Cognitivism and Memory Stages Quiz

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Questions and Answers

According to cognitivism, how do students learn?

Humans learn from thinking. They believe that learning is a long term change in mental representations.

What are some assumptions of cognitivism?

Learning involves the formation of mental representations or associations that aren't necessarily reflected in overt behavior changes. People are actively, mentally engaged in their own learning. People try to impose some sort of meaning on new information. People tend to organize new information.

According to cognitivism, how do we respond to the multitude of stimuli we encounter?

Only the important information stays in memory for a very brief period of time. By paying attention to the most important stimulus, the information moves into short-term or working memory.

What is encoding in relation to memory?

Encoding is the process of modifying information in some way in order to store it in memory. Signup and view all the answers

What is storage in relation to memory?

Storage is the process of putting new information in memory. Signup and view all the answers

What is retrieval in relation to memory?

Retrieval is the process by which people find information they have previously stored so they can use it again. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these are correct statements about the three-component model of memory?

The three-component model offers a simplified, but useful, framework to understand memory. Signup and view all the answers

What is duration in relation to memory?

The amount of time information remains in a memory stage. Signup and view all the answers

What is capacity in relation to memory?

The maximum amount of information that can be retained in a memory stage. Signup and view all the answers

What is the sensory register (sensory memory)?

The sensory register is the first and most immediate form of memory. It takes in sensory information through our five senses and holds it for a very brief time. Signup and view all the answers

What is working memory?

Working memory is a temporary storage system for information actively being used. Signup and view all the answers

What is long-term memory?

Long-term memory is the system for storing information for extended periods, potentially a lifetime. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of attention in the three-component model of memory?

Attention determines what information is selected for further processing, maintains information in working memory, and helps encode information into long-term memory. Signup and view all the answers

What is the nature of attention and what factors affect it?

Attention has a limited capacity for processing information. Attention is shifting and can be influenced by factors such as motion, size, intensity, novelty, incongruity, social cues, emotion, and personal significance. Signup and view all the answers

How can teachers win over and maintain students' attention?

Teachers can use a variety of presentation styles, provide frequent breaks, ask questions, minimize distractions, monitor students' behavior, and consider cognitive load and attention signals. Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of the interconnectedness of long-term memory?

Information in long-term memory is organized and related to other knowledge, forming a network that helps us interpret stimuli and act accordingly. Signup and view all the answers

How is information stored in long-term memory, and what are the different forms?

Long-term memory stores information in various forms, including declarative (explicit) and non-declarative (implicit) memory. Declarative memory includes episodic and semantic memory, while non-declarative memory involves procedural memory. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is an example of declarative knowledge?

Remembering the date of a historical event Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is an example of procedural knowledge?

Playing a musical instrument Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between explicit and implicit memory?

Explicit memory is conscious and intentional, while implicit memory is unconscious and automatic. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between semantic and episodic memory?

Semantic memory is general knowledge, while episodic memory is personal experiences. Signup and view all the answers

What is meaningful learning?

Meaningful learning is connecting new information to prior knowledge for deeper understanding. Signup and view all the answers

What is organization in relation to memory?

Organization is structuring information to make it easier to store and retrieve. Signup and view all the answers

What is rote learning?

Rote learning is memorizing information through repetition without understanding. Signup and view all the answers

What is automaticity?

Automaticity is performing tasks with minimal conscious effort due to practice and repetition. Signup and view all the answers

What is prior knowledge activation?

Prior knowledge activation is bringing up students' existing knowledge before teaching new material. Signup and view all the answers

What is a meaningful learning set?

A meaningful learning set prepares students to connect new information with what they already know. Signup and view all the answers

What are advance organizers?

Advance organizers provide a mental framework before new material to help structure learning. Signup and view all the answers

What is the decay theory of forgetting?

Decay theory suggests that memories fade and weaken over time if not used or rehearsed. Signup and view all the answers

What is interference and inhibition in relation to forgetting?

Interference occurs when one piece of information disrupts the recall of other information, while inhibition involves actively blocking or suppressing information. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between repression and suppression in relation to forgetting?

Repression is an unconscious process of pushing distressing memories out of awareness, while suppression is a conscious effort to do so. Signup and view all the answers

What is failure to retrieve in relation to forgetting?

Failure to retrieve occurs when someone is unable to access information from memory even though they know it is stored. Signup and view all the answers

What is a construction error in relation to forgetting?

Construction errors are mistakes in memory recall due to the reconstructive nature of memory. Signup and view all the answers

What is insufficient self-monitoring during retrieval in relation to forgetting?

Insufficient self-monitoring during retrieval occurs when someone doesn't adequately check the accuracy of their memories. Signup and view all the answers

What is consolidation theory in relation to forgetting?

Consolidation theory suggests that memories are fragile and subject to disruption during the consolidation process. Signup and view all the answers

What is encoding failure in relation to forgetting?

Encoding failure occurs when information was never properly encoded into memory. Signup and view all the answers

What are concrete concepts, and how are they learned?

Concrete concepts are easily identified by physical appearance and are learned through direct experience and observation. Signup and view all the answers

What are abstract concepts?

Abstract concepts involve similarities that are not readily observable. They are learned through higher-level thinking and reasoning. Signup and view all the answers

What are correlational concepts?

Correlational concepts are concepts where features are related but not strictly necessary. They are learned through observation and analysis of relationships. Signup and view all the answers

What is undergeneralization?

Undergeneralization reflects an inability to recognize all positive instances of a concept. Signup and view all the answers

What is transfer in learning?

Transfer occurs when something we learn in one situation affects how we learn or perform in another situation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between positive and negative transfer?

