Mensa IQ Working Memory and Processing Speed Flashcards

A person reads the list: apple, chair, seven, blue, piano, ninety. They are then asked to recall only the numbers. Which answer is correct?

Answer: seven, ninety

The only words representing numbers in the list are 'seven' and 'ninety'.

Working memory capacity is best described as the ability to:

Answer: Hold and manipulate information in mind over short periods

Working memory refers to the temporary holding and active manipulation of information needed for ongoing tasks.

In a cancellation task, you must cross out every letter 'T' in a grid of random letters as fast as possible. Accuracy and speed together primarily measure what?

Answer: Processing speed and sustained attention

Cancellation tasks measure how quickly and accurately a person detects targets, reflecting processing speed and sustained attention.

You are shown the number string 739251846 for 5 seconds, then it disappears. What is the sum of the 3rd and 7th digits?

Answer: 17

In 739251846, the 3rd digit is 9 and the 7th digit is 8; their sum is 17.

Which of the following tasks would best distinguish a person with high processing speed from one with average processing speed?

Answer: Identifying matching pairs of symbols under strict time limits

Timed symbol-matching tasks directly measure processing speed by rewarding rapid, accurate responses under time pressure.

A test-taker is given the sequence: 2, 5, 8, 11, 14. They must hold it in memory and report back only the even numbers. Which answer is correct?

Answer: 2, 8, 14

From 2, 5, 8, 11, 14 — the even numbers are 2, 8, and 14.

Processing speed tends to peak in early adulthood and gradually declines with age. What is the primary neural explanation?

Answer: Reduction in white matter integrity and myelination efficiency

Processing speed decline with age is primarily linked to degradation of myelin sheaths in white matter, slowing neural signal transmission.