantic memory within explicit memory?
- Episodic is personal events; semantic is facts and concepts. Autobiographical experiences vs. general knowledge.
- What is the correct order of the Atkinson-Shiffrin (multi-store) memory model stages?
- Sensory memory short-term memory long-term memory. Information flows from brief sensory buffers through STM to LTM.
- What is the serial position effect, and which two component effects does it include?
- Better recall at list ends; primacy and recency effects. U-shaped recall curve due to different memory processes.
- What is the best term for improved recall when the retrieval context matches the encoding context?
- Context-dependent memory (encoding specificity). Environmental cues from learning enhance retrieval.
- What is retrieval in the context of human memory?
- Accessing stored information for conscious use. Reactivates stored memory traces for conscious awareness.
- What is elaborative rehearsal, and what does it improve?
- Linking to meaning/prior knowledge; improves long-term retention. Creates connections to existing knowledge for deeper encoding.
- What is the difference between explicit (declarative) memory and implicit (nondeclarative) memory?
- Explicit is conscious; implicit is unconscious (skills/priming). Awareness distinguishes declarative from procedural memory.
- What is encoding in the context of human memory?
- Conversion of information into a storable memory trace. Transforms sensory input into neural codes for memory formation.
- Identify the term: improved memory retrieval when context at recall matches encoding context.
- Encoding specificity (context-dependent memory). Matching encoding and retrieval contexts enhances recall.
- What is the approximate capacity of working memory (digit span) in adults?
- About items. Miller's magic number shows typical short-term memory limits.
- What is the spacing effect?
- Distributed practice yields better long-term retention than massed. Studying over time beats cramming for lasting retention.
- What is the episodic buffer in Baddeley's working memory model?
- Integrates info across modalities and links working memory to LTM. Temporary multimodal storage connecting working and long-term memory.
- Which working memory component temporarily stores visual and spatial information?
- Visuospatial sketchpad. Processes mental images and spatial relationships.
- What is the levels of processing framework for long-term memory?
- Deeper semantic processing yields better retention than shallow processing. Meaning-based encoding creates stronger memory traces.
- What is the definition of retrieval in the context of human memory?
- Accessing stored information to bring it into awareness. Reactivates stored memory traces for conscious use.
- What is the difference between episodic and semantic memory within explicit memory?
- Episodic = events; semantic = facts and concepts. Episodic has temporal context; semantic lacks time/place info.
- What is semantic memory?
- Explicit memory for facts, meanings, and general knowledge. Knowing Paris is in France, not remembering visiting Paris.
- Which brain structure is most critical for procedural (skill) memory?
- Basal ganglia (with cerebellar contributions). Motor skills and habits rely on these subcortical structures.
- What does the levels-of-processing framework predict about deep versus shallow encoding?
- Deeper semantic processing produces stronger long-term memory. The levels-of-processing framework posits that semantic analysis engages more elaborate cognitive operations, leading to more durable memory traces than superficial processing.
- What primarily explains the primacy effect in the serial position curve?
- Greater rehearsal leads to better transfer into long-term memory. The primacy effect occurs because initial items receive more attentional resources and rehearsals, facilitating their consolidation into long-term memory.
- What is the definition of retrieval in the context of human memory?
- Accessing stored information for use. Final memory stage where stored information is brought back to consciousness.
- What is chunking as a memory strategy?
- Grouping items into meaningful units to increase effective STM capacity. Organizes info into larger units (e.g., letters into words).
- What is iconic memory?
- Visual sensory memory lasting about second. Stores visual snapshots from eyes before they fade.
- What is retrieval cueing, and what does it aim to improve?
- Providing prompts that increase the likelihood of successful retrieval. Retrieval cues activate associated memory traces by providing contextual or semantic hints, enhancing access to stored information during recall.
- What are the three components of working memory in the Baddeley–Hitch model?
- Central executive, phonological loop, visuospatial sketchpad. Executive controls two slave systems for active processing.
- Which option best identifies the effect: better recall for first and last list items?
- Serial position effect (primacy and recency effects). U-shaped recall curve due to rehearsal and STM recency.
- What is working memory, and which system is commonly used to describe its components?
- Active short-term processing; Baddeley and Hitch model. Manipulates information actively, not just passive storage.
- What is chunking in short-term memory?
- Grouping items into meaningful units to increase capacity. Combines multiple items into single memory units.
- What is the serial position effect?
