Unit 2A: Thinking and Perception

Which term refers to the process of organizing and interpreting sensory information to recognize meaningful objects and events?

• Perception

• Sensation

• Cognition

• Memory

Answer explanation

The correct term is 'Perception', which involves organizing and interpreting sensory information to identify meaningful objects and events, distinguishing it from sensation, cognition, and memory.

What is the main difference between top-down and bottom-up processing?

• Top-down uses prior knowledge; bottom-up uses sensory input

• Top-down is unconscious; bottom-up is conscious

• Top-down is slower; bottom-up is faster

• Top-down is only visual; bottom-up is only auditory

Answer explanation

The main difference is that top-down processing relies on prior knowledge and expectations to interpret information, while bottom-up processing starts with sensory input and builds up to perception.

Which concept refers to mental frameworks that help organize and interpret information?

• Schemas

• Heuristics

• Prototypes

• Algorithms

Answer explanation

Schemas are mental frameworks that help us organize and interpret information by providing a structure for understanding new experiences. They allow us to categorize and make sense of the world around us.

What is a perceptual set?

• A readiness to perceive a stimulus in a particular way

• The ability to focus on one stimulus while ignoring others

• The tendency to group similar objects together

• The process of converting sensory input into neural signals

Answer explanation

A perceptual set refers to a readiness to perceive stimuli in a specific way, influenced by expectations, experiences, and context. This makes the first choice the correct answer, as it directly defines the concept.

Which Gestalt principle explains why we see a complete shape even when parts are missing?

• Closure

• Proximity

• Similarity

• Figure/Ground

Answer explanation

The Gestalt principle of Closure explains our ability to perceive a complete shape even when parts are missing. Our brain fills in gaps, allowing us to see a whole figure rather than disjointed parts.

According to Gestalt psychology, what does the principle of proximity state?

• Objects close together are perceived as a group

• Objects that look similar are grouped together

• We perceive objects as having a background and a figure

• We fill in gaps to create a whole object

Answer explanation

According to Gestalt psychology, the principle of proximity states that objects that are close together are perceived as a group. This means that our brains naturally associate nearby items as belonging together.

Which term describes the ability to focus on one voice among many in a crowded room?

• Cocktail Party Effect

• Change Blindness

• Selective Attention

• Inattentional Blindness

Answer explanation

The term 'Cocktail Party Effect' describes the ability to focus on a single voice in a noisy environment, like a crowded room, while filtering out other sounds. This phenomenon highlights our selective auditory attention.

What is change blindness?

• Failing to notice changes in the environment

• Focusing on one stimulus while ignoring others

• Grouping similar objects together

• Using prior knowledge to interpret stimuli

Answer explanation

Change blindness refers to the phenomenon where individuals fail to notice significant changes in their environment, often due to focusing on specific details. Thus, the correct answer is 'Failing to notice changes in the environment'.

Which depth cue requires both eyes to perceive depth?

• Binocular Depth Cues

• Monocular Depth Cues

• Linear Perspective

• Texture Gradient

Answer explanation

Binocular depth cues require both eyes to perceive depth, utilizing the slight differences in images from each eye to gauge distance. In contrast, monocular cues can be perceived with one eye.

Retinal disparity is important for which perceptual process?

• Depth perception

• Color vision

• Motion detection

• Auditory localization

Answer explanation

Retinal disparity refers to the slight difference in images between the two eyes, which is crucial for depth perception. It helps the brain gauge distances and perceive three-dimensional space, making it the correct choice.