1. Memory (Cognition) AP Psychology Essential Task:
Outline principles that help improve memory functioning at each stage:
encoding - attention, chunking, serial positioning effect, deep versus shallow processing, and rote rehearsal
storage - decay theory, elaborative rehearsal, spacing effect, method of loci, and link method
retrieval - retroactive interference, proactive interference
Logo Green is R=8 G=138 B= Blue is R= 0 G=110 B=184
Border Grey is R=74 G=69 B=64

2. Information Processing Model
Attention
All the rest
External Stimuli
Sensory Registers
gone
Short Term Memory
Long Term
Memory
Retrieval
1. Encoding
3. Retrieval
2. Storage
Information Processing Model
We are here

3. Essential Task: Improving Encoding Improving storage Retrieval Outline
attention
chunking
serial positioning effect
Schemata and Hierarchy
deep versus shallow processing
Improving storage
decay theory
spacing effect
Rote rehearsal vs. elaborative rehearsal
Mnemonics like method of loci and link method
Retrieval
Retrieval Cues and Priming
Situational factors
State dependent
Allow for Parallel Processing
Overcoming retroactive interference
Overcoming proactive interference

4. Chunking
The grouping of information into meaningful units for easier handling by short term memory.
M-S-N-N-A-S-A-C-I-A-C-O-M Or
MSN NASA CIA COM
Outline

5. Serial Position Effect
People tend to recall the first items (primacy effect) and last items (recency effect) in a list
Demonstrates how short- and long-term memory work together
Primacy effect reflects long-term memory
Recency effect reflects short-term memory
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6. Serial Position Effect
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7. Schemata
A schema is a set of beliefs or expectations about something based on past experience
Incoming information is fit with existing schemata
Schemata can also influence the amount of attention paid to a given event
Reconstruction
Memories can be altered with each retrieval
We do this to keep the schemata of our self and our environment
Outline

8. Hierarchy
Complex information broken down into broad concepts and further subdivided into categories and subcategories.

9. Encoding Summarized in a Hierarchy

10. Deep Versus Shallow Processing
Deep Processing analyzes meaning
Shallow processing does not
Outline
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11. Decay Theory
The decay theory argues that the passage of time causes forgetting.
The longer information is not accessed, increases the chances of forgetting it.
Outline

12. Spacing Effect
Distributing rehearsal (spacing effect) is better than practicing all at once. You can memorize a poem a lot easier if you break it down into 5 parts over 5 days instead of all at once.

13. Maintaining Long-Term Memory
Rote rehearsal
Repetition can result in long-term memory
Only effective if there is intent to learn material
Example: What does a penny look like?
The accurate picture is the one third from the left. Most people will get this wrong because although they have seen a lot of pennies, they never pay attention so they never learn.
Outline

14. Maintaining Long-Term Memory
Elaborative rehearsal
Process of relating new information to information already stored in memory
Meaning is assigned to new information and then linked to as much existing knowledge as possible
Outline

15. Link Method
First imagine a silly, memorable image that represents the type of list you want to remember. Also include in this image the first item on the list (see below for example). This image is your header for the list.
Think of another silly, memorable image that links the first item on the list to the second item and so on.
Outline

16. Method of Loci
In this technique the subject memorizes the layout of some building, or the arrangement of shops on a street, or any geographical entity which is composed of a number of discrete loci. When desiring to remember a set of items the subject literally 'walks' through these loci and commits an item to each one by forming an image between the item and any distinguishing feature of that locus.
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17. Improving Retrieval
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18. Retrieval Cues
Memories are held in storage by a web of associations. These associations are like anchors that help retrieve memory.
water
smell
hose
Fire Truck
fire
OBJECTIVE 15| Explain how retrieval cues help us access stored memories, and describe the process of priming.
smoke
truck
heat
red

19. Priming
To retrieve a specific memory from the web of associations, you must first activate one of the strands that leads to it. This process is called priming.

20. Where and When Matters Situational factors State-dependent memory
Recall of information is better if environment is the same as when information was learned
State-dependent memory
Recall of information is better if person is in the same physiological state as when information was learned

21. Parallel Processing
Tip of the Tongue Phenomenon: when you can almost recall something, but can’t quite get it.
If you leave it your brain will continue to work on this problem eventually surfacing with the answer.
Thus you later yell out the name of the actor and everyone looks at you like you are odd.

22. Interference Retroactive interference
Occurs when new information interferes with information already in memory
Retro means old
In this term the old information is being tested
Therefore, the new information is doing the interference
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23. Retroactive Interference
Sleep helps prevent retroactive interference. Therefore, it leads to better recall.
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24. Interference Proactive interference
This is when new information is being tested.
The old information already in your LTM interferes.
It is tough to teach an experienced show dog new tricks.
Psychologists have found that recall of later items can be improved by making them distinctive from early items. For example, people being fed groups of numbers to remember did much better when they were suddenly fed a group of words instead. This is called release from proactive interference
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25. Red
Yellow
Green
Blue

26. Interference
When you look at the words you see both its color and meaning.
When they are in conflict you must make a choice
Experience has taught you that word meaning is more important than color so you retrieve that information.
You are not always in complete control of what you pay attention to.
Outline