Exam 1 Cog Psych Questions

Suppose a group of researchers finds that exposing participants to the color red before a memorization tasks leads to a small, but statistically significant, increase in recall. Which of the following replications would indicate the most robust significance of this finding? The original team repeats the experiment and finds that the increased recall from color exposure is larger than initially measured. A different team at the same institution alters the experiment to test the color red on task accuracy and does not find a correlation. A different team alters the experiment to test exposure to the color yellow and finds a small, but statistically significant, decrease in recall. An independent team of scientists repeats the experiment and also finds a small, but statistically significant, increase in recall.

A different team alters the experiment to test exposure to the color yellow and finds a small, but statistically significant, decrease in recall.

What is the utility of a process model of cognition over a verbal description?

A process model of cognition proposes a testable theory, beyond being merely descriptive

How does the existence of the word frequency effect inform our understanding of the underlying cognitive process? Exposure to common words facilitates faster execution of affirmative responses. Exposure to common words makes it easier to render decisions about their validity. Exposure to common words speeds up the search stage of identification. Exposure to common words enhances our ability to encode them into sensory memory.

Exposure to common words speeds up the search stage of identification.

Conceptually driven processing occurs when perceptual apparatuses piece together patterns from large bodies of data. associations form between separate pieces of information in long-term memory. prior knowledge influences the operation of a simple mental process. several different and unrelated cognitive processes occur in tandem.

prior knowledge influences the operation of a simple mental process.

Under the Pandemonium model of pattern recognition, parallel processing is embodied by the accurate identification of feature relations by decision demons. the simultaneous shouting of cognitive demons. the physiological structures in the brain that override computational demons. the encoding of the visual patterns by image demons.

the simultaneous shouting of cognitive demons.

Imaging techniques such as CT and MRI scans would be most useful when comparing abnormal neural conditions to normal populations. determining how sensory inputs affect brain wave patterns. trying to identify the location of a brain tumor. investigating which areas of the brain are associated with particular kinds of thought.

trying to identify the location of a brain tumor

Which of the following examples would most likely be a function of the neocortex rather than the subcortex? Imagining what the rest of a partially occluded object looks like Walking a complicated route from home to school without conscious thought Smelling a particular perfume that triggers a strong childhood memory Keeping track of the statements made by several different people in a conversation

Imagining what the rest of a partially occluded object looks like

Which of the following most likely demonstrates parallel processing in human cognition? A bike messenger listens to music on headphones and navigates traffic. A surgeon excises a tumor from a patient while monitoring vital signs. A real-time interpreter listens to a speech and translates it into sign language. A student checks his/her smart phone frequently during a study session.

A real-time interpreter listens to a speech and translates it into sign language.

Under signal detection theory, how can hit rates be misleading? A subject can have a strong bias toward positive responses. Hit rates do not discriminate between false alarms and correct reports. All four response types are required to fully understand response thresholds. The rate of correct rejection from a subject is often more accurate.

A subject can have a strong bias toward positive responses.

Which of the following examples best illustrates the recognition by components theory? A subject sees a row of rectangular prisms and identifies it as a piano keyboard. A subject sees a partially erased word and fills in the missing letters. A subject sees a circle on a piece of paper and decides it is a rubber ball. A subject sees an animal in an aquarium and recognizes a jellyfish.

A subject sees a row of rectangular prisms and identifies it as a piano keyboard.

A sufferer of brain injury is able to recognize the faces of his family members, but cannot state their names. Which of the following cognitive disruptions does this most likely represent? Anomia Association Double dissociation Dissociation

Anomia

How do connectionist models of cognition alter previous comparisons of the brain's function to the operation of a computer? Connectionist models have disproportionately weighted information nodes instead of an even distribution. Connectionist models incorporate biological methods of communication instead of electrical transmission. Connectionist models posit that desired output affects the nature of how information is processed. Connectionist models rely on parallel processing rather than linear processing.

Connectionist models rely on parallel processing rather than linear processing.

How is consolidation differentiated from neurogenesis? Consolidation weeds out redundant neural connections, while neurogenesis multiplies the strength of existing connections. Consolidation solidifies memories over time, while neurogenesis involves creation of new neurons with learning processes. Consolidation enhances the function of conscious neural processes, while neurogenesis enhances unconscious processes. Consolidation strengthens the electrical connection between, while neurogenesis speeds up chemical communication.

Consolidation solidifies memories over time, while neurogenesis involves creation of new neurons with learning processes.

How do studies of detection differ from studies of discrimination? Detection studies determine what sensory data can be detected, while discrimination studies calculate how much change is required to detect a difference. Detection studies determine what information is outside a person's awareness, while discrimination studies differentiate between types of physical sensations. Detection studies determine how the brain processes physical stimuli, while discrimination studies postulate how the brain translates perception into meaning. Detection studies determine how visual processing operates, while discrimination studies measure the changes in stimulus levels that meet a sensory threshold.

