Psychology Degree Cognitive Processes and Memory Questions and Answers Flashcards

What term describes the phenomenon where learning new information interferes with the recall of previously learned material?

Answer: Retroactive interference

Retroactive interference occurs when newly acquired information disrupts the retrieval of older memories stored before the new learning took place.

According to Baddeley's working memory model, which component manages and coordinates information from the other subsystems?

Answer: Central executive

The central executive is the attentional control system that directs focus, coordinates the subsystems, and manages cognitive resources within working memory.

What is the testing effect in cognitive psychology?

Answer: Retrieving information from memory strengthens long-term retention

The testing effect demonstrates that actively retrieving information through practice tests produces stronger and more durable memory traces than passive restudying.

Which brain structure is most critical for the consolidation of explicit declarative memories?

Answer: Hippocampus

The hippocampus plays an essential role in converting short-term explicit memories into stable long-term declarative memories through a process called consolidation.

What does the encoding specificity principle predict about memory retrieval?

Answer: Memory is best when retrieval cues match the conditions present during encoding

Tulving's encoding specificity principle states that retrieval is most successful when the cues available at recall match those that were present during the original encoding of the memory.

Which concept refers to the automatic, unconscious processing of information such as the spatial location of objects?

Answer: Automatic processing

Automatic processing occurs without conscious awareness or intention and handles well-practiced tasks and certain types of information like spatial location, time, and frequency.