Cognition and Cognitive Psychology Quiz

What is cognition primarily concerned with?

• The analysis of behavior

• The observation of physical phenomena

• The process of thinking and processing information

• The study of emotions

Answer explanation

Cognition is primarily concerned with the process of thinking and processing information, which includes how we perceive, remember, and solve problems, distinguishing it from behavior analysis, physical phenomena, or emotions.

Which of the following is NOT a focus of cognitive psychology?

• Perception

• Learning

• Memory

• Genetics

Answer explanation

Cognitive psychology primarily focuses on mental processes such as perception, learning, and memory. Genetics, however, pertains more to biological influences and is not a central focus of cognitive psychology.

What does the term 'dialectic' refer to in psychology?

• A method of introspection

• A developmental process where ideas evolve over time

• A type of cognitive bias

• A form of behaviorism

Answer explanation

In psychology, 'dialectic' refers to a developmental process where ideas evolve over time through the interaction of opposing concepts, leading to new understandings. This distinguishes it from methods like introspection or behaviorism.

Who proposed the idea of the mind as a 'blank slate'?

• David Hume

• René Descartes

• John Locke

• Immanuel Kant

Answer explanation

The concept of the mind as a 'blank slate' was proposed by John Locke, who argued that individuals are born without innate ideas and that knowledge is acquired through experience and perception.

What is the main belief of nativists regarding knowledge?

• Knowledge is acquired through experience

• Knowledge is a social construct

• Knowledge is solely based on observation

• Knowledge is innate and pre-existing

Answer explanation

Nativists believe that knowledge is innate and pre-existing, meaning it is inherent to individuals rather than acquired through experience or observation. This distinguishes their view from other theories of knowledge.

Which psychologist is associated with the concept of universal grammar?

• René Descartes

• Noam Chomsky

• David Hume

• George Berkeley

Answer explanation

Noam Chomsky is the psychologist known for introducing the concept of universal grammar, which suggests that the ability to acquire language is innate to humans and that all languages share a common structural basis.

What is a key feature of deductive reasoning?

• It draws general conclusions from specific observations

• It is based on logical propositions

• It relies on emotional responses

• It is always true

Answer explanation

Deductive reasoning is based on logical propositions, allowing conclusions to be drawn from general principles. This distinguishes it from other reasoning types, such as inductive reasoning, which draws general conclusions from specific observations.

What does the mental models theory suggest?

• People use innate logical rules to reason

• People do not use any mental representations

• People visualize scenarios to reason

• People rely solely on empirical evidence

Answer explanation

The mental models theory posits that people visualize scenarios to reason through problems. This means they create mental images or simulations to understand and predict outcomes, making 'People visualize scenarios to reason' the correct choice.

Which of the following is an example of inductive reasoning?

• Every swan I've seen is white, so all swans must be white

• If it is sunny, then it is warm

• All cognitive psychologists are athletes

• If it rains, then the ground gets wet

Answer explanation

The statement 'Every swan I've seen is white, so all swans must be white' is an example of inductive reasoning, as it draws a general conclusion based on specific observations, unlike the other options which are deductive.

What was a major limitation of behaviorism?

• It focused too much on observable behavior

• It failed to explain complex cognitive functions

• It relied heavily on introspection

• It emphasized emotional responses

Answer explanation

A major limitation of behaviorism is that it failed to explain complex cognitive functions, as it primarily focused on observable behaviors and neglected the mental processes involved in learning and decision-making.