Psych Practice Test #4

The cocktail party phenomenon refers to the ability of individuals to selectively attend to a specific conversation or stimulus in a noisy environment. It is an analogy to selective listening, as it highlights the ability to filter out irrelevant information and focus on relevant cues. In a loud and chaotic party, individuals can tune in to a single conversation and respond to relevant stimuli, demonstrating their ability to focus their attention amidst distractions.

The model of memory that compares memory to a computer has three phases of memory processing: encoding, storage, and retrieval. Encoding refers to the process of converting information into a format that can be stored in memory. Storage involves retaining the encoded information over time. Retrieval is the process of accessing and recalling the stored information when needed. These three phases work together to allow for the efficient functioning of memory, similar to how a computer processes and stores data.

Seven, give or take 2.

The cells in the hippocampus that aid spatial memory are known as place cells. These cells are responsible for encoding and representing specific locations or places in an individual's environment. They play a crucial role in spatial navigation and memory formation by firing in response to the presence or movement within a specific place. This allows for the creation of a cognitive map that helps individuals navigate and remember different locations.

Examples of schemas:

Abandonment
Mistrust and Abuse
Emotional Deprivation
Dependence
Vulnerability
Defectiveness
Approval-Seeking
Self-Sacrifice
Unrelenting Standards
Entitlement

Blocking refers to the temporary inability to retrieve or recall information that is known or stored in memory. It occurs when one experiences a tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon, where they are aware of knowing the information but are unable to access it at that moment. This can happen due to interference from similar or competing information, or simply due to a temporary lapse in memory retrieval. Blocking is a common occurrence and is often resolved with time or the use of memory cues.

The development of biased memories when people are provided with misleading information is known as suggestibility. This refers to the tendency of individuals to incorporate false details into their memories based on suggestions or misinformation. Suggestibility can occur when people are exposed to leading questions, misleading information, or suggestive cues, leading them to remember events or details that did not actually happen.

A concept is a mental representation that groups or categorizes objects, events, or relations around common themes. It helps individuals organize and understand information by grouping similar things together based on shared characteristics or properties. Concepts allow for efficient cognitive processing as they simplify complex information and enable individuals to make generalizations and predictions. They are essential for learning, problem-solving, and communication as they provide a framework for organizing and interpreting the world around us.

The term "reasoning" refers to the process of using information to determine if a conclusion is valid or reasonable. It involves analyzing evidence, making logical connections, and drawing conclusions based on logical thinking. Reasoning is an important cognitive skill that allows individuals to evaluate arguments, solve problems, and make informed decisions. It is a fundamental aspect of critical thinking and is used in various domains, including science, mathematics, and everyday life.

The given statement describes the process of attempting to select the best alternative among several options. This process is known as decision making. Decision making involves analyzing different choices, considering their potential outcomes, and selecting the option that is most likely to lead to a desired result. It requires critical thinking, weighing pros and cons, and considering various factors before making a final decision. Decision making is an essential skill in both personal and professional settings, as it helps individuals and organizations make informed choices and achieve their goals.

Problem solving refers to the process of finding a solution or a way to overcome obstacles in order to achieve a desired goal. It involves analyzing the problem, identifying possible solutions, and implementing the most effective one. Problem solving requires critical thinking, creativity, and the ability to think outside the box. It is a valuable skill in various aspects of life, including personal, professional, and academic settings.

This scenario exemplifies the availability heuristic. The decision to use brown sugar instead of white sugar is based on the immediate availability of brown sugar as a substitute. The heuristic suggests that people tend to rely on easily accessible information or options when making decisions, rather than considering all possible alternatives. In this case, Zach's choice is influenced by the fact that brown sugar is readily accessible to him at that moment.

Restructuring refers to a new way of thinking about a problem that helps in finding a solution. It involves reorganizing or changing the existing framework or approach to address the problem more effectively. Restructuring allows individuals to approach the problem from a different perspective, breaking through mental barriers and facilitating the discovery of innovative solutions. It encourages a fresh and creative approach to problem-solving, leading to better outcomes.

A problem solving strategy that has worked in the past is known as a mental set or a mind set. These terms refer to the tendency of individuals to approach new problems or situations based on their previous experiences and established patterns of thinking. When faced with a problem, individuals may rely on familiar strategies that have been successful in the past, even if they are not the most effective or efficient approach. This can sometimes lead to a lack of flexibility and hinder problem solving abilities.

Intelligence refers to the human capacity to utilize knowledge, problem-solve, comprehend intricate concepts, learn rapidly, and adapt to environmental challenges. It encompasses various cognitive abilities, including reasoning, memory, perception, and decision-making. Intelligence allows individuals to acquire and apply knowledge effectively, make logical connections, and navigate through complex situations. It plays a crucial role in human development, learning, and overall functioning in society.

