Cognitive Psychology Quizzes: Test Your Understanding of Thinking, Learning, and Memory

Question 1

In Broadbent's filter model, how does attention work?

Accepted Answer

It filters specific stimuli for further processing.

Answer

It processes all stimuli equally.

Answer

It enhances all relevant stimuli simultaneously.

Answer

It operates independently of sensory input.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a type of memory?

Accepted Answer

Metamemory

Answer

Episodic memory

Answer

Semantic memory

Answer

Procedural memory

Question 3

Cognitive Psychology focuses on studying which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Mental processes of humans and animals

Answer

Brain's role in perception and cognition

Answer

Development of intelligence and language in children

Answer

Effects of emotions and motivations on mental processes

Question 4

Which theory suggests that attitudes and behaviors can sometimes conflict, creating psychological discomfort?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive dissonance

Answer

Social comparison

Answer

Attribution

Answer

Self-perception

Question 5

Which of the following is a logical reasoning process, rather than a cognitive bias?

Accepted Answer

Logical reasoning

Answer

Confirmation bias

Answer

Hindsight bias

Answer

Availability heuristic

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a type of cognitive bias?

Accepted Answer

Logical reasoning

Answer

Confirmation bias

Answer

Illusion of control

Answer

Optimism bias

Question 7

Cognitive biases and illusions are distinct concepts in psychology. Which of the following is NOT a cognitive bias?

Accepted Answer

Illusions

Answer

Confirmation bias

Answer

Heuristics

Answer

Framing effect

Question 8

Which stage of memory involves the initial processing and storage of new information?

Accepted Answer

Encoding

Answer

Retrieval

Answer

Storage

Answer

Recognition

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a stage in the Atkinson-Shiffrin model of memory?

Accepted Answer

Working memory

Answer

Sensory memory

Answer

Short-term memory

Answer

Long-term memory

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a type of explicit memory?

Accepted Answer

Implicit memory

Answer

Episodic memory

Answer

Semantic memory

Answer

Procedural memory

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a type of cognitive bias that can lead to errors in judgment?

Accepted Answer

Mindfulness

Answer

Confirmation bias

Answer

Illusion of control

Answer

Hindsight bias

Question 12

In cognitive psychology, what is the process of converting sensory information into a mental representation that can be stored in memory called?

Accepted Answer

Encoding

Answer

Storing

Answer

Retrieving

Answer

Paying attention

Question 13

Which stage is NOT part of the information-processing model of memory?

Accepted Answer

Evaluation

Answer

Encoding

Answer

Storage

Answer

Retrieval

Question 14

Which cognitive bias describes the tendency to seek and prioritize information that supports our existing beliefs, even if it may not be true?

Accepted Answer

Confirmation bias

Answer

Hindsight bias

Answer

Availability heuristic

Answer

Framing effect

Question 15

In the Atkinson-Shiffrin memory model, which component temporarily stores information being processed?

Accepted Answer

Working memory

Answer

Sensory memory

Answer

Long-term memory

Answer

Retrieval

Question 16

In the information-processing model of memory, which of the following is NOT a stage?

Accepted Answer

Comprehension

Answer

Encoding

Answer

Storage

Answer

Retrieval

Question 17

Which theory of intelligence emphasizes the significance of specialized knowledge and expertise in cognitive performance?

Accepted Answer

Expertise Theory

Answer

Multiple Intelligences Theory

Answer

Triarchic Theory of Intelligence

Answer

Fluid and Crystallized Intelligence

Question 18

Which key characteristic is central to Piaget's theory of cognitive development?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive development progresses through distinct stages, each with unique thought patterns.

Answer

Schemas are the building blocks of cognitive development.

Answer

Children are born with inherent knowledge and concepts.

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a type of memory studied in cognitive psychology?

Accepted Answer

Implicit learning

Answer

Sensory memory

Answer

Working memory

Answer

Episodic memory

Question 20

What is a potential drawback of using heuristics in decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Heuristics can cause biases in judgments.

Accepted Answer

Heuristics do not always ensure the best possible outcomes.

Answer

Heuristics are not always quick and efficient.

Question 21

Which of the following is a concept related to cognitive biases, but is not a cognitive bias itself?

Accepted Answer

Principle of least effort

Answer

Anchoring bias

Answer

Confirmation bias

Question 22

Which of these is NOT a cue that helps us retrieve memories?

Accepted Answer

The Baader-Meinhof phenomenon

Answer

Environmental cues

Answer

Emotional state cues

Answer

Mood matching memory

Question 23

Which component is NOT part of the Baddeley and Hitch working memory model?

Accepted Answer

Semantic memory

Answer

Phonological loop

Answer

Visuospatial sketchpad

Answer

Episodic buffer

Question 24

Which of the following is a defining feature of sensory memory?

Accepted Answer

It holds sensory information for a very short period.

