Intelligence Test Memory and Attention 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The memory technique of grouping individual pieces of information into larger meaningful units is called:
- Elaborative encoding
- Chunking (Correct answer)
- Spaced repetition
- Mnemonics
Correct answer: Chunking
Chunking increases the effective capacity of short-term memory by organizing information into larger, meaningful units.
Question 2: Sustained attention refers to the ability to:
- Focus on two tasks at the same time
- Maintain focus on a task over an extended period (Correct answer)
- Shift attention between different tasks
- Filter out irrelevant information quickly
Correct answer: Maintain focus on a task over an extended period
Sustained attention, also known as vigilance, is the capacity to maintain concentrated focus on a task over a prolonged period.
Question 3: Which brain region is most closely associated with working memory and executive attention functions?
- Cerebellum
- Occipital lobe
- Prefrontal cortex (Correct answer)
- Amygdala
Correct answer: Prefrontal cortex
The prefrontal cortex plays a central role in working memory, planning, and the regulation of attention.
Question 4: The digit span test, commonly used in intelligence assessments, primarily measures:
- Long-term memory capacity
- Processing speed
- Short-term and working memory capacity (Correct answer)
- Verbal reasoning ability
Correct answer: Short-term and working memory capacity
The digit span test assesses how many digits a person can hold and repeat back, reflecting short-term and working memory capacity.
Question 5: What is proactive interference in the context of memory?
- New information interfering with the recall of old information
- Old information interfering with the recall of new information (Correct answer)
- Emotional memories blocking neutral ones
- Attention dividing across two memory tasks
Correct answer: Old information interfering with the recall of new information
Proactive interference occurs when previously learned information disrupts the ability to learn or recall new information.
Question 6: The 'cocktail party effect' is most commonly used to illustrate which cognitive phenomenon?
- Working memory overload
- Selective attention (Correct answer)
- Proactive interference
- Divided attention failure
Correct answer: Selective attention
The cocktail party effect demonstrates selective attention: the ability to focus on one conversation while unconsciously monitoring the environment for relevant stimuli.
Question 7: Research consistently shows that working memory capacity strongly correlates with which cognitive outcome?
- Reaction time only
- General fluid intelligence and academic achievement (Correct answer)
- Long-term memory storage
- Emotional regulation exclusively
Correct answer: General fluid intelligence and academic achievement
Working memory capacity is one of the strongest predictors of fluid intelligence, reasoning ability, and academic performance.
The memory technique of grouping individual pieces of information into larger meaningful units is called: