Deck 7: Cognitive Processes

Question 1

Which of the following would take most people the longest to identify as a fruit (even though it technically is a fruit)?

A)grape
B)apple
C)orange
D)olive

Answer 1

olive

Question 2

A schema is:

A)a flexible mental framework.
B)the best example of a concept.
C)a methodical problem solving procedure.
D)a nefarious plot.

Answer 2

a flexible mental framework.

Question 3

Einstein's famous E = mc² is an example of a(n)________ because it guarantees that you will solve the problem in question sooner or later.

A)script
B)heuristic
C)schema
D)algorithm

Answer 3

algorithm

Question 4

Don tells Ray he wants to get a new sports car.Ray immediately understands why,because he is familiar with the common characteristics of sports cars and knows what makes them different from family cars.Ray is using mental categories called:

A)classes.
B)concepts.
C)attributes.
D)classifications.

Question 5

Talia is looking for her cat by methodically searching each room,and then closing the door to that room after she leaves.She is using what type of problem solving strategy?

A)a heuristic
B)an attribution
C)an algorithm
D)a hunch

Question 6

__________ are individual instances,or examples,of a concept that are stored in memory from personal experiences.

A)Images
B)Prototypes
C)Exemplars
D)Schemas

Question 7

Sally is enrolled in a high school geometry course,which she describes as "drawing figures and figuring drawings." In a typical class,students draw geometric figures and use a formula to calculate an aspect of the figure such as its area.Each time Sally uses a formula she is making use of what psychologists call:

A)heuristics.
B)divergent thinking.
C)algorithms.
D)mental sets.

Question 8

Which of the following alternatives best captures the relationship between the concept of a schema and that of a script?

A)The concept of a schema is unrelated to that of a script.
B)The concept of a script is broader than that of a schema.
C)The concept of a script is narrower that of a schema.
D)The concept of a schema is similar to that of a stereotype.

Question 9

The fact that you recognize Great Danes,Dachshunds,Collies,and Chihuahuas as all being dogs exemplifies your use of mental representations called:

A)algorithms.
B)scripts.
C)images.
D)concepts.

Question 10

Your mental representation of a car is an example of a(n)________,whereas your representation of the way to behave at a new restaurant is an example of a(n)_________.

A)heuristic; algorithm
B)concept; script
C)script; concept
D)concept; heuristic

Question 11

Concepts are best defined as ideas that represent:

A)categories of objects sharing certain attributes.
B)sensory experiences.
C)sequences of familiar events or routine activities.
D)successful problem solving strategies.

Question 12

Before enrolling in an abnormal psychology course,Gary's idea of psychological disorders had been influenced primarily by what he saw on talk shows.He expected to hear the same kinds of stories he had heard on television.What an eye-opening experience the course turned out to be! How would a cognitive psychologist describe the influence the course had on Gary's idea of psychological disorders?

A)Gary learned the value of algorithms.
B)Gary now uses heuristics.
C)The course increased Gary's ability to use visual imagery.
D)The course altered Gary's schema of psychological disorders.

Question 13

A prototype is:

A)a group of objects sharing some common features.
B)the first example of a concept that one encounters.
C)the most unusual or distinctive example of a concept.
D)the best or most typical example of a concept.

Question 14

The first thing that comes to mind when asked to name an example drawn from a larger category is called the:

A)schema.
B)prototype.
C)exemplar.
D)algorithm.

Question 15

What systematic problem-solving method guarantees a solution,provided that one exists?

A)a heuristic
B)an algorithm
C)a script
D)a mental set

Question 16

Psychologists use the term _________ to refer to a mental representation formed by combining the characteristics of a class of objects or events.

A)script
B)concept
C)mental set
D)heuristic

Question 17

An advantage of algorithms over heuristics is that:

A)algorithms are less cognitively demanding than heuristics are.
B)algorithms are faster to use than heuristics are.
C)algorithms take advantage of convenient mental sets.
D)algorithms guarantee a correct solution.

Question 18

The term ________ is used to reflect all mental processes involved in knowing.

A)cognition
B)thinking
C)memory
D)perception

Question 19

Tranh has given so many lectures that he gives little thought to what he expects might happen when he walks in the classroom: He assumes students will assemble,take notes,and occasionally ask a question.That Dr.Tranh finds the process so routine most clearly reflects the development of a(n):

A)mental set.
B)prototype.
C)script.
D)algorithm.

Question 20

Which is the most likely prototype for the concept "vehicle"?

A)glider
B)car
C)scooter
D)bicycle

Question 21

The process of producing something that is both original and worthwhile is termed:

A)creativity.
B)insight.
C)inductive reasoning.
D)convergent thinking.

