AP Psych memory models and forgetting curve key terms
This study set covers key terms related to memory models and the forgetting curve in AP Psychology, ideal for exam preparation and review.
Quiz(56 questions)
1. What does the Atkinson-Shiffrin model propose about memory?
Terms in this Study Set(56)
Memory Models(16)
What is the Atkinson-Shiffrin model?
It describes memory in three stages: sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory.
Define sensory memory.
The initial, brief storage of sensory information. Lasts only milliseconds.
What does short-term memory hold?
Information for a limited time, roughly 20-30 seconds, and about 7 ± 2 items.
True or False: Long-term memory is limitless.
True. Long-term memory can store vast amounts of information indefinitely.
Fill in the blank: The ______ model emphasizes the active processing of information.
Working memory.
Compare short-term and long-term memory.
- Duration: Short-term (seconds) vs. Long-term (indefinite). - Capacity: Limited vs. Potentially unlimited.
What is the role of working memory?
To manipulate and work with information actively, linking new information to old.
Define implicit memory.
Unconscious retention of information, such as skills and habits, not easily verbalized.
What is the difference between explicit and implicit memory?
- Explicit: Requires conscious thought (facts, events). - Implicit: Unconscious retention (skills, conditioned responses).
What does the Levels of Processing model suggest?
Memory retention depends on the depth of processing: shallow (basic) vs. deep (meaningful).
True or False: The dual coding theory suggests using images improves memory retention.
True. Combining verbal and visual information enhances memory.
What is the purpose of the schema theory?
It explains how organized knowledge structures influence memory and recall.
Fill in the blank: _______ memory refers to memories of personal experiences.
Episodic.
What is chunking?
A technique to improve memory by grouping information into larger, manageable units.
Define the autobiographical memory.
A type of explicit memory that includes personal experiences and specific events.
What is the function of retrieval cues?
They are stimuli that aid in the recall of information from memory.
Forgetting Curve(16)
What is the Forgetting Curve?
A graphical representation of the rate at which information is forgotten over time.
Who created the Forgetting Curve?
Hermann Ebbinghaus, a pioneer in memory research.
True or False: Memory retention decreases linearly over time.
False. Retention decreases exponentially, not linearly.
Fill in the blank: The Forgetting Curve shows that most forgetting occurs within the first ___ hours.
24 hours.
Cause → Effect: If information is not rehearsed, then...
it is likely to be forgotten more quickly.
What happens to memory retention after the first day?
Retention levels off; forgetting slows down.
Define: Spacing effect.
The phenomenon where information is better retained when studied over spaced intervals rather than crammed.
Compare: Ebbinghaus vs. modern studies on memory.
Ebbinghaus focused on nonsense syllables; modern studies also include meaningful information.
What is proactive interference?
When older information interferes with the recall of newer information.
What is retroactive interference?
When new information interferes with the recall of older information.
Explain: The role of sleep in memory retention.
Sleep helps consolidate memories, reducing forgetting.
Short example: The effect of cramming vs. spaced study.
Cramming: high short-term recall, low long-term retention. Spacing: better long-term memory.
What is the decay theory?
The theory that memories fade over time if not accessed or rehearsed.
What is a key factor affecting the Forgetting Curve?
The amount of time since learning; retention decreases as time increases.
True or False: The Forgetting Curve suggests all memories are equally forgotten.
False. Some memories are retained longer based on their significance.
Name a method to improve retention based on the Forgetting Curve.
Regular review and spaced repetition of information.
Types of Memory(12)
What is sensory memory?
The initial stage of memory that captures sensory information for a very brief period, typically less than a second.
Compare short-term memory and long-term memory.
Short-term memory: limited capacity (7 ± 2 items), brief duration. Long-term memory: unlimited capacity, can last from minutes to a lifetime.
What is iconic memory?
A type of sensory memory that holds visual images for a fraction of a second.
True or False: Long-term memory can be easily forgotten.
False: Long-term memory is relatively stable, although it can fade over time if not accessed.
Fill in the blank: __________ memory is the memory of facts and events.
Declarative memory.
What is procedural memory?
A type of long-term memory that involves skills and actions, such as riding a bike or typing.
What is the duration of short-term memory?
Typically lasts about 15-30 seconds without rehearsal.
Cause → Effect: Recall failure can result from __________.
Decay of memory traces or interference from other memories.
What is working memory?
An active processing space that manipulates and temporarily stores information, crucial for reasoning and decision-making.
