AP Psychology Unit 7A: Memory Flashcards

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.

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.

AP Psychology Unit 7A: Memory Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the Information Processing Theory?

What does Encoding refer to?

What is meant by Storing in memory?

What does Retrieving refer to in terms of memory?

What is Sensory Memory?

Define Short Term Memory.

What is Long Term Memory?

What does Automatic Processing mean?

What is Effortful Processing?

Define Parallel Processing.

What is Rehearsal in terms of memory?

What does the Spacing Effect refer to?

What is the Serial Position Effect?

Define Visual Encoding.

What is Acoustic Encoding?

What does Semantic Encoding refer to?