- Better recall for early (primacy) and late (recency) list items. The serial position effect arises from differential memory strengths, with early items benefiting from long-term storage and late items from short-term accessibility.
- What is iconic memory (visual sensory memory), and what is its typical duration?
- Visual sensory store lasting about seconds. Brief visual persistence allows processing after stimulus ends.
- What is sensory memory, and what is its main function?
- Very brief storage of sensory input for initial processing. Lasts <1 second; allows perception before info decays or transfers.
- What is proactive interference?
- Old information disrupts retrieval of newly learned information. Prior learning interferes forward with new similar material.
- What is the phonological loop responsible for in working memory?
- Temporary storage and rehearsal of verbal and auditory information. Includes phonological store and articulatory rehearsal process.
- What is the capacity and typical duration of echoic (auditory sensory) memory?
- Large capacity; duration about to seconds. Auditory echoes last longer than visual traces.
- What is the spacing effect in learning and memory?
- Spaced practice yields better long-term retention than massed practice. Distributed learning beats cramming.
- What is the difference between recognition and recall?
- Recognition identifies learned info; recall generates it without cues. Recognition uses cues; recall requires self-generation.
- What is iconic memory, and which sensory modality does it store?
- Visual sensory memory store. Lasts ~0.5 seconds; named for visual 'icons' or images.
- What is the Atkinson–Shiffrin (modal) model's three memory stores?
- Sensory memory, short-term memory, long-term memory. Information flows sequentially through these three stages.
- What is the recency effect attributed to in memory research?
- Last items remain in working memory at time of recall. Recent items haven't been displaced from active memory yet.
- What is echoic memory, and about how long does it last?
- Auditory sensory memory lasting about – s. Allows hearing recent sounds after they've stopped.
- Identify the retrieval strategy: using a related memory to access the target memory.
- Cue-dependent retrieval. Environmental or mental cues trigger associated memories.
- Which explicit memory subtype involves facts and general knowledge not tied to context?
- Semantic memory. Knowledge independent of personal experience.
- What is echoic memory, and which sensory modality does it store?
- Auditory sensory memory store. Lasts ~3-4 seconds; named for auditory 'echoes' of sounds.
- What is the difference between explicit (declarative) and implicit memory?
- Explicit is conscious recall; implicit is nonconscious influence. Explicit requires conscious effort; implicit operates automatically.
- What is procedural memory, and which broad system does it belong to?
- Memory for skills and habits; an implicit memory type. Stored in basal ganglia and cerebellum; resistant to amnesia.
- What is the typical capacity of short-term (working) memory for discrete items?
- About $7 2$ items (Miller's law). Miller's law establishes that short-term memory can hold a limited number of discrete items, reflecting cognitive constraints on immediate information processing.
- What is the levels-of-processing framework's main claim about long-term memory?
- Deeper semantic processing produces stronger long-term memories. Processing meaning (vs. surface features) creates durable memories.
- What is the key distinction between explicit (declarative) and implicit (nondeclarative) memory?
- Explicit is conscious recall; implicit is unconscious influence on behavior. Aware vs. unaware memory retrieval.
- What is the approximate capacity of STM/WM in items?
- About items (classical estimate). Miller's magic number reflects cognitive processing limits.
- What is the key distinction between recall and recognition in memory retrieval?
- Recall = generate; recognition = identify previously learned info. Recall requires producing info; recognition only requires identifying it.
- What is the key difference between explicit (declarative) and implicit memory?
- Explicit is conscious recall; implicit is nonconscious performance change. Explicit memory requires intentional effort and awareness for retrieval, whereas implicit memory influences behavior automatically without conscious recollection.
- Identify which effect is reduced when a distractor task prevents rehearsal after a list: primacy or recency.
- Recency effect. Last items remain in short-term memory unless disrupted.
- Identify the correct pairing: hippocampus with forming new declarative memories or with balance/coordination.
- Hippocampus with forming new declarative memories. Critical for converting experiences into long-term memories.
- What is the serial position effect?
- Better recall for early (primacy) and late (recency) list items. U-shaped curve shows advantage for first and last items.
- What type of encoding focuses on sound patterns (for example, rhymes)?
- Acoustic encoding. Processing based on how words sound, often used in poetry.
- What is sensory memory, and what is its key functional role in information processing?
- Brief, modality-specific buffer that holds raw sensory input. Holds unprocessed sensory data for milliseconds to seconds.
- In Baddeley's model, which component allocates attention and coordinates subsystems?
