2.3 Introduction to Memory

Modules: 31-35

Learning Targets

Learning Target #31 - Studying and Building Memories

31-1 Define memory
31-2 Explain how psychologists describe the human memory system
31-3 Distinguish between explicit and implicit memories
31-4 Identify the information we process automatically
31-5 Explain how sensory memory works
31-6 Describe the capacity for short timer and working memory
31-7 Describe the effortful processing strategies that help us remember new information
31-8 Describe the levels of processing and their effect on encoding

Learning Target #32 - Memory Storage and Retrieval

32-1 Describe the capacity and location of our long-term memories
32-2 Describe the roles of the frontal lobes and hippocampus in memory processing
32-3 Describe the roles of cerebellum and basal ganglia in our memory processing
32-4 Discuss how emotions affect our memory processing
32-5 Explain how changes at the synapse level affect our memory processing
32-6 Explain how memory is measured
32-7 Describe how external cues, internal emotions, and order of appearance influence memory retrieval

Learning Target #33 - Forgetting, Memory Construction, and Memory Improvement

33-1 Explain why we forget
33-2 Explain how misinformation, imagination, and source amnesia influence our memory construction, and describe how we decide whether a memory is real or fake
33-3 Describe the reliability of young children’s eyewitness descriptions, and discuss the controversy related to claims of repressed and recovered memories
33-4 Describe how you can use memory research findings to do better in this and other courses

Learning Target #34 - Thinking, Concepts, and Creativity

34-1 Define cognition and describe the functions of conceptions
34-2 Identify the factors associated with creativity and describe ways of promoting creativity

Learning Target #35 - Solving Problems and Making Decisions

35-1 Describe the cognitive strategies that assist our problem solving and identify the obstacles that hinder it
35-2 Explain what is meant by intuition and describe how the representativeness and availability heuristics, overconfidence, belief perseverance, and framing influence our decision and judgements
35-3 Describe how smart thinkers use intuition

Unit Two Standards:

● Explain how internal and external factors influence perception.

● Explain how visual perceptual processes produce correct or incorrect interpretations of

stimuli.

● Explain how psychological concepts and theories account for thinking, problem-solving,

judgment, and decision-making.

● Explain how the types, structures, and processes of memory work.

● Explain how different encoding processes work to get information into memory.

● Explain how memory storage processes retain information in memory.

● Explain how memory retrieval processes get information out of memory.

● Explain possible reasons why memory failure or errors may occur.

● Explain how modern and historical theories describe intelligence.