This statement suggests that we are more likely to remember information that has personal relevance or significance to us compared to information that we repeatedly memorize without any personal connection. Personal meaning adds an emotional element to the information, making it more memorable. This is supported by research in psychology, which shows that personal relevance enhances memory retention and recall. Therefore, the statement is true.

The correct answer is "The inability to retrieve memory from long-term storage." This means that forgetting refers to the difficulty or inability to recall or retrieve information that has been stored in long-term memory. It does not involve the actual removal of memory from long-term storage, but rather the inability to access or bring it back into conscious awareness.

Based on the given information, the mystery person is described as someone who does many experiments, is scientifically minded, and skeptical. These characteristics align with the profession of a scientist. Scientists are known for conducting experiments, having a scientific mindset, and being skeptical, which involves questioning and critically analyzing information. Therefore, based on representative heuristics, it can be inferred that the person is likely a scientist.

the need to reach a verdict in important matters; to have an answer and to escape the feeling of doubt and uncertainty.

Memory refers to the ability to acquire, store, and retrieve information and skills. It involves the processes of encoding, storage, and retrieval of information, allowing individuals to retain and use knowledge and skills learned over time. Memory is essential for learning, problem-solving, decision-making, and overall cognitive functioning. It plays a crucial role in our daily lives, allowing us to remember past experiences, recognize people and objects, and recall important information.

Ryan's symptoms of frequent nightmares, intrusive thoughts, and flashbacks are indicative of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as combat in war. These symptoms are often triggered by reminders of the traumatic event and can significantly impact a person's daily life. Schizophrenia is a different mental disorder characterized by hallucinations and delusions. Shellshock is an outdated term for PTSD specifically related to war trauma. Retrograde amnesia is a memory disorder and does not encompass the range of symptoms described by Ryan.

Chunking is the correct answer because the given process involves breaking down a long string of letters into smaller, meaningful chunks. By grouping the letters into familiar units such as university names and academic degrees, it becomes easier for the brain to process and remember the information. Chunking is a cognitive strategy that helps in organizing and encoding information more effectively, enhancing memory and recall.

Long-term alcohol abuse can lead to vitamin deficiency that results in thalamic damage and subsequently amnesia. This is known as Korsakoff's syndrome.

Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, is a hormone that plays a significant role in the body's "fight or flight" response to stress. It increases heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose levels, preparing the body for quick action. Research has shown that epinephrine also has an impact on memory formation and retrieval. It enhances the consolidation of memories, making them more vivid and easier to recall. Therefore, the statement "Epinephrine enhances memory" is true.

Memory bias refers to the tendency of our memories to be influenced by our prior beliefs and expectations. It is a cognitive phenomenon where our memories can change or be distorted over time to align with our existing beliefs. This bias can affect our recollection of events, leading to inaccuracies or alterations in our memory. Therefore, the statement that the changing of memories over time to be consistent with prior beliefs is known as memory bias is true.

Mnemonics are memory aids that help individuals remember information or concepts. In this case, saying "ROY G. BIV" is a mnemonic device used to remember the colors of the rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet). Mnemonics are commonly used to simplify complex or lengthy information into a more memorable format, making it easier for individuals to recall.

the tendency to do (or believe) things because many other people do (or believe) the same.

Change blindness refers to the human tendency to overlook significant changes in our surroundings. This phenomenon occurs when our attention is not focused on detecting alterations, leading us to miss even substantial modifications in the environment. As a result, we fail to notice these changes, which can range from the movement of objects to the addition or removal of elements in a scene. Therefore, the statement "True" accurately reflects the concept of change blindness.

The amygdala is associated with fear learning. It is a small, almond-shaped structure located deep within the brain. The amygdala plays a crucial role in processing and regulating emotions, particularly fear and anxiety. It is involved in the formation and storage of fear memories, as well as the physiological and behavioral responses to fear-inducing stimuli. Damage to the amygdala can result in impairments in fear learning and the ability to recognize and respond to threats.

Specific to general is inductive reasoning.

Prospective memory refers to the ability to remember to perform a planned action or intention in the future. It involves remembering to do something at a specific time or in a specific situation. This type of memory is important for tasks such as remembering to attend an appointment, take medication, or complete a task. It is different from other types of memory, such as episodic memory (memory for past experiences) or semantic memory (memory for knowledge about the world).

This scenario is an example of source amnesia. Source amnesia refers to the inability to remember the origin or source of a piece of information. In this case, Billy heard a rumor from Jenny but cannot recall where he heard it from when Joe asks. This demonstrates the phenomenon of source amnesia, where the memory of the source of information is lost or forgotten.

