AP Psychology: Unit 7 Exam Study Guide with
Complete Solutions
memory - Correct Answer the persistence of learning over time through the storage and retrieval of
information
encoding - Correct Answer the processing of information into the memory system
storage - Correct Answer the retention of encoded information over time
retrieval - Correct Answer the process of getting information out of memory storage
sensory memory - Correct Answer the immediate, very brief recording of sensory information in the
memory system
short-term memory - Correct Answer activated memory that holds a few items briefly before the
information is stored or forgotten
long-term memory - Correct Answer the relatively permanent and limitless storehouse of the
memory system; includes knowledge, skills, and experiences
working memory - Correct Answer a newer understanding of short-term memory that focuses on
conscious, active processing of incoming auditory and visual-spatial information, and of information
retrieved from long-term memory
parallel processing - Correct Answer the processing of many aspects of a problem simultaneously;
the brain's natural mode of information processing for many functions. Contrasts with the step-by-
step (serial) processing of most computers and of conscious problem solving.
automatic processing - Correct Answer unconscious encoding of incidental information, such as
space time, and frequency, and of well-learned information, such as word meanings.
effortful processing - Correct Answer encoding that requires attention and conscious effort.
, rehearsal - Correct Answer the conscious repetition of information, either to maintain it in
consciousness or to encode it for storage.
spacing effect - Correct Answer the tendency for distributed study of practice to yield better long-
term retention that is achieved through massed study or practice.
serial position effect - Correct Answer our tendency to recall best the last and first items in a list.
visual encoding - Correct Answer the encoding of picture images
acoustic encoding - Correct Answer the encoding of sound, especially the sound of words
semantic encoding - Correct Answer the encoding of meaning, including the meaning of words
imagery - Correct Answer mental pictures; a powerful aid to effortful processing, especially when
combined with semantic encoding
menemonics - Correct Answer memory aids, especially those techniques that use vivid imagery and
organizational devices
chunking - Correct Answer organizing items into familiar, manageable units; often occurs
automatically
iconic memory - Correct Answer a momentary sensory memory of visual stimuli; a photographic or
picture-image memory lasting no more than a few tenths of a second
echoic memory - Correct Answer a momentary sensory memory of auditory stimuli; if attention is
elsewhere, sounds and words can still be recalled within 3 or 4 seconds
long-term potentiation - Correct Answer an increase in a synapse's firing potential after brief, rapid
stimulation. Believed to be a neural basis for learning and memory.
flashbulb memory - Correct Answer a clear memory of an emotionally significant moment or event
Complete Solutions
memory - Correct Answer the persistence of learning over time through the storage and retrieval of
information
encoding - Correct Answer the processing of information into the memory system
storage - Correct Answer the retention of encoded information over time
retrieval - Correct Answer the process of getting information out of memory storage
sensory memory - Correct Answer the immediate, very brief recording of sensory information in the
memory system
short-term memory - Correct Answer activated memory that holds a few items briefly before the
information is stored or forgotten
long-term memory - Correct Answer the relatively permanent and limitless storehouse of the
memory system; includes knowledge, skills, and experiences
working memory - Correct Answer a newer understanding of short-term memory that focuses on
conscious, active processing of incoming auditory and visual-spatial information, and of information
retrieved from long-term memory
parallel processing - Correct Answer the processing of many aspects of a problem simultaneously;
the brain's natural mode of information processing for many functions. Contrasts with the step-by-
step (serial) processing of most computers and of conscious problem solving.
automatic processing - Correct Answer unconscious encoding of incidental information, such as
space time, and frequency, and of well-learned information, such as word meanings.
effortful processing - Correct Answer encoding that requires attention and conscious effort.
, rehearsal - Correct Answer the conscious repetition of information, either to maintain it in
consciousness or to encode it for storage.
spacing effect - Correct Answer the tendency for distributed study of practice to yield better long-
term retention that is achieved through massed study or practice.
serial position effect - Correct Answer our tendency to recall best the last and first items in a list.
visual encoding - Correct Answer the encoding of picture images
acoustic encoding - Correct Answer the encoding of sound, especially the sound of words
semantic encoding - Correct Answer the encoding of meaning, including the meaning of words
imagery - Correct Answer mental pictures; a powerful aid to effortful processing, especially when
combined with semantic encoding
menemonics - Correct Answer memory aids, especially those techniques that use vivid imagery and
organizational devices
chunking - Correct Answer organizing items into familiar, manageable units; often occurs
automatically
iconic memory - Correct Answer a momentary sensory memory of visual stimuli; a photographic or
picture-image memory lasting no more than a few tenths of a second
echoic memory - Correct Answer a momentary sensory memory of auditory stimuli; if attention is
elsewhere, sounds and words can still be recalled within 3 or 4 seconds
long-term potentiation - Correct Answer an increase in a synapse's firing potential after brief, rapid
stimulation. Believed to be a neural basis for learning and memory.
flashbulb memory - Correct Answer a clear memory of an emotionally significant moment or event
