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280 GLOSSARYKey word method: A method of associating new words to ideas with similar-
sounding cue words through the use of visual imagery.
Learning strategies: Techniques or methods that students use to acquire
information.
Long-term memory (LTM): The part of the information processing system
that holds information for long periods.
Maintenance rehearsal: A strategy to keep information activated in the work -
ing memory by repeating the information mentally.
Massed practice: Practice that is grouped into extended periods.
Mastery goal: Learning as much as possible for the purpose of self-
improvement, irrespective of the performance of others.
Matrices: An organization that displays the comparative relations existing
within topics and across topics.
Meaningful learning: A process of learning whereby the student attempts to
make sense of the material so it will be stored in the long-term memory and
retrieved when needed.
Mirror question: A question that reflects the information in notes.
Mnemonic: A memory technique that makes the task of remembering easier.
Organizational strategies: Learning strategies that impose structure on mate -
rial via hierarchical or other relationships among the material’s parts.
Performance goal: An orientation toward learning in which outperforming
others is a major concern.
Rational emotive therapy: A process of dealing with irrational ideas and
beliefs and replacing them with realistic statements.
Rehearsal strategies: The process of repeating information over and over in
working memory to retain it.
Retrieval: The process of remembering or finding previously stored infor -
mation in the long-term memory.
Rote learning: A process of learning whereby the student learns through rep -
etition without trying to make any sense of the material.
Self-efficacy: The belief that one can successfully complete a specific task.
Self-talk: The inner speech we use to make evaluative statements about our
behavior.
Self-worth: The need for students to maintain a positive image of their ability.
Sequences: An organization that shows the order of steps, events, stages, or
phases.
Short-term memory (STM): The part of the information processing system
that briefly stores information from the senses.
SMART goals: An acronym identifying the criteria for setting goals—specific,
measurable, action-oriented, realistic, and timely.
Stereotype threat: The fear of doing something that would inadvertently con -
firm a stereotype. An example is an older person who takes an exam after
being told that elderly individuals forget much of what they learn.