AP Psychology Unit 2: Cognition Assessment MAGIC

Which cognitive process best explains why people often see faces in clouds or patterns in random dots?

• Top-down processing

• Gestalt principle of closure

• Change blindness

• Bottom-up processing

Answer explanation

Top-down processing explains seeing faces in clouds as our brain uses prior knowledge to interpret vague stimuli. The Gestalt principle of closure also applies, as we fill in gaps to perceive complete forms, like faces in patterns.

A student is trying to memorize vocabulary words by creating meaningful associations with each word. This is an example of:

• Maintenance rehearsal

• The serial position effect

• Elaborative rehearsal

• The spacing effect

Answer explanation

The student is using elaborative rehearsal by creating meaningful associations with vocabulary words, which enhances memory retention compared to simple repetition.

When studying for an exam, why might it be more effective to spread study sessions over several days rather than cramming the night before?

• Massed practice is more effective

• The spacing effect enhances memory

• The primacy effect is stronger

• The recency effect is maximized

Answer explanation

Spreading study sessions over several days utilizes the spacing effect, which enhances memory retention. This approach allows for better encoding and recall of information compared to cramming, which can lead to superficial learning.

Which phenomenon explains why you might suddenly notice your friend's new haircut after someone points it out to you?

• Change blindness

• Perceptual constancy

• The cocktail party effect

• Selective attention

Answer explanation

Change blindness explains why you might overlook your friend's new haircut until it's pointed out. This phenomenon occurs when a change in a visual stimulus goes unnoticed, highlighting our limited awareness of changes in our environment.

In problem-solving, what is the main disadvantage of using heuristics compared to algorithms?

• Heuristics take longer to implement

• Heuristics require more cognitive resources

• Heuristics may lead to errors in judgment

• Heuristics are too complex

Answer explanation

The main disadvantage of heuristics is that they may lead to errors in judgment, as they rely on mental shortcuts that can oversimplify complex problems, unlike algorithms which provide systematic and reliable solutions.

How does the misinformation effect influence memory?

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Answer explanation

The misinformation effect occurs when misleading information presented after an event alters a person's memory of that event, leading to inaccuracies in recall and distorted memories.

What distinguishes episodic memory from semantic memory?

• A. Episodic memory involves facts, while semantic involves experiences

• B. Episodic memory involves personal experiences, while semantic involves general knowledge

• C. Episodic memory is implicit, while semantic is explicit

• D. Episodic memory is short-term, while semantic is long-term

Answer explanation

Episodic memory refers to personal experiences and events, while semantic memory pertains to general knowledge and facts. Thus, option B correctly distinguishes the two types of memory.

Which factor would most likely enhance context-dependent memory?

• Studying in multiple locations

• Studying while listening to different music

• Taking a test in the same room where you studied

• Taking a test at the same time each day

Answer explanation

Context-dependent memory is enhanced when the environment during retrieval matches the environment during encoding. Taking a test in the same room where you studied provides this match, aiding recall.

How does functional fixedness affect problem-solving?

• It enhances creative thinking

• It promotes flexible thinking

• It limits seeing alternative uses for objects

• It increases divergent thinking

Answer explanation

Functional fixedness limits seeing alternative uses for objects, as it causes individuals to focus on the conventional functions of items, hindering creative problem-solving and the ability to think outside the box.

What explains why people often continue investing in failing projects?

• Availability heuristic

• Sunk-cost fallacy

• Representativeness heuristic

• Mental set

Answer explanation

The sunk-cost fallacy explains why people continue investing in failing projects; they feel compelled to justify past investments, leading them to throw good money after bad instead of cutting their losses.