- Central executive. Directs resources and manages cognitive load across tasks.
- What is the spacing effect in memory encoding?
- Distributed practice produces better long-term retention than cramming. Spaced repetition strengthens memory consolidation.
- What is iconic memory?
- Visual sensory memory lasting about to seconds. Allows persistence of vision for smooth perception.
- What is the capacity and typical duration of iconic (visual sensory) memory?
- Large capacity; duration about to seconds. Visual afterimages persist briefly despite large capacity.
- What does the levels-of-processing framework predict about deeper processing?
- Deeper semantic processing produces better long-term retention. Meaningful processing creates stronger memory traces than surface features.
- What is maintenance rehearsal, and what type of memory does it mainly support?
- Rote repetition; mainly supports short-term retention. Maintenance rehearsal involves repeating information to keep it active in short-term memory, preventing decay but not facilitating deeper encoding.
- What working-memory component integrates information across modalities and links to long-term memory?
- Episodic buffer. Binds diverse information into coherent episodes.
- Which option best describes procedural memory: explicit conscious recall or implicit skill learning?
- Implicit skill learning. Motor skills and habits learned without conscious awareness.
- What is levels-of-processing theory in memory encoding?
- Deeper semantic processing produces better long-term retention. Meaningful processing beats shallow processing.
- Which brain structure is most associated with procedural (skill) memory?
- Basal ganglia (especially striatum). Motor skills remain intact even with hippocampal damage.
- What is the encoding specificity principle?
- Retrieval improves when context at recall matches context at encoding. The encoding specificity principle emphasizes that effective cues overlap with the original learning context, facilitating matched retrieval pathways.
- What is the definition of retrieval in the context of human memory?
- Accessing stored information for use. Reactivates stored memory traces for conscious use.
- What is the levels-of-processing theory claim about what best predicts long-term retention?
- Deeper, semantic processing produces better retention. Meaning-based processing creates stronger memory traces.
- What is the episodic buffer in Baddeley's working memory model?
- Integrates information across modalities and links to long-term memory. Temporary store combining different types of information.
- Which brain structure is most associated with fear conditioning and emotional memory salience?
- Amygdala. Enhances memory for emotionally significant events.
- What is chunking as a working-memory strategy?
- Grouping items into meaningful units to increase recall. Combines elements to form larger units within capacity limits.
- What is the typical capacity of working memory (short-term memory) in items?
- About items (Miller's estimate). Limited capacity constrains simultaneous processing of information.
- What is the self-reference effect in memory encoding?
- Information related to the self is encoded and recalled better. The self-reference effect leverages personal relevance to deepen encoding, as self-related information activates richer associative networks in memory.
- What is the phonological loop in Baddeley's working memory model?
- Subsystem for temporary storage and rehearsal of verbal/auditory info. Holds speech-based information through subvocal rehearsal.
- What is the levels-of-processing principle for long-term memory encoding?
- Deeper semantic processing produces stronger long-term retention. Processing meaning creates more retrieval cues.
- What is the working memory model component that temporarily stores visual/spatial info?
- Visuospatial sketchpad. Mental workspace for visual imagery and spatial tasks.
- What is elaborative rehearsal (as opposed to maintenance rehearsal)?
- Linking new info to meaning and prior knowledge to promote LTM. Creates associations vs. simple repetition.
- Which retrieval principle states recall improves when internal or external context matches encoding?
- Encoding specificity (state- and context-dependent memory). Memory improves when retrieval conditions match encoding conditions.
- What is working memory in the information-processing model of memory?
- Active, limited-capacity system for holding and manipulating info. Evolved from short-term memory concept; emphasizes manipulation not just storage.
- What is the difference between maintenance rehearsal and elaborative rehearsal?
- Maintenance repeats; elaborative adds meaning/associations to encode deeply. Maintenance just repeats; elaborative creates connections.
- What is procedural memory, and is it explicit or implicit?
- Skills and habits; an implicit memory system. Motor and cognitive skills learned through practice.
- Identify the retrieval phenomenon: a word is recalled better after seeing a related word earlier.
- Priming. Prior exposure facilitates processing without conscious awareness.
- Which retrieval phenomenon is shown when a context cue improves recall in the same environment?
- Context-dependent memory. Environmental cues trigger memories encoded in that setting.
- What are the two major subtypes of explicit (declarative) memory?
- Episodic memory and semantic memory. Explicit memory divides into episodic for personal experiences and semantic for general knowledge, both relying on conscious retrieval mechanisms.
