AP Psychology
Guided Notes #6
Fall Semester 2014
Bacile
Unit VI: Learning & Memory
Corresponding Chapter(s): Modules 26-35
Topic: Learning & Memory (7-9%)
INTRODUCTORY PSYCHOLOGY: MEMORY (STORAGE)
Memory: Storage

Atkinson & Shiffrin Model of Memory Storage (1971)
o Three stores of memory are shown below…
Sensory Memory
Short-Term Memory (STM)
Long-Term Memory (LTM)
Preserves information in its original sensory form for a
brief time, usually only a fraction of a second
A limited-capacity store that can
maintain unrehearsed information for
about 10-20 seconds
An unlimited capacity store that
can hold information over lengthy
periods of time
Iconic Memory

Echoic Memory
Physical Location of Memories
o Memory is NOT stored in a single spot
 Synaptic Change
 When learning occurs ___________________________________________________________________________ of certain synapses
 Long-Term Potentiation (LTP)
 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________
o An increase in the release of neurotransmitter or receptors on the receiving neuron indicates the
strengthening of synapses
TYPES OF MEMORY

Implicit Memory
o Without __________________________________________________________
o ____________________________________________________________________
o Actions, skills, conditioned responses & emotional responses
 Also known as ___________________________________________________________
 Skill Memory
o Riding a bike, typing, tying one’s shoes
 Automatic Reactions
o Tensing up at the sound of a dentist’s drill

Explicit Memory
o Conscious recall
o _____________________________________________________________________
o Recollection of words, definitions, names, dates, faces, events, concepts and ideas
 Two types of Explicit Memories
 Semantic Memory
o _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
 Episodic Memory
o Chronological, or temporarily dated, recollections of personal experiences
REPRESENTATION & ORGANIZATION

How is knowledge represented and organized in memory?
o Conceptual hierarchies
o Schemas
o __________________________________________________
o Parallel Distributed Processing (PDP) Model

Semantic Networks
o Consists of ________________________________________________________________________________,
joined together by pathways that link related concepts
 Less systematic than conceptual hierarchies and/or schemas

Parallel Distributed Processing (PDP) Model
o Assumes that cognitive processes depend on patterns of activation in highly
interconnected computational networks that resemble neural networks
 Consists of large networks of interconnected nodes
 ______________________________________________________________________________
(excitatory/inhibitory effects)
 Asserts that ____________________________________________ correspond to
particular patterns of activation in these networks