Answer

It is affected by a person's focus and expectations.

Answer

It stores information primarily in a visual format.

Answer

It enables the retrieval of personal memories.

Question 25

Which of the following is a common feature of heuristics?

Accepted Answer

Simplified decision-making

Answer

Guaranteed success

Answer

Extensive cognitive processing

Answer

Elimination of all biases

Question 26

Which characteristic is NOT associated with effective problem-solving?

Accepted Answer

Jumping to conclusions

Answer

Working backward from the goal

Answer

Considering different viewpoints

Answer

Assessing the solution's effectiveness

Question 27

Which of the following is not a type of memory?

Accepted Answer

Attention

Answer

Episodic memory

Answer

Semantic memory

Answer

Procedural memory

Question 28

Which cognitive bias causes people to believe their own opinions are more accurate than they actually are?

Accepted Answer

Confirmation bias

Answer

Hindsight bias

Answer

Illusion of control

Answer

Framing effect

Question 29

Which of the following is an example of an external retrieval cue that helps us access memories?

Accepted Answer

Priming

Answer

Rehearsal

Answer

Chunking

Question 30

Which stage is **NOT** part of the information-processing model of memory?

Accepted Answer

Transfer

Answer

Encoding

Answer

Storage

Answer

Retrieval

Question 31

In decision-making, heuristics are mental shortcuts that can simplify complex choices. However, they can also have drawbacks. Which of the following is a limitation of using heuristics?

Accepted Answer

Heuristics can lead to biased decisions due to cognitive biases.

Answer

Heuristics always lead to optimal decisions.

Answer

Heuristics are always more efficient than analytical thinking.

Question 32

What is a potential drawback of using heuristics in decision-making?

Accepted Answer

They may result in mistakes when used in unfamiliar or complex situations.

Answer

They take a lot of time and effort to apply.

Answer

They are always more accurate than logical reasoning.

Question 33

Unlike other memory types, working memory does NOT:

Accepted Answer

Store long-term memories

Answer

Have a limited capacity

Answer

Store information temporarily

Answer

Allow for manipulation and updating of information

Question 34

Cognitive biases are mental shortcuts that can lead to errors in our thinking. Which of the following is NOT a type of cognitive bias?

Accepted Answer

Logical reasoning

Answer

Confirmation bias

Answer

Hindsight bias

Answer

Availability heuristic

Question 35

When making decisions, what is a potential downside of using heuristics?

Accepted Answer

Heuristics can sometimes lead to biased or inaccurate judgments.

Answer

Heuristics can speed up and simplify decision-making.

Answer

Heuristics are always based on logical reasoning and objective data.

Answer

Heuristics are always reliable and should be used in all decision-making situations.

Question 36

In the working memory model, which component coordinates the other components and controls attention?

Accepted Answer

Central executive

Answer

Phonological loop

Answer

Visuospatial sketchpad

Question 37

In Cognitive Psychology, which process transforms information into a storable form in memory?

Accepted Answer

Encoding

Answer

Retrieval

Answer

Rehearsal

Answer

Recognition

Question 38

How does cognitive psychology enhance our understanding of human behavior?

Accepted Answer

It provides insights into how mental processes shape actions, thoughts, and emotions.

Answer

It solely focuses on studying brain structures and their functions.

Answer

It has no practical applications in daily life.

Answer

It is exclusively concerned with measuring intelligence and cognitive abilities.

Question 39

How do we access stored information from long-term memory?

Accepted Answer

Retrieval

Answer

Encoding

Answer

Storage

Question 40

Which of the following is NOT considered a key cognitive process in Cognitive Psychology?

Accepted Answer

Motivation

Answer

Encoding

Answer

Retrieval

Answer

Judgment & Decision Making

Question 41

In the context of memory, what is the primary function of encoding?

Accepted Answer

Converting sensory information into a storable format

Answer

Retrieving information from long-term memory

Answer

Ensuring the long-term retention of information

Question 42

In cognitive psychology, what does the concept of "g" primarily represent?

Accepted Answer

A single, overarching factor encompassing general intelligence.

Answer

A collection of distinct, independent factors shaping cognitive abilities.

Answer

A measure of fluid intelligence, focusing on problem-solving and reasoning.

Answer

A combination of crystallized and fluid intelligence, encompassing both knowledge and reasoning.

Question 43

How do cognitive processes, like perspective-taking and theory of mind, influence our social interactions and understanding of others?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive processes, such as perspective-taking and theory of mind, enable us to understand and respond to the thoughts and feelings of others.

Answer

Cognitive processes play no role in shaping our social perceptions and interactions.

Answer

Social cognition only involves the cognitive processes we use to interact with the non-human environment.

Question 44

Which of the following best describes the cognitive processes involved in language acquisition and bilingualism?

Accepted Answer

Relies heavily on implicit learning and exposure to language in meaningful contexts.