- What is echoic memory?
- Auditory sensory memory lasting about to seconds. Longer than iconic memory, allows sound pattern recognition.
- What is chunking in memory, and what does it primarily improve?
- Grouping items into units; increases effective working-memory capacity. Chunking organizes information into meaningful groups, reducing the cognitive load and expanding the functional capacity of working memory beyond basic limits.
- Identify the retrieval phenomenon: better recall occurs when internal state matches encoding state.
- State-dependent memory. Matching physiological/emotional context enhances retrieval.
- Which memory system best explains the primacy effect in list recall?
- Long-term memory (more rehearsal/encoding of early items). Early items get more rehearsal time for transfer to LTM.
- Identify the memory type: remembering your first day of school as a personal event.
- Episodic (explicit) memory. Personal experiences with time/place context are episodic memories.
- What is procedural memory?
- Implicit memory for skills and habits (how to do things). Riding a bike uses this automatic, non-conscious memory.
- What is state-dependent memory?
- Recall improves when internal state at retrieval matches encoding state. State-dependent memory relies on congruence between physiological or emotional states during encoding and retrieval, optimizing cue effectiveness.
- Which brain structure is most critical for forming new explicit long-term memories?
- Hippocampus (medial temporal lobe). Damage causes anterograde amnesia, preventing new explicit memories.
- What is the episodic buffer in Baddeley's model of working memory?
- Integrates info across modalities and links working and long-term memory. Added in 2000 to explain binding of diverse information.
- What is working memory, and how does it differ from short-term memory?
- Active manipulation of information, not just brief storage. WM processes information; STM only holds it passively.
- What is the phonological loop in Baddeley's working memory model?
- Subsystem for temporary storage/rehearsal of verbal sounds. Processes speech-based info through rehearsal.
- What is the difference between recall and recognition as memory retrieval processes?
- Recall retrieves without cues; recognition identifies with cues. Recall generates from memory; recognition matches to stimuli.
- Identify the memory system most associated with the recency effect during free recall.
- Working (short-term) memory (recent items still active). Last items remain in immediate memory buffer.
- What is the serial position effect, and what two components does it include?
- Better recall for ends of list; primacy and recency effects. U-shaped recall curve shows position-dependent memory.
- What is the difference between encoding and storage in memory?
- Encoding = input; storage = retaining information over time. Encoding transforms input into memory; storage maintains it.
- What is the definition of storage in the context of memory?
- Maintaining encoded information over time. Keeps encoded memories available for later access.
- What is the typical duration of echoic (auditory sensory) memory?
- About to seconds. Auditory echoes persist longer than visual traces.
- What are the two major subdivisions of implicit (nondeclarative) long-term memory?
- Procedural memory and conditioning/priming effects. Skills/habits and unconscious associations from past experiences.
- What is encoding in the context of human memory?
- The process of converting information into a storable memory trace. Transforms sensory input into neural representations for storage.
- What is the key distinction between short-term memory and working memory?
- Working memory actively manipulates information; STM is passive storage. Working memory includes executive control functions.
- What is working memory in the multistore model of memory?
- Limited-capacity, active processing system for short-term use. Holds and manipulates information temporarily, unlike passive storage.
- What is sensory memory (definition and typical duration)?
- Brief storage of sensory input; lasts milliseconds to seconds. First memory stage; holds raw sensory data very briefly.
- What is the working memory model component that temporarily stores verbal/auditory info?
- Phonological loop. Rehearses speech-based material via inner voice.
- What is the difference between maintenance rehearsal and elaborative rehearsal?
- Maintenance repeats; elaborative links to meaning for long-term storage. Simple repetition vs. meaningful connections.
- What is the central executive in Baddeley's working memory model?
- Attentional control system that allocates working memory resources. Directs attention and coordinates other WM components.
- What is the role of the central executive in Baddeley and Hitch working memory?
- Allocates attention and coordinates working memory subsystems. Acts as attentional controller; doesn't store info itself.
- What is echoic memory, and which sensory modality does it primarily store?
- Auditory sensory memory lasting about to s. Longer duration than iconic memory enables speech comprehension.
- What is working memory (relative to short-term memory)?
- Short-term storage plus active manipulation of information. Extends STM concept to include processing, not just storage.
- What is the central executive in Baddeley and Hitch working memory model?
- Attentional control system that allocates working memory resources. Coordinates and directs information processing.
