D 570 Final Exam V2 | D 570 Cognitive Psychology |
Actual Q&A with Rationale (D570 Final Exam) |
Western Governors University
1. Which process involves building a perception from the sensory input without the influence
of prior knowledge or expectations?
A. Top-down processing
B. Parallel distributed processing
C. Bottom-up processing
D. Conceptually-driven processing
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Bottom-up processing, also known as data-driven processing, begins with the
analysis of individual sensory elements to form a complete perception. This mechanism
relies solely on the physical stimulus rather than higher-level cognitive context. In contrast,
top-down processing utilizes existing knowledge to interpret sensory information.
2. In the context of attention, what does the ‘Cocktail Party Effect’ primarily demonstrate?
A. Divided attention across multiple stimuli
B. Selective attention and the processing of meaningful unattended information
C. The failure of sensory memory to store information
D. The impact of retroactive interference on social interactions
,Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Cocktail Party Effect illustrates how an individual can focus on one
conversation while still monitoring the environment for personally relevant stimuli, such
as their own name. This phenomenon challenges early selection models of attention which
suggested unattended info is completely blocked. It implies that some level of semantic
processing occurs even for information that is not the primary focus of attention.
3. According to the Atkinson-Shiffrin Modal Model, what is the estimated duration of
information in sensory memory?
A. Indefinite duration until interference occurs
B. 15 to 30 seconds
C. Several minutes to hours
D. Less than a second to a few seconds
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Sensory memory acts as a buffer for incoming stimuli, holding information
for a very brief period before it decays or moves to short-term memory. Iconic memory
lasts approximately 250-500 milliseconds, while echoic memory can last up to 3 or 4
seconds. This stage of memory is characterized by a large capacity but extremely limited
temporal persistence.
, 4. Which component of Baddeley’s Working Memory model is responsible for coordinating
the activities of the other subsystems?
A. Phonological Loop
B. Central Executive
C. Visuospatial Sketchpad
D. Episodic Buffer
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Central Executive functions as the control center of the working memory
system, managing attention and allocating resources. It does not store information itself
but rather directs the flow of information between the slave systems. Its primary role
involves shifting attention between tasks and inhibiting irrelevant stimuli.
5. A patient who can no longer form new long-term memories after a brain injury is suffering
from which condition?
A. Retrograde amnesia
B. Semantic dementia
C. Anterograde amnesia
D. Prosopagnosia
Correct Answer: C
Actual Q&A with Rationale (D570 Final Exam) |
Western Governors University
1. Which process involves building a perception from the sensory input without the influence
of prior knowledge or expectations?
A. Top-down processing
B. Parallel distributed processing
C. Bottom-up processing
D. Conceptually-driven processing
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Bottom-up processing, also known as data-driven processing, begins with the
analysis of individual sensory elements to form a complete perception. This mechanism
relies solely on the physical stimulus rather than higher-level cognitive context. In contrast,
top-down processing utilizes existing knowledge to interpret sensory information.
2. In the context of attention, what does the ‘Cocktail Party Effect’ primarily demonstrate?
A. Divided attention across multiple stimuli
B. Selective attention and the processing of meaningful unattended information
C. The failure of sensory memory to store information
D. The impact of retroactive interference on social interactions
,Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Cocktail Party Effect illustrates how an individual can focus on one
conversation while still monitoring the environment for personally relevant stimuli, such
as their own name. This phenomenon challenges early selection models of attention which
suggested unattended info is completely blocked. It implies that some level of semantic
processing occurs even for information that is not the primary focus of attention.
3. According to the Atkinson-Shiffrin Modal Model, what is the estimated duration of
information in sensory memory?
A. Indefinite duration until interference occurs
B. 15 to 30 seconds
C. Several minutes to hours
D. Less than a second to a few seconds
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Sensory memory acts as a buffer for incoming stimuli, holding information
for a very brief period before it decays or moves to short-term memory. Iconic memory
lasts approximately 250-500 milliseconds, while echoic memory can last up to 3 or 4
seconds. This stage of memory is characterized by a large capacity but extremely limited
temporal persistence.
, 4. Which component of Baddeley’s Working Memory model is responsible for coordinating
the activities of the other subsystems?
A. Phonological Loop
B. Central Executive
C. Visuospatial Sketchpad
D. Episodic Buffer
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Central Executive functions as the control center of the working memory
system, managing attention and allocating resources. It does not store information itself
but rather directs the flow of information between the slave systems. Its primary role
involves shifting attention between tasks and inhibiting irrelevant stimuli.
5. A patient who can no longer form new long-term memories after a brain injury is suffering
from which condition?
A. Retrograde amnesia
B. Semantic dementia
C. Anterograde amnesia
D. Prosopagnosia
Correct Answer: C