Answer

Involves only the activation of semantic networks, without syntactic processing.

Answer

Requires the development of a native-like accent, but not necessarily grammatical competence.

Answer

In bilinguals, the two languages are stored in separate compartments with minimal interference.

Question 45

How effective are cognitive interventions, such as mindfulness training and cognitive behavioral therapy, in enhancing cognitive functioning?

Accepted Answer

The effectiveness of cognitive interventions varies based on the intervention, individual characteristics, and context.

Answer

Cognitive interventions are universally effective in improving cognitive functioning.

Answer

Cognitive interventions are only effective in improving cognitive functioning in individuals with specific cognitive impairments.

Answer

Cognitive interventions are ineffective in improving cognitive functioning because they only address symptoms, not underlying causes.

Question 46

How does a lack of sleep affect our ability to think and feel?

Accepted Answer

Not getting enough sleep can make it harder to focus, remember things, and react quickly.

Answer

Sleep deprivation mainly affects our ability to remember facts and events.

Answer

Sleep doesn't really have an impact on how we feel or our overall well-being.

Question 47

Which is an example of a top-down processing approach?

Accepted Answer

Inferring the meaning of an ambiguous sentence

Answer

Automatically recognizing a person's face

Answer

Reading an unfamiliar word aloud

Answer

Matching a new shape to a familiar one

Question 48

The theory of mind refers to the ability to:

Accepted Answer

Understand the thoughts and feelings of others

Answer

Understand the thoughts of one's own mind

Answer

Solve complex logical problems

Answer

Memorize and recall information over long periods

Question 49

The process of converting sensory impulses into a form that can be processed by the brain is known as:

Accepted Answer

Perception

Answer

Cognition

Answer

Memory

Answer

Sensation

Question 50

Which of the following is not considered a function of language?

Accepted Answer

Physical activity

Answer

Communication

Answer

Thought

Answer

Social interaction

Question 51

The brain structure primarily associated with memory formation is the:

Accepted Answer

Hippocampus

Answer

Amygdala

Answer

Thalamus

Answer

Cerebellum

Question 52

The tendency to interpret and recall information in a biased or distorted way is known as:

Accepted Answer

Cognitive bias

Answer

Memory lapse

Answer

False memory

Answer

Misattribution

Question 53

Which stage of the memory process involves transforming information into a form that can be stored?

Accepted Answer

Encoding

Answer

Storage

Answer

Retrieval

Answer

Interpretation

Question 54

Which theory of language acquisition emphasizes the role of innate, language-specific abilities?

Accepted Answer

Nativist Theory

Answer

Empiricist Theory

Answer

Interactionist Theory

Answer

Social Learning Theory

Question 55

The strategy of breaking down a problem into smaller, manageable parts to facilitate solution-finding is known as:

Accepted Answer

Chunking

Answer

Heuristics

Answer

Algorithms

Answer

Metacognition

Question 56

The use of arbitrary symbols, such as words or mathematical signs, to convey meaning is a defining characteristic of:

Accepted Answer

Language

Answer

Thought

Answer

Perception

Answer

Intelligence

Question 57

Which type of memory involves the temporary storage and manipulation of information for conscious processing?

Accepted Answer

Working Memory

Answer

Sensory Memory

Answer

Short-Term Memory

Answer

Long-Term Memory

Question 58

The ability to recognize patterns and organize information into meaningful categories is known as:

Accepted Answer

Schema

Answer

Prototype

Answer

Heuristic

Answer

Chunking

Question 59

The ability to reflect on one's own thinking and thought processes is known as:

Accepted Answer

Metacognition

Answer

Introspection

Answer

Self-Awareness

Answer

Consciousness

Question 60

How do cultural factors impact various cognitive processes, such as memory and decision-making?

Accepted Answer

They affect a range of cognitive processes, including memory and decision-making.

Answer

They have no influence.

Answer

They enhance memory but hinder decision-making.

Answer

They solely impact decision-making processes.

Question 61

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the hippocampus in memory formation?

Accepted Answer

Consolidating short-term memories into long-term memories

Answer

Encoding new memories

Answer

Storing memories long-term

Answer

Retrieving memories from long-term storage

Question 62

How does selective attention contribute to cognitive biases?

Accepted Answer

Selective attention can amplify cognitive biases by prioritizing information that aligns with existing beliefs.

Answer

Selective attention can minimize cognitive biases by filtering out irrelevant information.

Answer

Selective attention has no effect on cognitive biases.

Question 63

What is the definition of **metamemory**?

Accepted Answer

The ability to understand and control your own memory

Answer

The ability to remember information accurately

Answer

The ability to store and retrieve a lot of information

Answer

The tendency to forget information quickly

Question 64

What type of memory is responsible for storing facts and experiences that happened in the past?

Accepted Answer

Long-term memory

Answer

Sensory memory

Answer

Short-term memory

Answer

Working memory