COGS 1 Working Memory Quiz

What is the typical average capacity for visual working memory in humans?

• 1-2 items

• 3-4 items

• 7-8 items

• 10-15 items

Answer explanation

The typical average capacity for visual working memory in humans is 3-4 items. This aligns with research suggesting that most individuals can hold about this number of visual items simultaneously.

Which brain region is most strongly associated with working memory?

• Hippocampus

• Occipital lobe

• Lateral prefrontal cortex

• Amygdala

Answer explanation

The lateral prefrontal cortex is crucial for working memory, as it is involved in the manipulation and storage of information. In contrast, the hippocampus is more associated with long-term memory, while the other regions listed have different functions.

What experimental technique measures brain activity based on blood flow?

• EEG

• MRI

• fMRI

• TMS

Answer explanation

fMRI (functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging) measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow, reflecting neural activity. Unlike EEG, which measures electrical activity, fMRI provides spatial images of brain function.

In lesion studies, why could monkeys with prefrontal cortex damage perform better in the dark?

• Reduced working memory demands

• Elimination of visual distractions

• Increased neural compensation

• Enhanced sensory perception

Answer explanation

Monkeys with prefrontal cortex damage may perform better in the dark due to the elimination of visual distractions, allowing them to focus on the task without interference from visual stimuli.

What is the capacity of verbal working memory for unrelated items like numbers or letters?

• 3-4

• 5-6

• 7

• 9-10

Answer explanation

The capacity of verbal working memory for unrelated items, such as numbers or letters, is typically around 7 items. This is known as Miller's Law, which suggests that the average number of objects an individual can hold in working memory is 7.

Which technique uses magnetic pulses to temporarily disrupt cortical activity?

• fMRI

• EEG

• TMS

• PET

Answer explanation

TMS, or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, uses magnetic pulses to temporarily disrupt cortical activity, making it distinct from fMRI, EEG, and PET, which measure brain activity or blood flow without disrupting it.

What is a 'load effect' in working memory experiments?

• The number of distractions a person can handle

• Decreased memory precision with increasing items

• Enhanced memory with complex stimuli

• Random errors in recall tasks

Answer explanation

A 'load effect' refers to the phenomenon where memory precision decreases as the number of items to remember increases. This aligns with the correct answer, highlighting the challenge of maintaining accuracy under cognitive load.

What phenomenon allows humans to remember more real objects than arbitrary items?

• Attention bias

• Feature complexity

• Meaningful chunking

• Long-term memory activation

Answer explanation

Meaningful chunking allows humans to group information into meaningful units, making it easier to remember real objects compared to arbitrary items. This cognitive strategy enhances memory retention.

What is the role of the prefrontal cortex in working memory according to recent studies?

• Storing memory content directly

• Executing attentional control

• Enhancing sensory representation

• Controlling language processing

Answer explanation

Recent studies indicate that the prefrontal cortex is crucial for executing attentional control in working memory, allowing individuals to focus on relevant information while filtering out distractions.

Which technique can decode specific memory content using sensory patterns in the brain?

• EEG

• TMS

• Machine learning applied to fMRI data

• PET scans

Answer explanation

Machine learning applied to fMRI data can analyze brain activity patterns to decode specific memories, making it the most effective technique for this purpose compared to EEG, TMS, or PET scans.