Absentmindedness refers to the inattentive or shallow encoding of events. It is a state of mind where one is not fully present or focused on the task at hand, leading to a lack of proper encoding and subsequent difficulty in recalling or remembering information. This can happen when someone is preoccupied, distracted, or not paying enough attention to the details of an event or experience. Absentmindedness can result in forgetfulness and errors in memory retrieval.

Confabulation refers to the phenomenon where individuals unknowingly create false memories or fabricate details to fill in gaps in their memory. It is a form of memory distortion where the person genuinely believes in the accuracy of their recollection, despite it being false. This false recollection is specifically associated with episodic memory, which involves recalling specific events or experiences. Therefore, the statement "Confabulation is the false recollection of episodic memory" is true, as it accurately describes the nature of confabulation.

The Mere exposure effect refers to the phenomenon where people tend to develop a preference for things that they are familiar with or have been exposed to repeatedly. In this scenario, Jack, who is from California, may not have had much exposure to snow, making him fascinated by it. On the other hand, Mike, who lives in Kelowna and has always seen snow, may have become uninterested in it due to his frequent exposure. This explanation aligns with the concept of the Mere exposure effect.

Vice versa. Page 315-316

The explanation for the given correct answer is that the serial position effect refers to the tendency to better remember items that are presented at the beginning (primacy effect) and end (recency effect) of a list, compared to items presented in the middle. This effect occurs because items at the beginning are more likely to be encoded into long-term memory, while items at the end are still present in short-term memory. Therefore, it is true that the ability to recall items from a list depends on their presentation order.

Pg 308 in text.

Transcience refers to the phenomenon of forgetting information over time. This means that as time passes, memories and knowledge tend to fade and become less accessible. Therefore, the statement "Transcience is the pattern of forgetting over time" is true.

Choice-supportive bias refers to the tendency to remember one's choices as better than they actually were. This bias occurs because people tend to justify and rationalize their decisions, enhancing the positive aspects and downplaying the negative aspects of their choices. This bias can be seen in various contexts, such as when individuals defend their political or purchasing decisions, even when faced with contrary evidence. It is a cognitive bias that helps maintain a positive self-image and protect one's ego.

The primacy effect refers to the phenomenon where objects or information presented at the beginning of a list or sequence are better remembered compared to those presented in the middle. This can be attributed to the fact that items presented first receive more attention and are more likely to be encoded into long-term memory. As the list progresses, earlier items have already been rehearsed and consolidated in memory, making them more easily retrievable. This effect is commonly observed in various memory tasks and is believed to be influenced by factors such as attention, rehearsal, and the serial position of items.

The hippocampus is responsible for spatial memory. It is a region in the brain that plays a crucial role in forming and storing memories, particularly those related to spatial navigation and location. Studies have shown that damage to the hippocampus can lead to severe impairment in spatial memory, such as the ability to remember routes or navigate in familiar environments. This suggests that the hippocampus is essential for encoding and retrieving spatial information.

The episodic buffer is responsible for temporarily holding information about one's self. It acts as a storage system that integrates information from different cognitive processes, such as perception, attention, and long-term memory, to create a coherent and unified representation of personal experiences. This allows individuals to have a sense of self and to recall past events and personal details. The other options, central executive, visuospatial sketchpad, and phonological loop, are all components of working memory but do not specifically hold information about one's self.

It says humans ALWAYS select the outcome with the greatest reward.

Sensory memory refers to the brief retention of sensory information after it is perceived. It acts as a buffer, allowing the brain to process and make sense of incoming stimuli. The correct answer, "Less than 1 second," accurately reflects the limited duration of sensory memory. This memory stage holds information for a very short time, typically less than a second, before it either decays or gets transferred to the next stage of memory processing.

Working memory refers to the temporary storage and manipulation of information in the mind. It is responsible for holding information that we are currently aware of and actively thinking about. Research suggests that the duration of working memory is limited to approximately 20-30 seconds. After this time, the information is either forgotten or transferred to long-term memory for more permanent storage. This limited duration highlights the importance of actively rehearsing and manipulating information in order to retain it in working memory.

The cerebellum is associated with motor memory. It plays a crucial role in coordinating and fine-tuning movements, as well as in learning and storing motor skills. Damage to the cerebellum can result in motor coordination difficulties and impairments in motor memory, indicating its involvement in this process. The prefrontal cortex is more involved in executive functions, decision-making, and planning, while the hippocampus is associated with memory consolidation and spatial navigation. The temporal lobe is involved in auditory processing and language, and the amygdala is associated with emotional processing.

the tendency to persuade oneself through rational argument that a purchase was a good value.

Flashbulb memory: Vivid memory for the circumstances in which one first learned of a surprising, consequential and emotionally arousing event.

Illusion of Control: the tendency for human beings to believe they can control or at least influence outcomes that they clearly cannot.


Endowment effect: the fact that people often demand much more to give up an object than they would be willing to pay to acquire it.