PSY 101 Exam 3 V1 | PSY 101 Foundations
of Psychology | StraighterLine | Q&A with
Rationale (StraighterLine PSY101 Exam 3)
1. Which process describes the initial recording of information into a format that the memory
system can use?
A. Retrieval
B. Encoding
C. Storage
D. Rehearsal
Answer: B
Rationale: Encoding is the crucial first stage of the memory process. It involves
transforming sensory input into a neural code that the brain can process. Without effective
encoding, information cannot be stored or later retrieved.
2. Sensory memory for visual stimuli, which lasts for less than a second, is known as:
A. Iconic memory
B. Echoic memory
C. Flashbulb memory
D. Working memory
,Answer: A
Rationale: Iconic memory refers specifically to the momentary sensory memory of visual
stimuli. It provides a brief ‘snapshot’ of the world that fades almost immediately. This
contrasts with echoic memory, which pertains to auditory stimuli.
3. What is the typical capacity of short-term memory according to George Miller?
A. 3 plus or minus 2
B. 7 plus or minus 2
C. 10 plus or minus 1
D. Unlimited
Answer: B
Rationale: George Miller’s classic research suggested that humans can hold about seven
items of information in short-term memory. This concept is often referred to as the ‘magic
number seven.’ This capacity can be increased through the use of chunking techniques.
4. The process of grouping individual pieces of information into larger, meaningful units is
called:
A. Chunking
B. Mnemonics
C. Elaboration
D. Consolidation
, Answer: A
Rationale: Chunking allows an individual to organize information into familiar,
manageable units. By doing so, the limitations of short-term memory capacity can be
bypassed. This strategy is essential for mastering complex sequences like phone numbers
or musical patterns.
5. Which type of memory holds information for a long period and includes skills like riding a
bike?
A. Semantic memory
B. Episodic memory
C. Procedural memory
D. Declarative memory
Answer: C
Rationale: Procedural memory is a subset of long-term memory that involves motor skills
and habits. It is often referred to as implicit memory because we do not have to consciously
recall how to perform these actions. Examples include swimming, typing, or driving a car.
6. A memory of a highly emotional and significant event, like a natural disaster, is known as a:
A. Source memory
B. Implicit memory
C. Procedural memory
of Psychology | StraighterLine | Q&A with
Rationale (StraighterLine PSY101 Exam 3)
1. Which process describes the initial recording of information into a format that the memory
system can use?
A. Retrieval
B. Encoding
C. Storage
D. Rehearsal
Answer: B
Rationale: Encoding is the crucial first stage of the memory process. It involves
transforming sensory input into a neural code that the brain can process. Without effective
encoding, information cannot be stored or later retrieved.
2. Sensory memory for visual stimuli, which lasts for less than a second, is known as:
A. Iconic memory
B. Echoic memory
C. Flashbulb memory
D. Working memory
,Answer: A
Rationale: Iconic memory refers specifically to the momentary sensory memory of visual
stimuli. It provides a brief ