Free Psychology Degree Cognitive Psychology and Memory Questions and Answers

Question 1

A student studies for a final exam in a quiet, brightly lit library. According to the encoding specificity principle, under which of the following conditions is the student most likely to achieve the best recall of the material?

Accepted Answer

Taking the exam in a quiet, brightly lit classroom

Answer

The encoding specificity principle states that memory recall is most effective when the conditions at the time of retrieval match the conditions at the time of encoding. Since the student encoded the information in a quiet, brightly lit environment, they are most likely to recall it best in a similar setting.

Question 2

Which of the following scenarios is the BEST example of proactive interference?

Accepted Answer

You keep entering your old password for a website even though you recently changed it.

Answer

Proactive interference occurs when previously learned information hinders the ability to recall newly learned information. In this case, the old, well-rehearsed password memory is interfering with the retrieval of the new password.

Question 3

According to the Atkinson-Shiffrin (multi-store) model of memory, what are the three distinct storage components?

Accepted Answer

Sensory Memory, Short-Term Memory, and Long-Term Memory

Answer

The Atkinson-Shiffrin model, also known as the multi-store model, posits that memory is composed of three sequential stores: a brief sensory memory, a limited-capacity short-term memory, and a vast long-term memory.

Question 4

An individual's memory for how to ride a bicycle is an example of which type of long-term memory?

Accepted Answer

Procedural memory

Answer

Procedural memory is a type of implicit (non-declarative) long-term memory responsible for knowing how to perform skills and actions, such as riding a bicycle or tying shoelaces. These memories are often recalled unconsciously.

Question 5

A therapist helps a client reframe a traumatic memory by discussing the event from a different perspective. Over time, the client's emotional response to the memory lessens, and some details of their recollection seem to have changed. This phenomenon is most consistent with the concept of:

Accepted Answer

Memory as a reconstructive process

Answer

This scenario illustrates that memory is not a perfect recording of events but is a reconstructive process. Post-event information, such as therapeutic reframing, can alter the original memory. The work of Loftus and Palmer demonstrated how leading questions could change a person's memory of an event, supporting the reconstructive nature of memory.

Psychology Degree Practice Test

Psychology Degree Practice Test

Free Psychology Degree Cognitive Psychology and Memory Questions and Answers