AP Psychology Flashcards: Introduction to Memory
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 21 cards to help you master important concepts.
What is the function of the central executive in the working memory model?
The central executive is the managerial component that allocates attention and coordinates the phonological loop and visuospatial sketchpad.
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What is the function of the central executive in the working memory model?
The central executive is the managerial component that allocates attention and coordinates the phonological loop and visuospatial sketchpad.
What are the two types of explicit memory mentioned in the text?
The two types of explicit memory mentioned are episodic memory (personal events) and semantic memory (general knowledge).
What is prospective memory?
Prospective memory is the memory for future actions, such as remembering to take medication or attend an appointment.
Explaining the rules of chess uses ______ memory, while the intuitive skill of playing a good game uses ______ memory.
Explaining the rules uses explicit memory, while the intuitive skill of playing uses implicit (procedural) memory.
What is semantic encoding?
Semantic encoding is the deepest level of processing, focusing on the meaning of the information or word.
What is the function of the visuospatial sketchpad?
The visuospatial sketchpad is a component of working memory that processes and temporarily stores visual and spatial information.
In the working memory model, which component interacts with long-term memory?
The central executive, phonological loop, and visuospatial sketchpad all interact with long-term memory.
How do memories differ from one another?
Memories differ based on how they are processed, stored, and retrieved by the brain.
Define long-term potentiation (LTP).
Long-term potentiation is the strengthening of synaptic connections that occurs when they are frequently activated.
What is phonemic encoding?
Phonemic encoding is an intermediate level of processing that emphasizes what a word sounds like.
What are the components of the working memory model?
The working memory model includes the central executive, the phonological loop, and the visuospatial sketchpad.
What is the core idea of the levels of processing model?
The levels of processing model proposes that how deeply memory is encoded determines how well it is remembered.
What is the function of the phonological loop?
The phonological loop is a component of working memory that processes and temporarily stores auditory and verbal information.
What is structural encoding?
Structural encoding is the shallowest level of processing, focusing on the physical structure or appearance of a stimulus.
What is considered a biological basis for memory?
Long-term potentiation (LTP), the strengthening of synaptic connections, is a biological basis for memory.
What are the three proposed systems of the multi-store model of memory?
The multi-store model proposes three memory systems: sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory.
What is the main proposal of the multi-store model?
The multi-store model proposes that memory is not a single entity but consists of three distinct storage systems.
What is implicit memory?
Implicit memory is a type of memory that is challenging to describe to others, such as skills learned through practice.
What are the three levels of encoding in the levels of processing model?
The three levels of encoding are structural (shallow), phonemic (intermediate), and semantic (deep).
What is explicit memory?
Explicit memory is a type of memory that can be easily described to others, such as facts and personal events.
What is an example of implicit memory?
Procedural memory, which involves knowing how to perform tasks like riding a bike, is an example of implicit memory.