Psychology Memory Quiz

Memory

• Memory is an active system that stores, organizes, alters, and receives information.
• It retains learned information, experiences, and events.
• Memory is selective; some information is retained, while others are not.

Information Processing Theory

• Encoding: Getting information into the memory system.
• Storage: Maintaining encoded information over time for later retrieval.
• Retrieval: Pulling information from storage and making it available.
• Failures can occur at any step, leading to forgetting.

Simplified Model of Memory

• Sensory Memory: Briefly holds an exact copy of incoming sensory information.
  • Iconic memory (visual): ½ second duration.
  • Echoic memory (auditory): Short duration.
• Short-Term (Working) Memory: Conscious, aware memory.
  • Holds limited information (approximately 7 bits).
  • Duration: 20-30 seconds.
  • Susceptible to interruption and interference.

Encoding Strategies

• Effortful Processing: Requires conscious effort.

  • Maintenance rehearsal: Repeating information to maintain it in STM.
  • Elaborative rehearsal: Linking new information to existing knowledge.
  • Distributed rehearsal: Spreading out study sessions over time.
  • Massed rehearsal: Cramming information in a short period, less effective.

• Automatic Processing: Transfers information to LTM with little effort.

  • Events, time, novel information.

• Acoustic Encoding: Encoding by sound.

• Visual Encoding: Encoding images.

• Semantic Encoding: Focusing on meaning.

Long-Term Memory (LTM)

• Stores a vast amount of information over long periods.
• Stored by meaning and importance.
• Capacity: Relatively permanent and limitless.
• Duration: Unknown, but memories persist for decades.
• Long-term Potentiation: Strengthening neural pathways when neurons are frequently used.

Network Model of LTM

• Related ideas stored in nodes (memory files).
• Links create a vast network hierarchy.
• Memory redintegration: Recalling memories by using cues and associations.

Constructive Processing

• Updating LTM based on logic, guesses, or new information.
• Reconstruction process can lead to inaccuracies.
• Misinformation effect: Introducing misleading information alters memories.
• Pseudo-memories: False memories created.

Flashbulb Memories

• Vivid and detailed memories of significant emotional events.
• Stronger memories due to high emotions.

Explicit vs. Implicit Memory

• Explicit (declarative): Facts (semantic) and experiences (episodic) consciously known (Hippocampus).
• Implicit (procedural): Skills and motor responses (Cerebellum).

Recall vs. Recognition

• Recall: Retrieving information without cues.
• Recognition: Identifying information with cues.
• Retrieval cues help recall.

Interference

• Proactive Interference: Earlier learning disrupts later learning.
• Retroactive Interference: Learning new information disrupts recall of earlier information.

Encoding Specificity Principle

• Retrieval effectiveness relates to encoding conditions.

Mood-Congruent Memory

• Recalling memories better when mood matches encoding mood.

State-Dependent Learning

• Easier recall when physiological states match learning states (e.g., caffeine).

Cognitive Information Processing

• Mental Images: Sensory experience representations.
• Mental Concepts: Generalized ideas.
• Language: Rules for communication.

Thinking in Mental Concepts/Schemas

• Organize information into categories.
• Aid in quick judgments of objects.

Prototypes

• Example that best represents a concept.

Insight

• Sudden realization that leads to problem solving.

Obstacles to Problem Solving

• Framing: Problem presentation impacts thought processes.
• Functional Fixedness: Belief objects have a “fixed” function.
• Belief Perseverance: Sticking to a belief despite evidence.

Problem-Solving Strategies

• Trial and Error: Trying solutions without order.
• Algorithm: Step-by-step systematic procedure.
• Heuristic: Strategy limiting solution choices.

Representative & Availability Heuristics

• Representative Heuristic: Judging based on resemblance to prototypes.
• Availability Heuristic: Judging based on ease of recall.

Patterns of Thinking

• Inductive Thought: Specific facts to general principles.
• Deductive Thought: General principles to specific situations.

Creative Thinking

• Fluency: Number of suggestions.
• Flexibility: Shifting from one category to another.
• Originality: Uniqueness of suggestions.

Sternberg's Components of Creativity

• Expertise
• Imaginative thinking skills
• Venturesome personality
• Intrinsic motivation
• Creative environment

Convergent vs. Divergent Thinking

• Convergent: One correct answer focused from many.
• Divergent: Many possible answers.

Language

• Linguistic Relativity Hypothesis: Language influences thinking.

Basic Elements of Language

• Phoneme: Smallest sound unit.
• Morpheme: Smallest meaningful unit.
• Grammar: Rules for combining sounds and words.
  • Syntax: Arrangement of words.
  • Semantics: Meaning assignment.

Language and the Brain

• Wernicke's Area: Speech comprehension.
• Broca's Area: Speech production.

Language Acquisition Theories

• Behavioral Theory: Learning through association, reinforcement.
• Nativist Theory: Innate language acquisition abilities (Language Acquisition Devices).
• Critical Period: Optimal time for language learning.

Noam Chomsky's Theory of Language

• Surface Structure: Words and phrases.
• Deep Structure: Underlying meaning.

Contributors:

• Elizabeth Loftus
• Benjamin Whorf
• Noam Chomsky
• B.F. Skinner

Test your knowledge on memory systems, information processing theory, and encoding strategies. This quiz covers sensory memory, short-term memory, and the processes involved in retaining and retrieving information. Dive into the complexities of how we remember and forget!