Module 17 Review Questions

What do we call a mental predisposition that influences our interpretation of a stimulus?

• context effect

• perceptual set

• extrasensory perception

• emotion

• motivation

Kimberly tells her brother to put on a suit on a warm summer day. Kimberly's brother knows to put on a swimsuit instead of a business suit because of

• context

• ESP

• precognition

• bottom-up processing

• clairvoyance

Which of the following is produced by perceptual set?

• not noticing that the songs change in a restaurant

• noticing the difference in the weight of a friend from one week to the next

• moving an arm quickly so that a mosquito flies away

• surprise at hearing an Oklahoma cowboy speak with a British accent

• Not noticing a watch on your wrist as the day goes on

Martha is convinced she has extrasensory perception. Explain what Martha's specific abilities would be if she had each of the following forms of ESP.

-Telepathy

-Clairvoyance

-Precognition

Then briefly explain why you should doubt her claims.

Answer explanation

1. Telepathy: Martha would be able to use mind to mind communication (she is able to read someone's mind).

2. Clairvoyance: Martha would be able to perceive things happening at a distance (someone who lives in another state burns her hand on the oven and Martha feels it).

3. Precognition: Martha would be able to see future events happen (she knows a pop quiz will take place next week).

4. There has never been a conclusive scientific demonstration of extrasensory ability.

How can context effects, emotions, and motivation trigger different perceptions of a single stimulus?

Answer explanation

1. context effects: Environmental factors can inlfuence perception. For example, a tall basketball player might look short when standing next to a much taller player.

2. Emotion: Mood can influence perception. For example, happy or sad music can alter one's perception of ambiguous words and scenes.

3. Motivation: Motivation can influence perception. For example, a water bottle can seem closer when one is thirsty.