,PSYC 101 Module 4 | General Psychology Exam Q&A |
Portage Learning
1. Which of the following best describes the three basic processes of memory?
A) Sensation, perception, and transduction
B) Encoding, storage, and retrieval
C) Input, processing, and output
D) Acquisition, extinction, and spontaneous recovery
Correct Answer: Encoding, storage, and retrieval
Rationale: Memory involves three fundamental processes: encoding (getting information
into the memory system), storage (retaining information over time), and retrieval (accessing
stored information when needed). These processes are essential for learning and
remembering. Disruptions at any stage can lead to forgetting.
2. What is the correct sequence of the three-stage memory model proposed by Atkinson and
Shiffrin?
A) Long-term memory, short-term memory, sensory memory
B) Sensory memory, short-term memory, long-term memory
C) Working memory, sensory memory, long-term memory
D) Short-term memory, long-term memory, sensory memory
Correct Answer: Sensory memory, short-term memory, long-term memory
Rationale: The Atkinson-Shiffrin model proposes that information flows through three
stages: sensory memory (brief retention of sensory information), short-term memory (limited
capacity, brief duration), and long-term memory (unlimited capacity, relatively permanent).
This model is foundational to understanding memory processes.
,3. Which type of sensory memory holds visual information for approximately one-half
second?
A) Echoic memory
B) Iconic memory
C) Haptic memory
D) Gustatory memory
Correct Answer: Iconic memory
Rationale: Iconic memory is the visual sensory memory store that holds visual images for a
very brief period (about 0.5 seconds). Echoic memory is the auditory sensory memory, which
lasts slightly longer (2-4 seconds). Haptic memory relates to touch, and gustatory memory
relates to taste.
4. What is the typical capacity of short-term memory according to George Miller's research?
A) 2 to 3 items
B) 5 to 9 items
C) 10 to 12 items
D) Unlimited
Correct Answer: 5 to 9 items
Rationale: George Miller's classic research suggested that short-term memory can hold
approximately 7 ± 2 items (between 5 and 9). This is often referred to as "Miller's magic
number." Chunking can help increase this capacity by grouping items into meaningful units.
5. Which memory strategy involves grouping individual pieces of information into larger,
meaningful units?
A) Rehearsal
B) Chunking
C) Elaboration
, D) Spacing
Correct Answer: Chunking
Rationale: Chunking increases the capacity of short-term memory by organizing separate
items into meaningful groups. For example, remembering a phone number as 555-1234 rather
than ten separate digits. Rehearsal is repetition, and elaboration links new information to
existing knowledge.
6. What is the primacy effect in memory?
A) The tendency to remember the last items on a list
B) The tendency to remember the first items on a list
C) The tendency to forget items in the middle of a list
D) The tendency to remember information better when spaced out
Correct Answer: The tendency to remember the first items on a list
Rationale: The primacy effect refers to superior recall of the first few items on a list, likely
due to greater rehearsal and transfer to long-term memory. The recency effect refers to better
recall of the last items. Together they form the serial position effect.
7. What is the recency effect in memory?
A) The tendency to remember the first items on a list
B) The tendency to remember the last items on a list
C) The tendency to forget items in the middle of a list
D) The tendency to remember information better when spaced out
Correct Answer: The tendency to remember the last items on a list
Portage Learning
1. Which of the following best describes the three basic processes of memory?
A) Sensation, perception, and transduction
B) Encoding, storage, and retrieval
C) Input, processing, and output
D) Acquisition, extinction, and spontaneous recovery
Correct Answer: Encoding, storage, and retrieval
Rationale: Memory involves three fundamental processes: encoding (getting information
into the memory system), storage (retaining information over time), and retrieval (accessing
stored information when needed). These processes are essential for learning and
remembering. Disruptions at any stage can lead to forgetting.
2. What is the correct sequence of the three-stage memory model proposed by Atkinson and
Shiffrin?
A) Long-term memory, short-term memory, sensory memory
B) Sensory memory, short-term memory, long-term memory
C) Working memory, sensory memory, long-term memory
D) Short-term memory, long-term memory, sensory memory
Correct Answer: Sensory memory, short-term memory, long-term memory
Rationale: The Atkinson-Shiffrin model proposes that information flows through three
stages: sensory memory (brief retention of sensory information), short-term memory (limited
capacity, brief duration), and long-term memory (unlimited capacity, relatively permanent).
This model is foundational to understanding memory processes.
,3. Which type of sensory memory holds visual information for approximately one-half
second?
A) Echoic memory
B) Iconic memory
C) Haptic memory
D) Gustatory memory
Correct Answer: Iconic memory
Rationale: Iconic memory is the visual sensory memory store that holds visual images for a
very brief period (about 0.5 seconds). Echoic memory is the auditory sensory memory, which
lasts slightly longer (2-4 seconds). Haptic memory relates to touch, and gustatory memory
relates to taste.
4. What is the typical capacity of short-term memory according to George Miller's research?
A) 2 to 3 items
B) 5 to 9 items
C) 10 to 12 items
D) Unlimited
Correct Answer: 5 to 9 items
Rationale: George Miller's classic research suggested that short-term memory can hold
approximately 7 ± 2 items (between 5 and 9). This is often referred to as "Miller's magic
number." Chunking can help increase this capacity by grouping items into meaningful units.
5. Which memory strategy involves grouping individual pieces of information into larger,
meaningful units?
A) Rehearsal
B) Chunking
C) Elaboration
, D) Spacing
Correct Answer: Chunking
Rationale: Chunking increases the capacity of short-term memory by organizing separate
items into meaningful groups. For example, remembering a phone number as 555-1234 rather
than ten separate digits. Rehearsal is repetition, and elaboration links new information to
existing knowledge.
6. What is the primacy effect in memory?
A) The tendency to remember the last items on a list
B) The tendency to remember the first items on a list
C) The tendency to forget items in the middle of a list
D) The tendency to remember information better when spaced out
Correct Answer: The tendency to remember the first items on a list
Rationale: The primacy effect refers to superior recall of the first few items on a list, likely
due to greater rehearsal and transfer to long-term memory. The recency effect refers to better
recall of the last items. Together they form the serial position effect.
7. What is the recency effect in memory?
A) The tendency to remember the first items on a list
B) The tendency to remember the last items on a list
C) The tendency to forget items in the middle of a list
D) The tendency to remember information better when spaced out
Correct Answer: The tendency to remember the last items on a list
