What are the three main processes of memory? The three main processes are encoding, storage, and retrieval.
What is the first stage of memory that holds sensory information for a very brief period? Sensory memory is the first stage.
What is the memory system that holds a few items briefly, like a phone number you just looked up? Short-term memory (STM).
What is the capacity of short-term memory, according to George Miller? The capacity is about 7 ± 2 items.
What is the process of grouping information into meaningful units to improve memory? Chunking is the process of grouping information.
What type of long-term memory involves conscious recall of facts and events? Declarative (or explicit) memory involves conscious recall.
What is the inability to form new memories after brain damage called? Anterograde amnesia is the inability to form new memories.
What is the tendency to recall the first and last items in a list best called? The serial position effect (primacy and recency effects).
How does elaborative rehearsal differ from maintenance rehearsal? Maintenance rehearsal involves simple repetition to hold information in STM. Elaborative rehearsal involves linking new information to existing knowledge in LTM, which leads to better long-term retention.
What is the role of the hippocampus in memory? The hippocampus is crucial for the formation of new declarative (explicit) memories and for transferring them from short-term to long-term storage.
Explain the difference between proactive and retroactive interference. Proactive interference occurs when old information interferes with remembering new information. Retroactive interference occurs when new information interferes with remembering old information.
How does the levels-of-processing theory explain memory differences? It suggests that the depth at which we process information determines how well we remember it. Deeper, semantic processing (relating to meaning) leads to better retention than shallow, structural or phonemic processing.
Why is context-dependent memory important? We recall information better when we are in the same context or environment where we learned it, because the context provides retrieval cues.
What is the difference between recall and recognition? Recall is retrieving information without any cues (e.g., an essay question). Recognition is identifying previously learned information with the help of cues (e.g., a multiple-choice question).
How can schemas influence our memory? Schemas (organized knowledge structures) can help us encode and remember information by providing a framework. However, they can also lead to distortions, as we may misremember details to fit our existing schemas.
What is the function of sensory memory? Sensory memory holds sensory information for a very brief time (less than a second for vision, a few seconds for hearing) to allow the brain to process and select which information to transfer to short-term memory.
How does long-term potentiation (LTP) provide a physiological basis for memory? LTP is the long-lasting strengthening of synaptic connections between neurons. Repeated activation of a neural pathway increases the efficiency of signal transmission, which is believed to be the neural mechanism underlying learning and memory.
A witness to a crime is asked to come back to the scene to help remember details. This utilizes ________. Context-dependent memory.
After learning a new PIN for your bank card, you have trouble remembering your old PIN. This is an example of ________. Retroactive Interference.
To remember the name “Mr. Green,” you imagine him wearing green clothes. This is an example of ________ rehearsal. Elaborative rehearsal.
A person with damage to their hippocampus would likely have the most difficulty with what? Forming new conscious memories of facts and events (declarative memory).
You remember the beginning and end of your grocery list but forget the middle items. This demonstrates the ________. Serial Position Effect.
Converting the number 177614921812 into 1776, 1492, 1812 to remember it is an example of ________. Chunking.
A fill-in-the-blank test requires ________, while a true/false test requires ________. Recall; Recognition.
How might a student use the “testing effect” to improve their exam performance? By actively retrieving information through self-testing or practice quizzes, which strengthens memory more effectively than passive re-reading.
