Theories of Memory: MCQ Test on Encoding, Storage and Retrieval
Test your knowledge of memory theories with this MCQ. Explore topics like the Atkinson-Shiffrin model, working memory, rehearsal techniques and memory retrieval.
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📋 Total Questions: 30
⏳ Time Limit: 30 minutes
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1. What does "encoding" refer to in the memory process?
Storing information in the brain
Retrieving stored information
The process of converting sensory input into a form that can be stored in memory
The act of forgetting information
2. Which of the following best describes "short-term memory"?
Information stored for an indefinite period of time
Information held briefly for processing and immediate use
Information stored without active processing
Information that is encoded into long-term memory
3. Which of the following is NOT a method of improving memory encoding?
Rehearsal
Chunking
Visualization
Forgetting
4. The "Levels of Processing" theory suggests that:
Memory retrieval is always automatic
Deeper levels of processing result in better memory retention
Memory is simply a passive storage process
Memory is influenced by the structure of sentences
5. What is the capacity of short-term memory according to Miller's "Magic Number"?
3 items
5-9 items
15-20 items
20-30 items
6. The "Multi-Store Model of Memory" was proposed by which psychologist?
Sigmund Freud
Carl Rogers
Richard Atkinson and Richard Shiffrin
Hermann Ebbinghaus
7. Which of the following is an example of "semantic encoding"?
Remembering a phone number by repeating it
Remembering the meaning of a word
Remembering a visual image
Remembering a song by listening to it
8. Which of the following best describes the "Working Memory" model?
A storage system that only stores visual images
A temporary storage system for information currently being processed
A method of transferring information into long-term memory
A theory that suggests information is encoded directly into long-term memory
9. "Maintenance rehearsal" is primarily used for:
Storing information in long-term memory
Transferring information from short-term to long-term memory
Keeping information in short-term memory
Understanding complex concepts
10. The "Serial Position Effect" refers to:
The tendency to remember the beginning and end of a list better than the middle
The tendency to recall only recent information
The tendency to forget the beginning and end of a list
The tendency to forget middle items in a list
11. "Elaborative rehearsal" involves:
Repeating information over and over
Creating meaningful associations with the information
Simply visualizing the information
Forgetting irrelevant details
12. "Implicit memory" refers to:
Memory of facts and events
Memory that does not require conscious recall
Memory of skills and procedures
Memory that can be verbally expressed
13. Which of the following is an example of "procedural memory"?
Remembering your first day of school
Remembering how to ride a bike
Remembering historical facts
Remembering a phone number
14. The "Encoding Specificity Principle" suggests that:
Memory retrieval is more effective when the context at encoding matches the context at retrieval
Memory is best retained when stored visually
Memory can only be retrieved with direct rehearsal
Memory is not affected by the environment
15. "The Brown-Peterson Task" is used to measure:
Long-term memory
The duration of short-term memory
The impact of emotional memory
The encoding process in memory
16. "Primacy effect" refers to:
The tendency to better recall the middle items of a list
The tendency to better recall the first items of a list
The tendency to better recall the last items of a list
The tendency to forget the first items of a list
17. "Retrieval failure" occurs when:
Information is never encoded properly
There is a lack of effective cues to retrieve stored information
Information is only stored in short-term memory
There is no rehearsal involved
18. The "Dual Coding Theory" suggests that:
Visual and verbal information are processed separately in the brain
Information is better remembered when encoded both visually and verbally
Only verbal information is stored in long-term memory
Only visual information is important in encoding
19. The "Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve" demonstrates that:
Information is typically forgotten at a consistent rate over time
Information is usually retained indefinitely without practice
Memory recall improves over time without rehearsal
Memory declines most rapidly right after learning
20. "Long-term potentiation" refers to:
The strengthening of synapses based on repeated stimulation
The process of retrieving memories
The process of transferring information from sensory to short-term memory
The process of forgetting irrelevant information
21. Which of the following is an example of "episodic memory"?
Recalling the capital of France
Remembering the first time you rode a bike
Remembering how to play an instrument
Recalling the alphabet
22. The process of encoding sensory input into a meaningful representation is known as:
Encoding specificity
Semantic encoding
Imagery encoding
Visual encoding
23. The "Central Executive" in the working memory model is responsible for:
Managing visual and auditory information
Storing information for later use
Overseeing cognitive processes such as attention and problem-solving
Acting as a passive storage system
24. The "Transfer-Appropriate Processing" theory suggests that:
Memory retrieval is most efficient when the type of encoding matches the type of retrieval
Memory retrieval is unaffected by the type of encoding
Encoding occurs automatically based on the context
Only verbal encoding leads to efficient memory retrieval
25. Which of the following is a limitation of the Multi-Store Model of Memory?
It overemphasizes the role of attention in memory
It does not account for the interaction between short-term and long-term memory
It suggests that all memory processes are unconscious
It does not explain how information is processed over time
26. The "dual-task interference" effect suggests that:
The brain can handle two tasks at once without any interference
Performing two tasks simultaneously can lead to cognitive overload
Performing two tasks can improve memory
Memory improves when the tasks are unrelated
27. "Proactive interference" refers to:
New information interfering with the recall of old information
Old information interfering with the recall of new information
Information becoming more easily retrievable over time
Forgetting irrelevant information automatically
28. The "Reconstructive Memory" theory suggests that:
Memories are like static snapshots of past events
Memories can be reconstructed and altered over time
Memory retrieval is always accurate and reliable
Memory is unaffected by external influences
29. The "Semantic Network Theory" suggests that:
Memories are stored as interconnected concepts in the brain
Memories are stored in isolated memory traces
Memory retrieval depends on the context in which it was learned
Memory retrieval is a passive process
30. "Retroactive interference" occurs when:
New learning disrupts the recall of previously learned information
New information is stored more efficiently in long-term memory
Information is retained in memory indefinitely without rehearsal
Old information makes it difficult to learn new information