Question 22

The concept of the confirmation bias specifically assumes that we are most likely to believe:

A)information that comes easily to mind.
B)information that agrees with our thinking.
C)information that refutes our thinking.
D)logical thinking.

Question 23

The tendency to perceive and approach problems in the same ways that have worked in the past is called:

A)mental set.
B)algorithmic thinking.
C)convergent thinking.
D)the prototype heuristic.

Question 24

Lori and Monica are looking at the cans of coffee on display at a local supermarket.They are trying to decide which of two different-sized cans is the better buy.Lori attempts to divide the price of each can by the number of ounces of coffee each contains.Monica suggests that "the larger size is usually a better buy." Lori is using a(n)_____; Monica is using a(n)______.

A)heuristic; algorithm
B)algorithm; heuristic
C)algorithm; prototype
D)prototype; heuristic

Question 25

Percent are men.One student is described as ambitious,athletic,and assertive.Why are most people likely to think this description refers to a male student?

A)They are using the availability heuristic.
B)They are using the representative heuristic.
C)People seek only confirming information.
D)People tend to rely on deductive reasoning.

Question 26

Matt picks up a pamphlet at a counseling center titled Suggestions for How to Succeed at College Course Work.Which type of problem-solving strategies are most likely offered in this pamphlet?

A)insights
B)algorithms
C)scripts
D)heuristics

Question 27

What problem-solving strategies don't guarantee solutions but make more efficient use of time?

A)heuristics
B)stereotypes
C)algorithms
D)mental sets

Question 28

Which of the following most likely makes use of heuristics?

A)a chemical equation for the synthesis of sulfuric acid
B)a recipe for making cookies on the back of a box of cornflakes
C)an article by a Nobel Prize winner titled "Tips for How to Succeed in Science"
D)a computer program for keeping track of inventory at a department store

Question 29

A loose screw on the visor causes it to drop down while Ben drives; however,he keeps forgetting to take a screwdriver out to the car to fix it.When he notices the visor drop again,he reaches into his pocket for a dime he uses to tighten the screw holding the visor.What problem-solving difficulty did Ben overcome?

A)divergent thinking
B)functional fixedness
C)the availability heuristic
D)the representative heuristic

Question 30

"When you have trouble in a class,try outlining the book in your own words." What is this general "rule of thumb" for solving a common academic problem called?

A)an insight
B)a script
C)a heuristic
D)a hierarchy

Question 31

A seemingly arbitrary flash "out of the blue," through which the solution to a problem suddenly becomes apparent to you (although you do not consciously know how you "figured it out")is called:

A)brainstorming.
B)divergent thinking.
C)insight.
D)a mental set.

Question 32

Which of the following terms best captures the meaning of the term heuristic,as cognitive psychologists use it?

A)recipe
B)formula
C)strategy
D)program

Question 33

Frank mistakenly believes that there are more words that begin with the letter "k" than there are with the letter "k" in the third position due to:

A)the representativeness heuristic.
B)the availability heuristic.
C)divergent thinking.
D)the confirmation bias.

Question 34

What term do psychologists use to describe our tendency to search for evidence that supports our belief and to ignore evidence that might disprove it?

A)confirmation bias
B)convergent thinking
C)availability heuristic
D)representativeness heuristic

Question 35

Frank lost a contact lens in the kitchen; he is searching for it by examining each linoleum tile in turn to see if the lens is contained within the square.Gemma similarly lost a lens in the kitchen; she is looking for it near the base of the fridge and around the stove,the two appliances she remembers using when she was last in the kitchen.Which of these individuals is using an algorithm?

A)Only Frank is using an algorithm.
B)Only Gemma is using an algorithm.
C)Both Frank and Gemma are using algorithms.
D)Neither Frank nor Gemma is using an algorithm.

Question 36

Agatha Harkness-Smythe is determined to ban guns in the United States.This is a controversial topic and social scientists have debated whether the ownership of guns by citizens increases or decreases crime.Agatha could go to the library and look up studies on the linkage between guns and crime rates.Instead,Agatha just reads the local newspaper and only cuts out articles about robberies in which the "bad guy" used a firearm.Agatha is demonstrating:

A)mental set.
B)confirmation bias.
C)stereotype suppression.
D)the availability heuristic.

Question 37

When you solve a crossword puzzle using certain mental shortcuts,you are using cognitive strategies psychologists call:

A)algorithms.
B)heuristics.
C)divergent thinking.
D)inductive reasoning.

Question 38

________ effects refer to the process of coming up with the solution to a problem after putting it aside for a period of time.

A)Distribution
B)Delay
C)Storage
D)Incubation

Question 39

Riley has figured out how to unlock his bedroom door with a paper clip.What has he most likely overcome in applying his new use of the paper clip?

