Short term memory - Helpful
Serial Position Curve - Hindrance
Forgetting Curve - Hindrance
Proactive interference - Hindrance
Parallel distributed processing - Helpful
Semantic versus visual encoding - Helpful
Context dependence memory - Helpful
Explanation:
Short Term Memory Capacity.
Short-term memory is the ability to retain information for a short duration of time. In this concept, information entering the brain can be quickly forgotten if it is not stored further in the short-term memory. Information first goes into the brain through the short term memory and when the information id rehearsed, it is then stored further, increasing the strength of the memory.
Kate and her classmates therefore, require good short memory capacity, to facilitate storage and processing of the information they intend taking in for the psychology test.
Serial Position Curve.
This is the ability of a person to recall the first and last portions of information taken in. These can be explained by the 'primacy effect' and 'recency effect'. This concept, could be a hindrance to passing a test as a large portion of information gets forgotten quickly and cannot be further stored for processing, unless a level of dedication to rehearsal of the whole information to be stored is maintained till the information is properly stored.
Forgetting Curve.
The forgetting curve indicates the decreasing ability for the brain to retain information over time. Factors such as how relaxed or rested a person is while studying as well as stress surrounding the initial learning process affect the progression of this curve. This curve shows the importance of creating a conducive environment and alertness during the learning process as well as constant rehearsal of information for further storage and processing. Therefore, the forgetting curve could show a hindrance in their success on the test especially if conditions for proper assimilation are totally absent.
Proactive  Interference
Proactive Interference is when information already memorized is mixed up such that, the earlier part of the information is what is coming back to remembrance when trying to remember the latter part of the information. This concept indicates that, proper revision of information and proper separation of the information to be taken in as one studies is important for Kate and her classmates, to avoid mixing up information, thereby losing it faster.
Parallel Distributed Processing Model
Parallel processing allows multiple operations to be completed at once. Neural networks fire together, which causes an increase in the interactions between the neurons firing together, strengthening the memory stored. This concept is very positive for Kate and her classmates as this pattern in the brain works at building stronger memories.
Semantic versus Visual Encoding
Visual encoding is the process of storing visual information such as images, shapes etc. Semantic encoding on the other hand is the process of encoding information that actually has a meaning in a certain context.
Visual encoding helps Kate and her classmates, largely by being a trigger to other information that could surround that visual information stored. Semantic encoding, on the other hand is very helpful as well as information that has been processed with a meaning in its own context is stored, strengthening the memory stored, increasing performance.
Context Dependent Memory
This concept refers to improved recall of specific information when the context present at encoding and retrieving the memory are the same. This is very helpful to Kate and her classmates in succeeding at the test as context, increases the strength of a memory, as the memory has a scenario it is connected to and remembering the scenario, increases the chances of retrieving the information needed.
