MemoryModules 22-23

Module 22 Questions

1- What are the three basic steps in processing information and define each:

a. Encoding- getting information into the memory system

b. Storage- retaining information in memory over time

c. Retrieval- getting information out of memory storage

Module 22 Questions

2- Define “Automatic Processing”:

-The unconscious and effortless process of encoding information such as space, time,

and frequency

-Example- remember WHERE information is in your notes/book, but not exactly WHAT that information actually is

Module 22 Questions

3- Define “Effortful Processing”:

-Encoding that requires attention and conscious effort

-Example: actually learning material contained within the pages of a textbook (like the definition of effortful processing!)

Module 22 Questions

4. What did most of Hermann Ebbinghaus’ research conclude?

-Rehearsal (practice) is a key in retaining information. The more you rehearse, the more you retain.

Module 22 Questions

5- Define “overlearning”:

-Continuing to rehearse information even after you have memorized it

-Many of you got “hippocampus” correct on the brain test, but how many of you still know what it does today?

Module 22 Questions

6- What is “serial position effect” and the two conditions that are associated with it?

-The tendency to recall the first and last items in a list more easily

-Conditions:

-Primary effect: enhances ability to recall items near the beginning of a list

-Recency effect: enhances ability to recall items near the end of a list

Module 22 Questions

7- Define “Semantic encoding”:

-Encoding of meaning

-We are more likely to remember a word

based on the meaning of the word rather than the

sound or the visual of how the word looks

-We are also more likely to remember things that we can visualize

Module 22 Questions

8- Define:

a. Mnemonic Device:

-A memory trick or technique

-”Letfy loosey, Righty tighty” OR “Latitude Fatitude”

Module 22 Questions

8- Define:

b. Method of Loci:

-Associating items you want to remember with imaginary places

c. Peg-word system:

-Using words or phrases that you already know to help you remember new words

Module 22 Questions

9- What are the three types of memory storage? Define each:

a. Sensory memory:

-Brief, initial coding of sensory information in the memory system

-Visual items are held for as little as .5 seconds, while sounds last 3-4 seconds. This lets us decide if they are important or not

Module 22 Questions

b. Short-term/working memory:

-Part of your memory system that contains information you are consciously aware of before it is stored more permanently or forgotten

-Lasts for approximately 20 seconds without rehearsal- 20 minutes with

-Most people can retain 5-9 “chunks” of information in their working memories

Module 22 Questions

c. Long-term memory:

-Relatively permanent and limitless storehouse of the memory system

-Can hold memories without conscious effort

Module 22 Questions

10. What is a “Flash-bulb memory”?

-Vivid memory of an emotionally significant moment or event

-9/11 attacks, JFK assassination, attack on Pearl Harbor

-1st kiss, car accident, meeting Mickey Mouse

Module 22 Questions

11- Define “Explicit and Implicit Memory”:

-Explicit memory:

-The memory of facts and experiences

-Requires conscious effort to retrieve

-Implicit memory:

-The memory of skills and procedures

-No conscious effort needed

Module 22 Questions

12- What is the difference between “recall” and “recognition”?

-Recall:

-Type of retrieval in which you must search for information that you previously stored (fill-in-the-blanks)

-Recognition:

-Type of retrieval in which you must identify items you learned earlier (multiple choice)

Module 22 Questions

13- Define “context effect”

-Enhanced ability to retrieve information when you are in an environment similar to the one in which you encoded the information

-Example: I had American Government class in this classroom when I was a Junior- I remember more about that class now that I’m in the room again than I did before

Module 22 Questions

14- Define “state-dependent memory”:

-Enhanced ability to retrieve information when you are in the same physical and emotional state you were in when you encoded the information

Module 23 Questions

1- Explain what it was that Ebbinghaus discovered through his research on memory in regards to the “forgetting curve”:

-Most memory loss happens rapidly, then levels off

-Memories not lost during the initial stages tend to be stored permanently

Module 23 Questions

2- Define “interference”:

-Retrieval problem when one memory gets in the way of another

Module 23 Questions

3- Define “proactive interference” and give an example:

-Older memory disrupts the recall of a newer memory

-Examples: locker combos from year to year, previous boyfriends/girlfriends when talking to new ones, writing your old address on an application when you recently moved

Module 23 Questions

4- Define “retroactive interference” and give an example:

-Recent memory disrupts an older memory

-Example: what did you have 6th period in 8th grade? This year’s schedule may make that tough to remember.

Module 23 Questions

5. What was the essence of Elizabeth Loftus’ research on constructing memories?

-Memories can be manipulated by wording

-Memories can be manipulated by incorporating misleading information

Module 23 Questions

6. What are the three ways in which an interviewer can get more accurate information from a child’s testimony during an interview?

-Phrase questions using words the child can understand

-Have no contact with the child before the investigation

-Use neutral language and do not ask leading or suggestive questions