A)functional fixedness
B)stereotype suppression
C)the representative heuristic
D)the confirmation bias

Question 40

In problem solving,the term rule of thumb refers to:

A)heuristics.
B)insights.
C)algorithms.
D)mental sets.

Question 41

Coming up with as many different uses of a brick as possible,such as using them for doorstops,is a type of ________ thinking.

A)prototypic
B)divergent
C)algorithmic
D)convergent

Question 42

What do social psychologists call the tendency to rely on internal characteristics for explanations of the behavior of others,while assigning less weight to the influence of the situation?

A)availability heuristic
B)convergent thinking
C)stereotype suppression
D)fundamental attribution error

Question 43

Alex is standing in line at Wal-Mart waiting to pay for his purchases.A man cuts in front of the line and drops his items on the counter.Alex says to his friend,"That man is incredibly rude." A social psychologist who is within earshot jots down a note so she can use the example in class.What does she write concerning Alex?

A)He made an external attribution.
B)He made an internal attribution.
C)His remark is based on a stereotype.
D)His remark is reflects cognitive dissonance.

Question 44

Which type of thinking is most often associated with creativity?

A)deductive reasoning
B)divergent thinking
C)algorithmic thinking
D)convergent thinking

Question 45

___________ thinking works well for routine problem solving but may be of little use by itself when a more creative solution is needed.

A)Heuristic
B)Divergent
C)Insightful
D)Convergent

Question 46

What type of thinking could be described as taking different directions in search of a variety of answers to a question?

A)prototypic
B)convergent
C)algorithmic
D)divergent

Question 47

Attributions are:

A)explanations that account for one's own behaviors and/or the behaviors of others.
B)innate personality traits.
C)an emotional response toward a certain person,idea,object,or situation.
D)various physical attributes that people have,such as attractiveness.

Question 48

Which of the following questions would be more likely to produce divergent thinking?

A)"What is a stapler?"
B)"How do you spell stapler?"
C)"How many uses can you think of for a stapler?"
D)"What does a stapler look like?"

Question 49

You observe a person at the grocery store get angry and yell at the cashier.Which of these attributions illustrates the fundamental attribution error?

A)The yeller is a mean,angry person.
B)The cashier is overworked.
C)The yeller has had a bad day.
D)The cashier has had a bad day.

Question 50

Your best friend has been acting rather cool toward you lately.As you try to figure out why,you are engaging in the process called:

A)attribution.
B)cognitive dissonance.
C)stereotyping.
D)convergent thinking.

Question 51

Dave believes all college professors are irritable,impatient,and uninterested in whether students learn.His belief is an example of a(n):

A)confirmation bias.
B)script.
C)attribution.
D)stereotype.

Question 52

Psychologists use the term _____ to refer to the process whereby people judge whether someone's behavior reflects something internal about that person,or instead something about the person's situation.

A)stereotype suppression
B)cognitive dissonance
C)attribution
D)attitude formation

Question 53

Attitudes are:

A)innate.
B)generally positive.
C)learned.
D)unchangeable.

Question 54

Which statement is the best description of the fundamental attribution error?

A)We attribute most of what people do to the influence of situations.
B)We rely on the first information we receive to make internal attributions.
C)We are more likely to attribute another's behavior to internal rather than to external causes.
D)We tend to attribute our successes to our own efforts and failures to the shortcomings of others.

Question 55

The issue of racial profiling has been a controversial topic in the United States for many years,and it was particularly widespread after the events of September 11,2001.When an individual engages in profiling and assumes that one person must possess certain qualities because of their race or ethnicity,she or he is engaging in:

A)attributing.
B)discrimination.
C)stereotyping.
D)persuasion.

Question 56

Which of the following is an example of an external attribution?

A)"I did a good job because I'm smart."
B)"I did a good job because the task was easy."
C)"I did a bad job because I'm inept."
D)"She did a good job because she's talented."

Question 57

"Look,Officer,I didn't see the stop sign back there because the sun was in my eyes." The police officer responds,"You were not paying attention." How would a social psychologist describe this situation?

A)Both individuals were making fundamental attribution errors.
B)Both individuals were making external attributions.
C)The driver was making an internal attribution; the officer was making an external attribution.
D)The driver was making an external attribution; the officer was making an internal attribution.

Question 58

A group of Ray's friends have been waiting for Ray for an hour.One says,"He never remembers anything." Another says,"He's probably caught in rush hour traffic." What are these friends doing that might be of interest to a social psychologist?

A)They are making attributions.
B)They are reducing dissonance levels.
C)They are engaging in stereotype suppression.
D)They are changing attitudes.

Question 59

A person's evaluation of a specific target is called a(n):

A)algorithm.
B)attitude.
C)attribution.
D)mental set.

