Cog Processing
Name the key components/ideas of the Multi-store memory model
Explains memory as information flowing linearly through three distinct stores: sensory memory, short-term memory (STM), and long-term memory (LTM).
Each store differs in encoding (how info is processed), capacity (how much it holds), and duration (how long it lasts).
What does it mean that our memories are reconstructive?
we don't store exact recordings of events but rebuild them each time we recall, using fragments, schemas, expectations, and post-event info—which often distorts accuracy
What role does the amygdala play in memory formation?
The amygdala enhances memory encoding for emotionally arousing events by boosting consolidation through (prioritizing significant experiences over neutral ones).
What does the Dual Processing Theory posit?
Posits that humans have two distinct thinking systems: System 1 (fast, automatic, intuitive, emotional—heuristic-driven) and System 2 (slow, deliberate, logical, effortful—analytical).
Name the key components of the Working memory model
Central Executive (CE) (The boss-controls the system and assigns where information goes)
Phonological Loop (PL): Handles auditory/verbal info: (2 parts)
Visuospatial Sketchpad (VSS): Manages visual/spatial info
Episodic Buffer (EB): links the 2 slave systems. Combines information together to create LTM
is the tendency to seek, interpret, and remember information that confirms your existing beliefs while ignoring or dismissing contradictory evidence. And which study supports this?
Confirmation bias.
Wason (1960) (2-4-6 rule)
What study supports the idea that memory is reconstructive? Give 3 points about the findings.
Answers may vary.
Bartlett's (1932) "War of the Ghosts" experiment demonstrated that memory is reconstructive.
-participants exposed to an unfamiliar Native American folktale (about ghostly warriors) systematically distorted recall to fit their British cultural schemas. (Canoe=boat)
-story was drastically shortened
-story arch was changed to fit a more Western story arch (exposition, rising action, climax, etc)
HL extension.
Tech and cognition can have benefits and drawbacks. Give a theory/idea that discusses the limitations of technology on cognition.
Answers may vary.
The Google Effect
Limits downtime (our creative time)
Multitasking seems to slow working memory performance
What are schema?
Schemas are mental frameworks or "packages" of organized knowledge that help us interpret, predict, and make sense of new information based on past experiences.
An unreliability of memory where our brain creates false memories of events that never actually happened.
Confabulation
Explain Flashbulb Memory theory and who developed it.
developed by Brown and Kulik (1977), proposes that shocking, emotionally arousing events create unusually vivid, detailed memories of the personal circumstances when first hearing the news—not the event itself.
Describe the contribution of one research method used in the cognitive approach. Give one example.
Answers may vary.
Laboratory experiments contributed to cognitive psychology by providing high control to establish cause-and-effect relationships in memory processes. Ex: Loftus and Palmer
Evaluate Schema theory. Give one strength of the theory and one limitation
answers may vary:
Limitation: We don't know how schemas are acquired.
Schema cannot be observed- theoretical
Strength: Supports biological research that states memories are not localized in the brain.
Seems to explain real-world distortions of memory.
What is anchoring bias? Who studied it?
Anchoring bias is a cognitive shortcut where people rely too heavily on the first piece of information (the "anchor") they receive when making decisions, even if it's irrelevant, skewing all subsequent judgments.
Tversky & Kahneman (1974)
Who challenged the Flashbulb memory theory?
Neisser and Harsch
Give one ethical consideration when studying memory. Give a study to support.
Answers may vary.
Informed consent and deception—participants must be fully briefed on study purpose/methods beforehand, but memory studies often use deception (misinformation) which requires careful post-study debriefing. ex: Milner (HM).
Evaluate the MSM model. Give one strength and one limitation.
Answers may vary.
Strength: consistent lab evidence distinguishes the "stores" (STM from LTM)
Limitations: MSM oversimplifies STM as a single unitary store. WMM updates this limitation.
What are heuristics and who developed this concept?
Heuristics are mental shortcuts or "rules of thumb" that simplify decision-making and problem-solving under uncertainty. Developed by Tversky and Kahneman (1974) (they save cognitive effort but often lead to biases).
Evaluate the Flashbulb Memory Theory. Give 1 strength and 1 limitation to the theory.
Limitation: Brown and Kulik's research is problematic because it is impossible to verify the accuracy of the participants' memories.
-Seem to be cultural differences in formation of FBM which implies it isn't a biological mechanism.
Strength: Test re-test reliability. Consistent anecdotal and survey evidence—people worldwide vividly recall personal circumstances
-fMRI studies (e.g., Cahill et al., 1996) show heightened amygdala-hippocampus activation during emotional events correlates with superior detail encoding
Discuss one ethical consideration in the study of flashbulb memories.
Answers may vary.
Psychological harm from distress caused by recalling traumatic events when studying flashbulb memories.
Ex: Brown & Kulik (1977)