- What is elaborative rehearsal, and what is its main effect on memory?
- Linking new info to meaning; improves long-term encoding. Elaborative rehearsal connects new information to existing knowledge, enhancing semantic processing and strengthening neural pathways for long-term retention.
- What is the spacing effect in memory?
- Distributed practice yields better long-term retention than massed practice. Spaced intervals allow consolidation between learning sessions.
- Which explicit memory subtype stores personal events with context (time/place)?
- Episodic memory. Autobiographical memories tied to specific times and places.
- What is the definition of encoding in the context of human memory?
- Conversion of information into a storable memory trace. Transforms sensory input into neural codes for memory formation.
- What is working memory (WM) as distinct from simple STM?
- Active maintenance and manipulation of information. Goes beyond storage to include processing and updating.
- What is the central executive in Baddeley's working memory model?
- Attentional controller that allocates working memory resources. Coordinates subsystems and directs attention.
- What primarily explains the recency effect in the serial position curve?
- Recent items remain in working memory at time of recall. The recency effect results from the persistence of final items in short-term memory, making them readily available during immediate recall tasks.
- What is the episodic buffer in the updated working memory model?
- Integrates information across modalities into a coherent episode. Binds multimodal information into unified experiences.
- What is elaborative rehearsal (as opposed to maintenance rehearsal)?
- Linking new info to meaning and prior knowledge. Creates deeper processing through meaningful connections.
- What is long-term potentiation (LTP) in the context of memory storage?
- Persistent strengthening of synapses after repeated activation. Long-term potentiation enhances synaptic efficiency through repeated stimulation, forming the neural basis for associative learning and memory storage.
- In Baddeley's model, which component handles temporary sound-based information?
- Phonological loop. Stores verbal/acoustic info via subvocal rehearsal.
- What is echoic memory, and which sensory modality does it primarily involve?
- Brief auditory sensory memory. Stores auditory impressions for ~3-4 seconds after sound ends.
- What is the definition of retrieval in the context of memory?
- Accessing stored information for use. Brings stored memories back to conscious awareness.
- What is echoic memory?
- Auditory sensory memory lasting about to seconds. Enables speech comprehension by holding sounds briefly.
- What is encoding in the context of human memory?
- The process of converting information into a storable memory trace. Transforms sensory input into neural representations for storage.
- What is consolidation in memory, and when does it primarily occur?
- Stabilization of memories after learning; occurs over time and sleep. Consolidation transforms fragile short-term traces into stable long-term memories via synaptic changes, with sleep facilitating offline reactivation and integration.
- What type of encoding focuses on meaning and tends to produce the best long-term recall?
- Semantic (deep) encoding. Processing meaning creates stronger memory traces than surface features.
- Which working memory component temporarily stores auditory or verbal information?
- Phonological loop. Rehearses speech-based information through subvocal repetition.
- What is echoic memory?
- Auditory sensory memory lasting about to seconds. Echoic memory retains auditory information slightly longer than visual, enabling comprehension of speech by holding sounds for phonetic processing.
- What is the most commonly tested capacity range for short-term memory (STM)?
- About items. Miller's magic number describes typical STM capacity limits.
- What is elaborative rehearsal?
- Linking new information to existing knowledge to promote LTM encoding. Creates meaningful connections for durable memory formation.
- Identify the memory system most associated with the primacy effect during free recall.
- Long-term memory (more rehearsal of early items). Early items transfer to LTM through rehearsal.
- What is the capacity of short-term memory in Miller's classic estimate?
- About items. Classic finding shows STM's limited capacity without chunking.
- What is the typical capacity and duration of short-term memory (STM)?
- About $7 2$ items for about to seconds. Miller's magic number defines limited capacity without rehearsal.
- What is the self-reference effect in memory?
- Information related to the self is remembered better. Personal relevance enhances encoding.
- Which brain structure is most critical for forming new explicit (declarative) memories?
- Hippocampus (medial temporal lobe). Damage causes anterograde amnesia for facts and events.
- What is chunking as a strategy for improving short-term memory performance?
- Grouping items into meaningful units to increase effective capacity. Overcomes STM's item limit by creating larger units.
- Which working memory component allocates attention and coordinates the subsystems?
- Central executive. Directs attention and integrates information from subsystems.
- What is iconic memory?
- Visual sensory memory lasting about to seconds. Iconic memory preserves visual stimuli momentarily, allowing the brain to process persistent afterimages for further encoding if attended to.