Question 60

When we make external attributions we are identifying the cause of an action as something:

A)in the environment.
B)in the person's disposition.
C)that is a biological trait.
D)reflecting an unconscious motivation.

Question 61

Roberta is trying to decide whether to vote for a political candidate.Based on what she has read about him,she has concluded that he is not qualified for the position,but she generally agrees with his political positions.Also,she trusts him and likes his decisive personality.In fact,she likes him so much that she sent a small donation to his campaign.Her trust of the candidate represents the ____________ component of her attitude toward him.

A)affective
B)cognitive
C)behavioral
D)situational

Question 62

Pages in a boring psychology text but would get 2 extra points on the next test.The other group also read 20 pages but was given 25 points added to the next test.The class members were then asked to tell the second-period class how interesting the book was.According to the results of the Festinger and Carlsmith study,what predictions could one make about the remarks of the first-period class?

A)Both groups would say the pages were boring.
B)The first group (2 points)would say the pages were boring but the second group (25 points)would not.
C)Both groups would say the pages were interesting.
D)The first group (2 points)would say the pages were interesting but the second group (25 points)would say the pages were boring.

Question 63

The sounds t,th,and sh are:

A)morphemes.
B)phonemes.
C)semantics.
D)pragmatics.

Question 64

The phrase "I tried" has ________ morpheme(s).

A)1
B)2
C)3
D)4

Question 65

Which of the following is the best example of the behavioral component of an attitude?

A)Bea feels recycling is a great concept.
B)Bob is upset when he hears a corporation plans to build a polluting plant near his home.
C)Bill struggles to understand the arguments of both sides present in a debate over a new manufacturing plant.
D)Betty writes a letter to her senator asking for support of a law making corporations responsible for the pollution they cause.

Question 66

The English language has about ____ phonemes.

A)14
B)26
C)44
D)61

Question 67

For doing a boring task,those participants who were paid $1 for doing the same task:

A)liked the task more.
B)liked the task less.
C)liked the task equally as much.
D)were less likely to tell their friends to do the task.

Question 68

The World-Will-End-on-June-7 group got together on June 7 to pray as the world ended.The next day the world did not end.The leader of the group said,"Our prayers saved the world." What process was responsible for the leader's attitude change?

A)operant conditioning
B)cognitive dissonance
C)persuasion
D)positive reinforcement

Question 69

Morphemes are:

A)the smallest meaningful units of language.
B)words and phrases with both surface and deep-structure.
C)universal sound units on which language is based.
D)sensory images used in thinking.

Question 70

A state of tension that occurs when a person's attitudes do not match the person's actions is called:

A)cognitive dissonance.
B)attitude adjustment.
C)the fundamental attribution error.
D)stereotype suppression.

Question 71

You are learning Russian in preparation for a trip next summer.Although you are doing a good job recognizing the written signs you need to know,you are having trouble with the sounds of the Russian language.Which of the following aspects of language is giving you trouble?

A)syntax
B)phonemes
C)morphemes
D)audiograms

Question 72

Language is based on basic sound units called:

A)phonemes.
B)morphemes.
C)semantics.
D)registers.

Question 73

Ronnie is trying to decide whether to vote for a certain political candidate.Based on what she has read about him,she has concluded that he is not qualified for the position,but she agrees with his political positions.Also,she trusts him and likes his decisive personality.In fact,she likes him so much that she sent a small donation to his campaign.Ronnie's sending a donation to the campaign represents the ______ component of her attitude toward him.

A)affective
B)cognitive
C)behavioral
D)situational

Question 74

Phonemes are grouped together to form:

A)morphemes.
B)phrases.
C)deep structures.
D)semantics.

Question 75

Prefixes,suffixes,and word roots are examples of:

A)phonemes.
B)semantics.
C)morphemes.
D)schemas.

Question 76

The system of rules that governs how words or phrases are combined within a sentence is called:

A)syntax.
B)semantics.
C)morphology.
D)phonology.

Question 77

Luis picks up a pack of cigarettes and reads,"Cigarette smoking is harmful to your health." Which one of the following statements would lead us to believe Luis is actually having cognitive dissonance?

A)"I've been smoking my whole life and I don't have health problems."
B)"No one I know who smokes is sick."
C)"I know these cigarettes are killing me but I just can't stop."
D)"That is not true.Cigarettes are not that harmful."

Question 78

________ is a symbol-based system used to convey or communicate ideas.It reflects your thinking and allows you to express what is on your mind to others.

A)Cognition
B)Language
C)Intelligence
D)Creativity

Question 79

What are the smallest units of meaning in a language?

A)words
B)syntax
C)phonemes
D)morphemes

Question 80

The words "care" and "bear" differ in one:

A)syntax.
B)morpheme.
C)script.
D)phoneme.