CLEP Psychology

CLEP Psychology covers the fundamental concepts and theories of psychology, preparing students for the CLEP exam.

History and ApproachesResearch MethodsBiological Bases of Behavior
Sensation and PerceptionLearning and ConditioningMemory and Cognition
Applying Psychology to LearningPsychology in Everyday LifeMental Health Awareness
Effective Time ManagementPractice with Sample QuestionsMaster Key TermsUse Mnemonics and Memory AidsStay Calm and Focused
History and Approach...Research MethodsBiological Bases of ...Sensation and Percep...Learning and Conditi...Memory and CognitionApplying Psychology ...Psychology in Everyd...Mental Health Awaren...Effective Time Manag...Practice with Sample...Master Key TermsUse Mnemonics and Me...Stay Calm and Focuse...
Advanced Topics

Memory and Cognition

Remembering and Thinking

Memory is how we encode, store, and retrieve information. Cognition covers all mental activities related to knowing, thinking, and communicating.

Memory

  • Encoding: Getting information into memory.
  • Storage: Keeping information over time.
  • Retrieval: Pulling information out when needed.

Memory can be:

  • Sensory Memory: Very brief, just milliseconds.
  • Short-Term Memory: Lasts about 20 seconds.
  • Long-Term Memory: Lasts indefinitely.

Cognition

Involves processes like:

  • Problem-Solving
  • Decision Making
  • Language

Why It Matters

Understanding memory helps students study more effectively, and knowing about cognitive biases can improve decision-making.

Examples

  • Using flashcards to help remember vocabulary.

  • Making a shopping list to avoid forgetting items.

In a Nutshell

Memory lets us store and retrieve information; cognition involves all aspects of thinking.

Key Terms

Encoding
The process of converting information into a form that can be stored in memory.
Cognition
All mental activities involved in thinking, knowing, and remembering.
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Applying Psychology to Learning