Name:________________
Unit 7Cognition
7A Memory
Handout 7A-1 Information-Processing & Encoding (pg.255-65)
1. The analogy of a computer system is often used to illustrate the different parts of memory. The keyboard is
where we encode new information, the CPU (or main hard drive) is where we store information, and the
monitor is where we retrieve information.
encoding: keyboard
storage: CPU
retrieval: monitor
How could a file cabinet full of folders fit the analogy above?
encoding:
storage:
retrieval:
2. Define the Atkinson-Shiffrin model of memory and the information-processing model. Compare how the
Atkinson-Shiffrin’s model of memory is similar & dissimilar from the information-processing model. Which
model do you most agree with and why?
3. Explain why “working memory” is a more useful term for the way we process memory.
How We Encode
4. What is automatic processing?
5. In your own words, explain how we process
a. space:
b. time:
c. frequency:
6. What is an example of effortful processing?
7. What did Hermann Ebbinghaus teach us from studying (and remembering) nonsense syllables (“CVCs”)?
8. How does Ebbinghaus’ “retention curve” relate to the way we should study
for the AP Psych test in May?
9. How does the spacing effect relate to distributed practice and recall? (pg. 260)
10. Use the graph to the left to explain the primacy and recency
effects.
11. What is the graphic to the right saying about the primacy
& recency effects?
What We Encode
12. We process information by encoding it at different levels. Explain how shallow processing differs from deep
processing. Of the following three levels, acoustic, semantic, and visual, which yields the best memory of
information?
13. How does the self-reference effect aid recall?
14. Explain how chunking (mnemonic device) could be used to remember this long string of letters:
TSAFBICIAIRSNSADOJDOE