AP Psychology Unit 5 tests ||latest
Update 2026-2027 | Graded A+
memory -ANSWER the persistence of learning over time through the storage and
retrieval of information.
encoding -ANSWER the processing of information into the memory system—for example,
by extracting meaning.
storage -ANSWER the retention of encoded information over time.
retrieval -ANSWER the process of getting information out of memory storage.
sensory memory -ANSWER the immediate, very brief recording of sensory information in
the memory system.
short-term memory -ANSWER activated memory that holds a few items briefly, such as
the seven digits of a phone number while dialing, before the information is stored or
forgotten.
long-term memory -ANSWER the relatively permanent and limitless storehouse of the
memory system. Includes knowledge, skills, and experiences.
working memory -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.
automatic processing -ANSWER unconscious encoding of incidental information, such as
space, time, and frequency, and of well-learned information, such as word meanings.
effortful processing -ANSWER encoding that requires attention and conscious effort.
rehearsal -ANSWER the conscious repetition of information, either to maintain it in
consciousness or to encode it for storage.
spacing effect -ANSWER the tendency for distributed study or practice to yield better
long-term retention than is achieved through massed study or practice.
serial position effect -ANSWER our tendency to recall best the last and first items in a list.
visual encoding -ANSWER the encoding of picture images.
acoustic encoding -ANSWER the encoding of sound, especially the sound of words.
, semantic encoding -ANSWER the encoding of meaning, including the meaning of words.
imagery -ANSWER mental pictures; a powerful aid to effortful processing, especially
when combined with semantic encoding.
mnemonics -ANSWER memory aids, especially those techniques that use vivid imagery
and organizational devices.
chunking -ANSWER organizing items into familiar, manageable units; often occurs
automatically.
iconic memory -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 -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 (LTP) -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 -ANSWER a clear memory of an emotionally significant moment or
event.
amnesia -ANSWER the loss of memory.
implicit memory -ANSWER retention independent of conscious recollection. (Also called
non-declarative or procedural memory.)
explicit memory -ANSWER memory of facts and experiences that one can consciously
know and "declare." (Also called declarative memory.)
hippocampus -ANSWER a neural center that is located in the limbic system; helps
process explicit memories for storage.
recall -ANSWER a measure of memory in which the person must retrieve information
learned earlier, as on a fill-in-the-blank test.
recognition -ANSWER a measure of memory in which the person need only identify items
previously learned, as on a multiple-choice test.
relearning -ANSWER a measure of memory that assesses the amount of time saved
when learning material for a second time.
priming -ANSWER the activation, often unconsciously, of certain associations, thus
predisposing one's perception, memory, or response.
Update 2026-2027 | Graded A+
memory -ANSWER the persistence of learning over time through the storage and
retrieval of information.
encoding -ANSWER the processing of information into the memory system—for example,
by extracting meaning.
storage -ANSWER the retention of encoded information over time.
retrieval -ANSWER the process of getting information out of memory storage.
sensory memory -ANSWER the immediate, very brief recording of sensory information in
the memory system.
short-term memory -ANSWER activated memory that holds a few items briefly, such as
the seven digits of a phone number while dialing, before the information is stored or
forgotten.
long-term memory -ANSWER the relatively permanent and limitless storehouse of the
memory system. Includes knowledge, skills, and experiences.
working memory -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.
automatic processing -ANSWER unconscious encoding of incidental information, such as
space, time, and frequency, and of well-learned information, such as word meanings.
effortful processing -ANSWER encoding that requires attention and conscious effort.
rehearsal -ANSWER the conscious repetition of information, either to maintain it in
consciousness or to encode it for storage.
spacing effect -ANSWER the tendency for distributed study or practice to yield better
long-term retention than is achieved through massed study or practice.
serial position effect -ANSWER our tendency to recall best the last and first items in a list.
visual encoding -ANSWER the encoding of picture images.
acoustic encoding -ANSWER the encoding of sound, especially the sound of words.
, semantic encoding -ANSWER the encoding of meaning, including the meaning of words.
imagery -ANSWER mental pictures; a powerful aid to effortful processing, especially
when combined with semantic encoding.
mnemonics -ANSWER memory aids, especially those techniques that use vivid imagery
and organizational devices.
chunking -ANSWER organizing items into familiar, manageable units; often occurs
automatically.
iconic memory -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 -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 (LTP) -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 -ANSWER a clear memory of an emotionally significant moment or
event.
amnesia -ANSWER the loss of memory.
implicit memory -ANSWER retention independent of conscious recollection. (Also called
non-declarative or procedural memory.)
explicit memory -ANSWER memory of facts and experiences that one can consciously
know and "declare." (Also called declarative memory.)
hippocampus -ANSWER a neural center that is located in the limbic system; helps
process explicit memories for storage.
recall -ANSWER a measure of memory in which the person must retrieve information
learned earlier, as on a fill-in-the-blank test.
recognition -ANSWER a measure of memory in which the person need only identify items
previously learned, as on a multiple-choice test.
relearning -ANSWER a measure of memory that assesses the amount of time saved
when learning material for a second time.
priming -ANSWER the activation, often unconsciously, of certain associations, thus
predisposing one's perception, memory, or response.