Detection studies determine what sensory data can be detected, while discrimination studies calculate how much change is required to detect a difference.

Which of the following questions would likely take the longest to process? Does a dog have skin? Does a snake have a tongue? Does a snail have a shell? Does a crow have a beak?

Does a dog have skin?

Which of the following statements best describes the lateralization between brain hemispheres? Each hemisphere of the brain tends to specialize in certain functions in most of the human population. Most functions associated in with the left hemisphere of the brain are actually mirrored in the right hemisphere and vice versa. Contrary to popular belief, the functions of the different halves of the brain are often shared and fluid. The hemispheres of the brain are biologically segregated to perform different tasks in all known cases.

Each hemisphere of the brain tends to specialize in certain functions in most of the human population.

How do electrical neural processes differ from chemical neural processes? Electrical processes move a signal within a neuron, while chemical processes exchange information between neurons. Electrical processes send information from one side of a neuron to the other, while chemical processes distribute energy molecules. Electrical processes distribute signals through a neural network, while chemical processes distribute signals within an individual neuron. Electrical processes pass along signals that tell neurons to fire, while chemical processes pass long signals telling neurons not to fire.

Electrical processes move a signal within a neuron, while chemical processes exchange information between neurons.

How does episodic memory differ from semantic memory? Episodic memory is for visual information, while semantic memory is for auditory and other forms of sensory information. Episodic memory is for short-term and sensory information, while semantic memory is for long-term information. Episodic memory is for the function and position of objects, while semantic memory is for the names of those objects. Episodic memory is for personal experience, while semantic memory is for general information.

Episodic memory is for personal experience, while semantic memory is for general information.

Which of the following neurotransmitters inhibits the communication between neurons? GABA Glutamate Norepinephrine Acetylcholine

GABA

How did John P. Watson reshape the early study of psychology? He introduced the study of gestalt principles of perception and problem-solving. He combined the tenets of structuralism and functionalism into a coherent theory of consciousness. He dismissed the investigation of internal mental processes as fundamentally unscientific. He invented the concept of a separation between long-term and short-term memory.

He dismissed the investigation of internal mental processes as fundamentally unscientific.

Which of the following best describes the function of the myelination of axons? It encourages axon terminals to re-uptake neurotransmitters that have not bonded to dendrites. It provides continuous insulation from electrical interference along the axon body. It allows for a greater degree of arborization among the dendrites at the end of the axon. It speeds signals to the body's extremities.

It speeds signals to the body's extremities.

Which of the following best describes the relationship between cognition and memory? Memory and cognition are the two primary activities involved in thinking. Memory handles the unconscious computations that undergird cognitive processes. Memory is one of the various mental processes that comprises cognition. Memory governs the act of information retrieval, while cognition processes that information.

Memory is one of the various mental processes that comprises cognition.

How does the process of sensation "compress" visual data from the environment? Outnumbered ganglions cannot pass on specific data from the many rod and cones cells. The optic nerve blocks most of the information collected by ganglion cells. While light rays hit both retinas, only one retina transmits the information. Bipolar cells discriminate which signals are passed along to rod and cone cells.

Outnumbered ganglions cannot pass on specific data from the many rod and cones cells.

Which of the following best describes Gestalt grouping principles? Perceptual processes that help resolve ambiguities in sensation Cognitive operations that help identify individual parts of whole objects Mental shortcuts that filter out extraneous environmental information Visual memory constructs that piece together separate fixations

Perceptual processes that help resolve ambiguities in sensation

Which of the following examples demonstrates influence from the early psychological thinking of William James? Researchers explore the topics of sensation, perception, and attention by recording their own experiences. Researchers try to map out a theoretical structure of the mind by examining sensations, images, and feelings. Researchers seek to delineate how the mind functions by observing how it adapts to new circumstances. Researchers catalog the differences in recall between lists of nonsense words and real words.

Researchers seek to delineate how the mind functions by observing how it adapts to new circumstances.

How did the advent of digital computers contribute to the revolution in cognitive psychology? The existence of channel capacity in computer systems led psychologists to recognize bandwidth limitations in perception. For the first time, researchers were able to use electricity to solve operations, just like the human brain does. Scientists realized that the operations of a computer might mimic those of human thought processes. The stronger computational abilities of digital computers allowed for advanced modeling of the human mind.

Scientists realized that the operations of a computer might mimic those of human thought processes.

How does perception differ from sensation? Sensation constitutes the physical input a person receives, while perception deals with how a person processes that information. Sensation expresses the meaning a person derives from a recognized pattern, while perception constructs that pattern. Sensation describes the raw data a person receives from objects, while perception controls how long that data is stored by the brain. Sensation applies to signals that pass a particular threshold, while perception discards information that does not pass that threshold.

Sensation constitutes the physical input a person receives, while perception deals with how a person processes that information.