- What is chunking as a memory strategy?
- Grouping items into meaningful units to increase effective STM capacity. Overcomes STM limits by organizing info into larger units.
- What is the definition of storage in the context of human memory?
- Maintaining encoded information over time. Keeps encoded memories intact between initial learning and later use.
- In Baddeley's model, which component handles temporary visual-spatial information?
- Visuospatial sketchpad. Mental workspace for visual imagery and spatial tasks.
- What is the definition of encoding in the context of memory?
- Converting information into a storable memory trace. Transforms sensory input into neural codes for storage.
- Which explicit memory subtype stores facts and general knowledge without context?
- Semantic memory. Abstract knowledge independent of personal experience.
- What is sensory memory, and what is its core function?
- Very brief storage of sensory input for initial processing. Holds raw sensory data before attention selects relevant info.
- Which option best describes the spacing effect in long-term memory formation?
- Distributed practice improves retention more than massed practice. Spaced intervals strengthen memory consolidation.
- What is the visuospatial sketchpad in Baddeley's working memory model?
- Subsystem for temporary storage/manipulation of visual and spatial info. Mental workspace for visual imagery and spatial navigation.
- What is elaborative rehearsal (as opposed to maintenance rehearsal)?
- Linking new information to meaning and prior knowledge. Creates associations and connections, unlike simple repetition.
- What working-memory subsystem temporarily stores and rehearses speech-based information?
- Phonological loop. Maintains verbal information through subvocal rehearsal.
- What is the phonological loop in Baddeley and Hitch working memory model?
- Subsystem that maintains verbal and auditory information. Processes speech sounds and verbal rehearsal.
- What is the levels-of-processing principle?
- Deeper semantic processing produces stronger long-term memory than shallow processing. Meaning-based processing creates more durable memory traces.
- What is the levels-of-processing theory claim about durable memory formation?
- Deeper semantic processing produces stronger long-term memory. Meaningful analysis creates more durable memory traces.
- What is chunking as a memory strategy?
- Grouping items into meaningful units to increase STM efficiency. Combines elements to overcome STM capacity limits.
- What is echoic memory (auditory sensory memory), and what is its typical duration?
- Auditory sensory store lasting about to seconds. Longer than iconic memory, enables speech comprehension.
- What is working memory, and how does it differ from short-term memory?
- Active manipulation of info; STM emphasizes brief storage. Working memory processes info; STM just holds it.
- What is iconic memory, and which sensory modality does it primarily store?
- Visual sensory memory lasting about to s. Brief visual afterimage allows processing after stimulus disappears.
- Identify the effect: A delay before recall eliminates recall of the last list items.
- Recency effect is reduced because short-term memory contents decay. Delay allows STM traces to fade, eliminating recency advantage.
- Which long-term memory type is most directly involved in learning motor skills?
- Procedural memory. Stores how-to knowledge for automatic skill execution.
- Identify the difference between recall and recognition in memory retrieval.
- Recall: generate info; recognition: identify previously learned info. Recall requires production; recognition only requires familiarity.
- What is the defining feature of sensory memory in the Atkinson–Shiffrin model?
- Brief, modality-specific storage of incoming sensory information. In the Atkinson-Shiffrin model, sensory memory acts as the initial buffer holding raw sensory data briefly before selective attention transfers it to short-term memory.
- What is the definition of storage in the context of human memory?
- Retention of encoded information over time. Maintains encoded memories in neural networks over time.
- Which memory system best explains the recency effect in list recall?
- Short-term/working memory (recent items still active). Last items remain in STM at time of recall.
- What is the difference between explicit (declarative) and implicit (nondeclarative) memory?
- Explicit = conscious recall; implicit = unconscious influence/skills. Explicit requires effort to recall; implicit works automatically.
- What is the primary encoding process that transfers information from short-term to long-term memory?
- Elaborative rehearsal. Creates meaningful connections for durable encoding.
- What is long-term memory (LTM) in terms of capacity and duration?
- Essentially unlimited capacity and duration. Permanent storage system with no known limits.
- What is the episodic buffer in Baddeley's working memory model?
- Integrates information across domains and links to LTM. Temporary multimodal store connecting working and long-term memory.
- In Baddeley's model, which component integrates information into unified episodes?
- Episodic buffer. Binds multimodal info from different sources into coherent memories.
- What is levels-of-processing theory of memory?
- Deeper semantic processing produces stronger, more durable memories. Processing meaning creates stronger memories than surface features.