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WorksheetsUCR Winter 2025- Psych 134 - Exam #4 Practice test
Total questions: 40
Worksheet time: 20mins
What is the definition of a problem in cognitive psychology?
A situation with a clear answer
An obstacle between a present state and a goal
A set of facts requiring memorization
A well-defined question with a single solution
Insight problems always require step-by-step analysis.
True
False
The Gestalt approach to problem-solving emphasizes:
The role of heuristics
The importance of trial and error
The whole being greater than the sum of its parts
The use of algorithms
Functional fixedness occurs when:
We fail to see alternative uses for an object
We apply past knowledge to a new problem
We restructure a problem for a better solution
We use heuristics to solve problems
Experts always outperform novices in every type of problem.
True
False
The water jug problem demonstrates:
The impact of mental set on problem-solving
The effects of functional fixedness
The role of creativity in problem-solving
The use of analogies in reasoning
According to the information-processing approach, problem-solving involves:
A direct path from problem to solution
A search between the initial and goal state
The use of mental imagery
The application of heuristics only
The two-string problem illustrates:
Insight problem-solving
The importance of heuristics
Functional fixedness
The representativeness heuristic
Means-end analysis involves:
Solving a problem by trial and error
Reducing differences between the initial and goal state by creating sub-goals
Using analogies to map solutions
Avoiding intermediate states in problem-solving
The mutilated checkerboard problem demonstrates:
Functional fixedness
The importance of problem representation
The effect of heuristics on problem-solving
The role of insight in reasoning
Decision-making can be influenced by framing effects.
True
False
Analogical problem-solving requires:
Finding an exact match between problems
Using a previously solved problem to solve a new one
Ignoring differences between problems
Using trial and error exclusively
Deductive reasoning ensures:
A probably true conclusion
That the premises always lead to a true conclusion
A conclusion that logically follows from premises
A random outcome
The expertise effect in problem-solving suggests that:
Experts and novices approach problems the same way
Experts solve problems more efficiently in their domain
Expertise always leads to better solutions
Novices rely more on structured problem-solving
Creativity in problem-solving is linked to:
Divergent thinking
Following strict rules
Rigid problem representation
Algorithmic thinking
Inductive reasoning involves:
Applying a general principle to specific cases
Drawing general conclusions from specific observations
Using strict logical rules
Eliminating possible solutions one by one
The availability heuristic leads us to judge probabilities based on:
Logical reasoning
How easily examples come to mind
A systematic analysis of options
The number of observations
Inductive reasoning always leads to certain conclusions.
True
False
The representativeness heuristic causes people to:
Overestimate the probability of rare events
Judge probability based on similarity to a category
Consider all base-rate information
Ignore stereotypes in decision-making
The availability heuristic leads people to overestimate rare but memorable events.
True
False
Mental set can hinder problem-solving by limiting new approaches.
True
False
Confirmation bias occurs when:
We seek information that supports our pre-existing beliefs
We evaluate all evidence objectively
We ignore evidence that aligns with our beliefs
We seek disconfirming evidence first
The backfire effect happens when:
People change their beliefs in response to contradictory evidence
Exposure to counter-evidence strengthens existing beliefs
People ignore opposing information
Beliefs remain unchanged regardless of evidence
The dual-systems approach suggests decision-making is purely logical.
True
False
A syllogism is valid when:
The premises lead logically to the conclusion
The conclusion is factually true
It follows the availability heuristic
It is based on probability
The framing effect shows that:
How a choice is presented affects decision-making
Decisions are always rational
People ignore how options are framed
Presentation has no effect on choices
Functional fixedness helps people find creative solutions.
True
False
Risk aversion leads to:
A preference for uncertain outcomes
People avoiding risky decisions
People always choosing the riskier option
People preferring high-reward choices
The Wason selection task is used to test logical reasoning skills.
True
False
The dual-systems approach suggests decision-making involves:
A single, logical process
Two systems: one fast and intuitive, one slow and deliberate
No influence of intuition
Random guessing
The falsification principle states that:
We should seek evidence that confirms a rule
Testing rules requires finding conditions that would falsify them
Syllogisms must always be true
Deductive reasoning is always accurate
The Wason selection task is designed to test:
Availability heuristic
Functional fixedness
Conditional reasoning
Analogical transfer
Status quo bias leads people to:
Prefer making changes
Stick with the current situation even when change is beneficial
Take risks in decision-making
Always choose the default option
A person who judges the likelihood of an event based on how well it fits a stereotype is using:
The availability heuristic
The representativeness heuristic
The means-end analysis
Analogical reasoning
The conjunction rule states that:
A specific event is always more probable than a general one
The probability of two events occurring together cannot exceed the probability of one occurring alone
People always correctly estimate probabilities
Large sample sizes are unnecessary
The law of large numbers suggests that:
Small samples provide better estimates
Larger samples better represent the population
The first few observations determine the outcome
Random events have no predictable patterns
Illusory correlations occur when:
We perceive a relationship between two unrelated events
We use deductive reasoning
Probabilities are calculated correctly
Decisions are based solely on evidence
The gambler’s fallacy is the mistaken belief that:
Random events are influenced by previous outcomes
Independent events are truly random
Probabilities always remain constant
Reasoning is always rational
People tend to stick with the default option due to:
Functional fixedness
The status quo bias
Confirmation bias
The backfire effect
The conjunction fallacy occurs when people judge a combination of events as more likely than a single one.
True
False