Positive transfer enhances learning in a new situation due to prior learning, while negative transfer interferes with learning. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between vertical and lateral transfer?

Vertical transfer builds on prior knowledge, while lateral transfer uses prior knowledge that isn't necessarily a prerequisite. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between near and far transfer?

Near transfer involves similar situations, while far transfer applies knowledge to seemingly different situations that share underlying relationships. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between specific and general transfer?

Specific transfer involves similar content, while general transfer applies knowledge to different content areas. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a well-defined and an ill-defined problem?

A well-defined problem has clear goals, starting points, and steps to a solution, while an ill-defined problem is more ambiguous and has multiple possible solutions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between an algorithm and a heuristic?

An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure guaranteeing a solution, while a heuristic is a mental shortcut that may not guarantee a solution. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cognitivism/Cognitive Psychology

Students learn through thinking and mental processes, not just environmental factors.
Learning involves internal mental changes, not just outward behavior modifications.
Learners actively engage, not passively receiving information.
Learners try to understand new information in the context of their existing knowledge.
Learners organize new information, often using structured wholes (Gestalt Psychology).

Memory Stages

Encoding: Transforming sensory input into a usable memory form (e.g., associating a name with a face).
Storage: Placing information into memory (e.g., remembering a friend's name).
Retrieval: Recalling stored information (e.g., answering exam questions).

Three-Component Memory Model

Critiques of a simplistic three-component memory model highlight the complexity of human memory.
Despite limitations, the model helps understand key aspects of learning.

Sensory Register

First stage of memory.
Holds sensory information briefly (milliseconds to seconds).
Has a large capacity.
Stores information in its original sensory format (visual, auditory, etc.).

Working Memory

Short-term memory used for active cognitive tasks (e.g., reasoning, learning).
Information remains for 15-30 seconds without rehearsal.
Capacity is limited (7 ± 2 items).
Auditory encoding is common, especially for language-based information.

Long-Term Memory

Stores information long-term (potentially a lifetime).
Capacity is essentially limitless.
Information is represented semantically (meaning-based), episodically (event-based), or procedurally (skills).

Attention's Role

Attention determines sensory input processing in the sensory register.
Attention maintains information in working memory and prevents fading.
Attention is crucial for meaningful encoding into long-term memory.

Attention Factors

Attention is limited and changes constantly.
Factors influencing attention include motion, size, intensity, novelty, incongruity, social cues, emotion, and personal significance.

Maintaining Student Attention

Vary presentation styles, provide breaks, ask questions and minimize distractions.
Seat students near the teacher if they struggle.
Monitor students' behavior.
Understand cognitive load: Learners can only process a limited amount at a time.
Students prioritize and filter learning material.

Long-Term Memory Interconnections

Information in long-term memory is interconnected.
This organization allows interpretation of stimuli and memory retrieval.

Long-Term Memory Storage

Declarative (Explicit): Consciously recalled information, including:
- Episodic: Personal experiences.
- Semantic: General knowledge and facts.
Non-Declarative (Implicit): Unconscious memories and automatic skills:
- Procedural: Learned skills. (e.g., riding a bicycle, typing)

Declarative vs. Procedural Knowledge

Declarative knowledge = knowing facts, easily articulated.
Procedural knowledge = knowing how to do things, learned through practice.

Explicit vs. Implicit Memory

Explicit memory = consciously recalled information (facts).
Implicit memory = unconscious memories (skills, habits).

Semantic vs. Episodic Memory

Semantic memory = general knowledge (e.g., historical facts).
Episodic memory = personal experiences.

Learning Strategies

Rehearsal (Maintenance): Repeating information.
Elaboration: Adding meaning to information.
Meaningful Learning: Connecting new information to prior knowledge.
Organization: Structuring information for easier recall.
Rote Learning: Memorization without understanding.
Automaticity: Minimal conscious effort due to practice.

Instructional Strategies

Prior Knowledge Activation: Activates students' existing knowledge.
Meaningful Learning Set: Prepares students to connect new information.
Advance Organizers: Provide mental framework for new learning material.

Theories of Forgetting

Decay: Memories fade over time.
Interference: One memory disrupts the recall of another.
Inhibition: Conscious blocking of memory.
Retrieval Failure: Inability to access information.
Construction Error: Memory distortions.
Insufficient Self-Monitoring: Inaccurate retrieval checks.
Consolidation Failure: Unsuccessful memory processing.
Encoding Failure: Information never properly processed.

Concepts: Concrete, Abstract, Defining, Correlational

Concrete: Easily identifiable physical features.
Abstract: Involves less readily apparent similarities.
Defining: Features are crucial for category membership.
Correlational: Features are related but not strictly necessary.

Generalization Errors

Undergeneralization: Failing to recognize all positive instances.
Overgeneralization: Failing to reject all negative instances.

Types of Transfer

Transfer: How one learning experience affects another.
- Positive/Negative: Learning improves/hinders new task.
- Vertical/Lateral: Builds on/uses unrelated prior knowledge.
- Near/Far: Close/distant similarity between contexts.
- Specific/General: Overlap in content/significant difference.

Problem Types

Well-Defined: Clear goals, start point, and solution steps.
Ill-Defined: Vague goals, steps, and solution methods.

Problem Solving Methods

Algorithms: Step-by-step procedures guaranteeing a solution.
Heuristics: Mental shortcuts for faster problem solving.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the principles of cognitive psychology and the stages of memory. This quiz covers topics like encoding, storage, and retrieval, as well as critiques of traditional memory models. Engage with the material to better understand how learning occurs through internal processes.