408 • GlossaryStructural features (modal model) Stages in the modal model of memory. These stages are
sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory. (5)
Structural features (problems) The underlying principle of a problem. For example, in the
radiation problem, needing high intensity to fix something surrounded by material that
could be damaged by high intensity. Contrast with Surface features. (12)
Structuralism An approach to psychology that explained perception as the adding up of small
elementary units called sensations. (1, 3)
Subgoals In the means-end analysis approach to problem solving, intermediate states that
move the process of solution closer to the goal. (12)
Subtraction technique The technique used in brain imaging in which baseline activity is
subtracted from the activity generated by a specific task. The result is the activity due
only to the task that is being studied. (2)
Surface features Specific elements that make up a problem. For example, in the radiation
problem, the rays and the tumor are surface features. Contrast with Structural
features. (12)
Syllogism A series of three statements: two premises followed by a conclusion. The conclusion
can follow from the premises based on the rules of logic. See also Categorical syllogism;
Conditional syllogism. (13)
Synapse Space between the end of an axon and the cell body or dendrite of the next
axon. (2)
Synaptic consolidation A process of consolidation that involves structural changes at
synapses that happen rapidly, over a period of minutes. See also Consolidation; Systems
consolidation. (7)
Syntactic priming Hearing a statement with a particular syntactic construction
increases the chances that a statement that follows will be produced with the same
construction. (11)
Syntax The rules for combining words into sentences. Distinguished from Semantics. (11)
Syntax-first approach to parsing The approach to parsing that emphasizes the role of syntax.
See also Interactionist approach to parsing. (11)
Systems consolidation A consolidation process that involves the gradual reorganization of
circuits within brain regions and takes place on a long time scale, lasting weeks, months, or
even years. See also Consolidation; Synaptic consolidation. (7)Tacit knowledge explanation An explanation proposed to account for the results of some
imagery experiments that states that participants unconsciously use knowledge about the
world in making their judgments. This explanation has been used as one of the arguments
against describing imagery as a depictive or spatial representation. (10)
Target problem A problem to be solved. In analogical problem solving, solution of this
problem can become easier when the problem-solver is exposed to an analogous source
problem or story. See also Source problem. (12)
Temporal lobe The lobe on the side of the brain that contains mechanisms responsible for
language, memory, hearing, and vision. (2)
Temporary ambiguity A situation in which the meaning of a sentence, based on its initial
words, is ambiguous because a number of meanings are possible, depending on how the
sentence unfolds. “Cast iron sinks quickly rust” is an example of a sentence that creates
temporary ambiguity. (11)
Testing effect Enhanced performance on a memory test caused by being tested on the material
to be remembered. (7)
Think-aloud protocol A procedure in which participants are asked to say out loud what
they are thinking while doing a problem. This procedure is used to help determine people’s
thought processes as they are solving a problem. (12)
Top-down processing Processing that involves a person’s knowledge or expectations. This
type of processing has also been called knowledge-based processing. (3)
Tower of Hanoi problem A problem involving moving discs from one set of pegs to another.
It has been used to illustrate the process involved in means-end analysis. (12)
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) A procedure in which magnetic pulses are applied
to the skull in order to temporarily disrupt the functioning of part of the brain. (10)33559_14_glossary_p391-410.indd 40833559_14_glossary_p391-410.indd 408 13/04/10 5:47 PM13/04/10 5:47 PM
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