Test: Psychology and Sociology - 9 - MCAT MCQ

Encoding is the process of converting sensory information into a form that can be stored and later retrieved from memory. It involves transforming the incoming information into a meaningful memory representation.

Short-term memory, also known as primary or immediate memory, is responsible for holding a limited amount of information for a short duration before it is either forgotten or transferred to long-term memory.

Encoding failure occurs when information is not adequately encoded into long-term memory, resulting in the inability to retrieve the information later on.

Working memory refers to the cognitive system responsible for temporarily holding and manipulating information in real-time. It involves the active processing and manipulation of information, such as problem-solving or mental arithmetic.

The levels-of-processing theory suggests that the depth of processing at which information is encoded into memory influences its subsequent retrieval. Semantic processing, which involves the meaningful analysis and elaboration of information, leads to deeper levels of encoding compared to structural or phonological processing.

The capacity of short-term memory is often estimated to be around 7 ± 2 items. This means that most people can hold approximately 7 items (chunks of information) in their short-term memory at a given time.

The hippocampus is a brain structure involved in the consolidation of long-term declarative memories, particularly episodic and spatial memories. It plays a crucial role in transferring information from short-term memory to long-term memory.

Procedural memory, which involves the acquisition and retention of motor skills and habits, is generally less susceptible to the effects of brain damage or amnesia. It is often preserved even when other types of memory, such as episodic or semantic memory, are impaired.

The serial position effect refers to the tendency for individuals to recall items presented at the beginning (primacy effect) and end (recency effect) of a list more accurately than items presented in the middle. The primacy effect is believed to occur because the items at the beginning have had more opportunities for rehearsal and encoding into long-term memory.

Retrograde amnesia is characterized by the inability to retrieve memories from the period before a traumatic event or brain injury. It affects memories that were formed prior to the event, while leaving the ability to form new memories intact.

The method of loci is a mnemonic device that involves associating items to be remembered with specific locations or places. It leverages spatial memory to enhance recall by mentally "placing" items along a familiar route or in well-known locations.

Implicit memory refers to the influence of past experiences on current behavior, often without conscious awareness or effort. It is demonstrated through improved performance or behavior without explicit recall of the previous experience.

Context-dependent memory refers to the phenomenon where retrieval of information is enhanced when the individual is in the same context or environment in which the information was initially learned or encoded.

The tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon occurs when a person is unable to recall a specific word or piece of information from memory, despite knowing that it is stored in their memory. It is a type of retrieval failure where the information cannot be immediately retrieved or accessed.

Moderate levels of stress have been found to enhance memory performance by increasing attention and arousal, leading to improved encoding and consolidation of information. However, high levels of stress can impair memory function by negatively affecting attention, concentration, and retrieval processes.