True or False: Semantic memory is a type of explicit memory.
True: Semantic memory involves facts and general knowledge.
What is episodic memory?
A type of explicit memory that involves personal experiences and specific events, including contextual details.
List the two types of explicit memory.
- Semantic memory - Episodic memory
Memory Processes(12)
What are the three main processes of memory?
Encoding, storage, and retrieval.
Fill in the blank: __________ is the process of converting information into a form usable in memory.
Encoding
True or False: Storage is the process of getting information out of memory.
False - Storage is the maintenance of information over time.
Compare encoding and retrieval.
Encoding: inputting info. Retrieval: accessing stored info.
What role does attention play in encoding?
Attention enhances the ability to encode information effectively.
What is the process of maintaining information called?
Storage
Cause → Effect: Lack of rehearsal.
Decreased retention of information during storage.
What is retrieval?
The process of accessing stored information.
Multiple-choice: Which is a type of encoding?
A. Visual, B. Auditory, C. Semantic, D. All of the above - Answer: D.
What is the significance of semantic encoding?
Semantic encoding involves the encoding of meaning, enhancing memory retention.
Fill in the blank: __________ is the process where memories become integrated over time.
Consolidation
True or False: Retrieval cues are not important for recalling memories.
False - Retrieval cues help trigger memory recall.
Questions in this Study Set(56)
1. What does the Atkinson-Shiffrin model propose about memory?
2. What does the Forgetting Curve illustrate?
3. What type of memory is responsible for holding visual images for a very brief period?
4. Which of the following best describes the term 'encoding'?
5. How long does sensory memory typically last?
6. Who is credited with developing the Forgetting Curve?
7. Which type of memory is characterized by limited capacity and a brief duration of about 15-30 seconds?
8. Fill in the blank: __________ refers to the duration that information remains in memory.
9. What is the approximate capacity of short-term memory?
10. True or False: The Forgetting Curve indicates that memory retention decreases at a constant rate.
11. Which of the following is NOT a type of explicit memory?
12. What is the main difference between encoding and retrieval?
13. True or False: Long-term memory can store an unlimited amount of information.
14. Fill in the blank: Most forgetting occurs within the first ___ hours after learning.
15. What is the main function of working memory?
16. Which of the following scenarios illustrates semantic encoding?
17. Fill in the blank: The ______ model highlights active information processing.
18. If information is not rehearsed, what is likely to happen?
19. Fill in the blank: __________ memory is primarily concerned with knowledge about facts and general information.
20. True or False: Attention plays a critical role in the process of retrieval.
21. How does short-term memory differ from long-term memory?
22. What typically occurs to memory retention after the first day of learning?
23. True or False: Long-term memory can be easily forgotten with time.
24. Which of the following is NOT a type of encoding?
25. What is the primary function of working memory?
26. Define: Spacing effect.
27. What is the process by which memories can fade over time due to lack of use?
28. What happens to memory retention when there is a lack of rehearsal?
29. What does implicit memory refer to?
30. How does Ebbinghaus's research differ from modern memory studies?
31. Which type of memory allows you to recall specific past experiences in context?
32. Which term describes the process of integrating memories over time?
33. Which of the following best describes explicit memory?
34. What is proactive interference?
35. Which of the following is a characteristic of long-term memory?
36. What role do retrieval cues play in memory recall?
37. What does the Levels of Processing model suggest about memory?
38. What is retroactive interference?
39. What is the duration of sensory memory, specifically iconic memory?
40. Which of the following describes the term 'retrieval'?
41. True or False: Dual coding theory states that combining verbal and visual information improves memory retention.
42. What role does sleep play in memory retention?
43. Which type of memory is primarily involved in the performance of skills, such as riding a bicycle?
44. Which process is primarily influenced by the strength of connections between neurons?
45. What is the purpose of schema theory in memory?
46. Cramming for an exam typically yields what results?
47. True or False: Semantic memory is a form of implicit memory.
48. Fill in the blank: __________ refers to the techniques that improve memory by adding meaningful associations.
49. Fill in the blank: ______ memory pertains to memories of personal experiences.
50. What does the decay theory suggest?
51. What is chunking in memory?
52. Which factor has a significant impact on the Forgetting Curve?
53. What role do retrieval cues play in memory?
54. True or False: The Forgetting Curve suggests all memories are equally forgotten.
55. Which of the following best describes the function of long-term memory?
56. Which method can improve retention according to the Forgetting Curve?
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