2 Cognitive Psychology Flashcards
(30 cards)
What is the key belief of cognitive psychologists about the mind?
That the mind is like an information processor.
How do cognitive psychologists differ from learning theorists?
Cognitive psychologists focus on how information is processed, unlike learning theorists who view the mind as a “black box.”
How is the brain compared to a computer in cognitive psychology?
Information enters through senses (like a keyboard), is processed by the brain (like software), and results in behavioural output (like a printout).
What are the three stores in the MSM?
Sensory Memory, Short-Term Memory (STM), and Long-Term Memory (LTM).
What are the three processes involved in memory?
Encoding, Storage, Retrieval.
How does information move through the MSM?
Via cognitive control processes like attention and rehearsal.
What happens if information is not rehearsed in STM?
It is lost within 15–30 seconds.
What determines whether sensory input is transferred to STM or lost?
Attention.
What determines whether STM information is stored in LTM?
Rehearsal.
What is the STM’s capacity and how can it be increased?
7±2 items; chunking increases capacity.
What type of encoding does STM and LTM use?
STM: acoustic encoding; LTM: mainly semantic, but uses others too.
What is the purpose of the WMM?
To hold and manipulate information currently in use.
What are the main components of WMM?
Central Executive, Phonological Loop, Visuospatial Sketchpad, and Episodic Buffer.
What is the role of the Central Executive?
Controls attention, coordinates other components; has limited capacity; modality-free.
What is the Phonological Loop responsible for?
Verbal/auditory info. Includes:
• Articulatory Control System (“inner voice”)
• Phonological Store (“inner ear”)
What is the Visuospatial Sketchpad responsible for?
Visual/spatial info from eyes or LTM; “inner eye.”
What is the Episodic Buffer (Baddeley, 2000)?
Integrates info from the other components with time/order; prepares for storage in episodic LTM.
What are episodic and semantic memories?
Both are declarative LTM types. Episodic = personal events; Semantic = general knowledge.
How are episodic and semantic memories linked?
Semantic often develops from episodic; episodic is context-bound, semantic is not.
How do these memories differ in retrieval?
Episodic retrieval is context-dependent; semantic is generalised and not tied to context.
What is reconstructive memory?
The idea that memory is reconstructed and influenced by prior knowledge, not a direct recording.
What role do schemas play in memory?
Schemas shape encoding, retrieval, and interpretation; can cause distortions and confabulation.
What is confabulation?
Filling in memory gaps with fabricated or distorted information consistent with schemas.
Why are individual differences important in reconstructive memory?
Schemas differ based on personal experience, leading to variations in memory reconstruction.
