Questions and Answers
What is the Information Processing Theory?
The thought that humans process the information that they receive rather than just respond to a particular stimuli.
What does Encoding refer to?
The processing of information into the memory system.
What is meant by Storing in memory?
Retaining encoded information over a period of time.
What does Retrieving refer to in terms of memory?
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What is Sensory Memory?
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Define Short Term Memory.
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What is Long Term Memory?
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What does Automatic Processing mean?
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What is Effortful Processing?
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Define Parallel Processing.
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What is Rehearsal in terms of memory?
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What does the Spacing Effect refer to?
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What is the Serial Position Effect?
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Define Visual Encoding.
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What is Acoustic Encoding?
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What does Semantic Encoding refer to?
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Study Notes
Information Processing Theory
- Human information processing involves active engagement with stimuli, not mere responses.
- The term emphasizes "processing" as a core function of human cognition.
Encoding
- Process of converting information into a format suitable for storage in memory.
- Involves extracting meaning from data, crucial for forming memories.
Storing
- Refers to the retention of encoded information over time.
- Example: Memorizing a locker combination that remains in mind for years.
Retrieving and Forgetting
- Retrieval is accessing stored information, like recalling a phone number.
- Forgetting occurs when stored information is lost and often needs to be relearned.
Sensory Memory
- Brief recording of sensory information, lasting only seconds.
- Serves as the first stage in the memory formation process.
Short Term Memory
- Activated memory that temporarily holds information for limited periods.
- Example: Retaining a seven-digit phone number until it’s stored or forgotten.
Long Term Memory
- A vast, permanent storage system for knowledge, skills, and experiences.
- Distinct from short term memory, with a much larger capacity.
Automatic Processing
- Refers to unconscious encoding of incidental information through repeated actions.
- Example: Skills like knitting become automatic with practice; no conscious thought needed.
Effortful Processing
- Requires purposeful attention and conscious effort to learn and encode information.
- Emphasizes the necessity of "effort" in retaining knowledge.
Parallel Processing
- Brain's ability to process multiple pieces of information simultaneously, akin to multitasking.
- Essential for tasks like visual recognition and problem-solving.
Rehearsal
- Involves consciously repeating information to maintain awareness or encode it for memory.
- Ebbinghaus's experiments demonstrated that repeated exposure aids memorization.
Spacing Effect
- Distributed studying proves more effective than cramming all at once.
- Example: Studying daily leading to better retention compared to last-minute review.
Serial Position Effect
- Individuals are more likely to remember items presented at the beginning and end of a list.
- Highlights human memory bias toward first and last items.
Visual Encoding
- Involves encoding images or visual representations for memory formation.
- Recognized through the term "visual," indicating a connection to pictures.
Acoustic Encoding
- Relates to the encoding of sounds, particularly verbal information.
- Associated with listening and perception, as signified by "acoustic."
Semantic Encoding
- Process of encoding the meaning of information and words.
- Crucial for deep understanding and memory retention.
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Description
Dive into the key concepts of memory with these flashcards from AP Psychology Unit 7A. Explore terms like Information Processing Theory and Encoding to enhance your understanding of how humans process and store information. Perfect for review and test preparation.
