AP Psychology: Cognition #3

Front

Eli vainly searches for a screwdriver while failing to recognize that a readily available coin in his pocket would turn the screw. His oversight best illustrates:

Back

functional fixedness.

Answer explanation

Pablo's failure to see that a coin can be used as a screwdriver exemplifies functional fixedness, where he is unable to think outside the conventional use of objects, limiting his problem-solving ability.

Front

A defense attorney emphasizes to a jury that her client, Eddie, works full-time, supports his family, and enjoys leisure-time hobbies. Although none of this information is relevant to the trial, it is designed to make the defendant appear to be a typical member of the local community. The lawyer is most clearly attempting to take advantage of:

Back

the representativeness heuristic.

Answer explanation

The lawyer uses the representativeness heuristic to portray the defendant as a typical community member, influencing the jury's perception despite the information being irrelevant to the trial.

Front

During a group project, which of the following is TRUE about how students like Laiya and Morgan perceive their performance?
People underestimate the accuracy of their judgments.
People pay closest attention to information that disconfirms what they believe.
It is difficult for most people to explain away their failures.
People are overconfident about how they will perform on various tasks.

Back

People are overconfident about how they will perform on various tasks.

Answer explanation

The correct statement is that people are overconfident about their performance on tasks. Research shows individuals often overestimate their abilities, leading to inflated expectations and potential disappointments.

Front

Victoria noticed that a thirty-three percent discount on her favorite shoes sounded like a better deal than a discount of one third. This best illustrates:

Back

framing.

Answer explanation

This illustrates framing, as the way a discount is presented (33% vs. one third) influences perception. Advertisers use framing to make deals seem more appealing, even if the actual value is the same.

Front

Even after being shown evidence that a particular study was flawed, Eli continues to believe in its conclusions. This behavior is an example of:

Back

belief perseverance.

Answer explanation

Belief perseverance refers to the tendency to hold on to one's beliefs even when the evidence that formed them is no longer valid. This concept explains why individuals may continue to support discredited ideas.

Front

Drea and Shane are working on a group project and need to solve a complex problem. Which cognitive tendency might be an obstacle to their problem-solving process? Options: availability heuristic, insight, prototype confusion, confirmation bias

Back

confirmation bias

Answer explanation

Confirmation bias is the tendency to favor information that confirms existing beliefs, which can hinder effective problem solving by limiting the consideration of alternative solutions.

Front

Victoria is trying to find Tabasco sauce in a large grocery store. She decides to systematically search every shelf in every store aisle. This best illustrates problem solving by means of:

Back

an algorithm.

Answer explanation

Searching every shelf in every aisle is a systematic and step-by-step approach, which defines an algorithm. This method ensures that all possibilities are explored, making it the correct choice over heuristics or fixedness.

Front

What is the capital of France?

Back

Paris

Answer explanation

Andrew's difficulty in remembering the initial steps of the dance after learning the entire routine is an example of retroactive interference, where new information disrupts the recall of previously learned information.

Front

What is the capital of France?

Back

Paris

Answer explanation

Sam's solution of sending students to guidance counselors reflects convergent thinking, as he focuses on a single, specific solution rather than exploring multiple possibilities.

Front

What type of memory is Victoria using when she briefly remembers the card's image for just a fraction of a second?

Back

Sensory Memory

Answer explanation

Sensory Memory preserves brief sensory impressions for only a fraction of a second, making it the correct choice. It captures immediate stimuli, unlike Working Memory, Short-Term Memory, or Long-Term Memory, which hold information longer.