GRE Subject Test: Psychology : Memory

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Subject Test: Psychology

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Long Term Memory

Long term memory can be divided into two categories, commonly referred to as which of the following?

Possible Answers:

Episodic and procedural memory

Declarative and non-declarative memory

Deep and shallow processing

Priming and explicit memory

Semantic and episodic memory

Correct answer:

Declarative and non-declarative memory

Explanation:

Declarative and non-declarative, or implicit and explicit memory, are the two different categories of long term memory; they both are responsible for different types of memory encoding/retrieval, and their neural actions and reactions take place in different parts of the brain.

Example Question #1 : Types Of Memory

A student is cramming for a final examination, and decides to use a cue in the form of a nursery rhyme to remember a particularly hard formula. On the morning of the examination, the student is so nervous that she forgets the nursery rhyme. She cannot correctly answer the questions related to the formula. This scenario is an example of which of the following errors in memory?

Possible Answers:

Encoding error

Procedural error

Declarative error

Storage error

Recall error

Correct answer:

Recall error

Explanation:

A retrieval error—in this case, a feature cue error—in memory is any error, which results from a failure to correctly recall information that was successfully stored in long-term memory. If a cue fails to produce a strong enough association with a word or an interfering event prevents complete remembering of a prior event, then a retrieval error is said to have occurred.

Example Question #1 : Types Of Memory

What is another term for short-term memory that is associated with the storage of small amounts of data without manipulation?

Possible Answers:

Primary memory

Prospective memory

Sensory memory

Working memory

Remote memory

Correct answer:

Primary memory

Explanation:

“Primary memory” is another word for short-term memory. It can hold information for up to 30 seconds without manipulation. On the other hand, “working memory” is a form of short-term memory that involves manipulation of information. “Sensory memory” transmits visual or auditory messages into data that can be stored, and lasts a few seconds. “Remote memory” is a form of long-term memory that lasts two years or more. Last, “prospective memory” is memory associated with future events. 

Example Question #3 : Memory

Which of the following examples best illustrates episodic memory? 

Possible Answers:

Your little sister spewing off her numbers in Mandarin

Your best friend knowing that Christopher Columbus sailed in 1492

A classmate understanding a conversation in Creole

Your little brother reciting the alphabet

Remembering that you got a bike for your 12th birthday. 

Correct answer:

Remembering that you got a bike for your 12th birthday. 

Explanation:

Episodic memory is the conscious memory that deals with remembering personal life events. The only choice that could be described as a personal life event is "remembering that you got a bike for your 12th birthday."

Example Question #4 : Memory

Alexus is really into the book she’s reading when Carl asks her a question. She stops reading and asks, “what did you say?” As soon as she asks this question she realizes that she can recall Carl's exact words. Which of the following is the reason for her ability to play these words back in her mind?

Possible Answers:

Semantic memory

Echoic memory

Iconic memory

Short-term memory

Sensory memory

Correct answer:

Echoic memory

Explanation:

"Echoic memory" is a component of sensory memory that retains auditory information for a limited amount of time. It is like a holding tank that keeps the sound unprocessed until it is heard again. At this time, the sound is turned into something meaningful. 

Example Question #2 : Types Of Memory

Mnemonic devices such as chunking, method of loci, and other memory aids help increase retention during which of the following memory stages? 

Possible Answers:

Short term memory

Working memory

Long term memory

Both working memory and long term memory

Both working memory and short term memory

Correct answer:

Both working memory and short term memory

Explanation:

Both working and short term types of memory benefit from mnemonic devices, since mnemonic devices are specific aids to help the brain encode information from elementary forms of memory into long term memory. Memory aids are designed to strengthen working and short term memory in an effort to increase long term memory at a later stage.  

Example Question #1 : Memory Systems & Processes

Sarah and Anton are having trouble remembering the name of a particular street. Sarah says that she thinks the street is named after a type of fruit. Then Anton suddenly remembers: "Peach Street." This is an example of which of the following psychological phenomena?

Possible Answers:

Recognition

Cued recall

The "hint" effect

Episodic memory

Correct answer:

Cued recall

Explanation:

In cued recall, a person's retrieval of information is facilitated by the use of cues. This concept can be used effectively when studying for an exam. It can aid in the encoding and recall of information. The more cues, then the easier it is to effectively recall information.

Example Question #2 : Memory Systems & Processes

Most people can remember exactly what they were doing when they observed an emotionally charged event such as the assassination of President Kennedy, the bombing of Pearl Harbor, or the demolition of the Berlin Wall. Which of the following best identifies this type of memory?

Possible Answers:

Flashbulb memory

Echoic memory

Engrams

Explicit memory

Implicit memory

Correct answer:

Flashbulb memory

Explanation:

"Flashbulb memories" are memories that are closely associated with events in a person's life that posses stronger emotional meanings such as emotionally charged events.

Example Question #312 : Gre Subject Test: Psychology

Which of the following properly identifies the three different factors that can affect—positively or negatively—memories as they move from short term to long term?

Possible Answers:

Capacity, interest, and timing

Depth, opinion, and interference

Interference, speed, and capacity 

Interest, interference, and depth

Color, sound, and volume

Correct answer:

Interference, speed, and capacity 

Explanation:

Interference, speed, and capacity have all been found to specifically limit or enhance encoding, retrieval, and storage failures while memories are processed. Sterling found that only 9 units, +/- 2, can be retained in short term memory: capacity. Other researchers have similarly found that interference can interrupt appropriate encoding, leading to encoding failures, while too fast or too slow speeds can affect primacy and/or recency effects. 

Example Question #1 : Memory

Most people can remember exactly what they were doing when they observed an emotionally charged event such as the assassination of President Kennedy, the bombing of Pearl Harbor, or the demolition of the Berlin Wall. Which of the following best identifies this type of memory?

Possible Answers:

Flashbulb memory

Explicit memory

Implicit memory

Echoic memory

Engrams

Correct answer:

Flashbulb memory

Explanation:

"Flashbulb memories" are memories that are closely associated with events in a person's life that posses stronger emotional meanings such as emotionally charged events.

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