Which of the following best describes the sensory-motor reflex arc? Sensory receptors fire signals to motor neurons, which then send the updated stimulus to the brain through the spinal cord. Sensory receptors send signals to the brain, which then either dismisses the information or routes the information to motor neurons. Sensory receptors send stimuli to the spinal cord, which splits the information between brain structures and motor neurons. Sensory receptors send stimuli to the brain, which then routes it to motor neurons through the central nervous system.

Sensory receptors send stimuli to the spinal cord, which splits the information between brain structures and motor neurons.

Which of the following best summarizes Noam Chomsky's critique of B.F. Skinner's understanding of verbal learning? Skinner assumed human language is a learned behavior when, in fact, it is achieved intuitively. Skinner extrapolated learning processes observed in animals that did not have linguistic capacities. Skinner failed to explain cognitive associations using linguistic experiments with reinforced responses. Skinner used the terminology of classical conditioning in an imprecise and nonscientific manner.

Skinner used the terminology of classical conditioning in an imprecise and nonscientific manner.

Which of the following describes focal attention? The direction toward limited important features recorded in iconic memory The continuous recording of visual information whenever the eyes are open The detection of information by sending waves into the environment The instantaneous recognition of objects by an activated viewer

The direction toward limited important features recorded in iconic memory

How did the development of verbal learning studies contribute to the birth of cognitive psychology? The discovery of influences of knowledge beyond simple co-occurrence associations between memorized words pointed to the existence of mental processes. Linguistic approaches to codebreaking in World War II led to a greater understanding of computational thought. Computer models of language acquisition provided an analogy for the operation of the human mind. The adaptation of classical conditioning techniques to language study broadened the understanding of consciousness.

The discovery of influences of knowledge beyond simple co-occurrence associations between memorized words pointed to the existence of mental processes.

If a participant with a severed corpus callosum were blindfolded and had a hairbrush placed in her left hand, which of the following responses would occur? The patient would be able to demonstrate how the hairbrush is used. The patient would not be able to detect that she is holding an object. The patient would not be able to identify the hairbrush or its function. The patient would be able to name the object she is holding.

The patient would be able to demonstrate how the hairbrush is used.

Mirror neurons demonstrate which of the following cortical specializations? They mimic the structure and function of various areas of the brain and provide "backup" processing when damage occurs. They represent a subtype of brain cell that is involved in planning and executing movements. They chain together a series of neurons and brain structures that determine where objects are located in space. They constitute subsections of the parietal and frontal lobes associated with the movement of particular body parts.

They represent a subtype of brain cell that is involved in planning and executing movements.

If a team of researchers wanted to test cognitive functions in a participant while disrupting the brain's electrical activity, which of the following techniques would be most appropriate? Functional MRI scans Transcranial magnetic stimulation Positron emission tomography Direct stimulation of the brain

Transcranial magnetic stimulation

How does bottom-up processing differ from top-down processing?

Unlike bottom-up processing, top-down processing influences pattern recognition.

The three mental activities required to demonstrate memory are encoding, recall, and retrieval. acquisition, retention, and retrieval. acquisition, encoding, and recall. learning, encoding, and retrieval.

acquisition, retention, and retrieval.

The principle of embodied perception holds that humans store perceived movements in motor neuron circuits separately from visual memory centers. encode visual patterns in a part of the brain that is accessible by other sense organs. can more easily identify objects when allowed to engage associated muscle movements. can more easily recognize environmental features that they have touched in other contexts.

can more easily identify objects when allowed to engage associated muscle movements.

A person suffering from apperceptive agnosia can recognize objects but cannot differentiate between brightness. can no longer recognize features of human faces. cannot detect simple features like shape and texture. cannot assemble visual information into patterns.

cannot assemble visual information into patterns.

Saccades are responsible for _______ and fixations are responsible for removing blur from visual memory; filtering out irrelevant stimuli. shifting attention between objects; combining separate visual impressions. receiving stimuli from the environment; interrupting rapid eye movement. changing the focal point of the eyes; encoding visual inform

changing the focal point of the eyes; encoding visual inform

For an entity to succeed in the world, her cognition must be oriented toward reconciling purely mental experience with the real world. effectively anticipating the outcomes of our actions. top-down processing rather than bottom-up processing. prioritizing explicit memory over implicit memory.

effectively anticipating the outcomes of our actions.

Echoic memory is similar to iconic memory in that both allow auditory stimuli to be perceptually processed before erosion. hold a sensory impression in temporary storage. consist of static information spanning less than a millisecond. have been questioned by several contemporary studies.

hold a sensory impression in temporary storage.

Connectionist models of pattern recognition use weights to explain how experience strengthens connections within a network. why errors can occur in the process of visual perception. how knowledge can disrupt the connections between neurons. why discrete network layers handle different perceptual tasks.

how experience strengthens connections within a network.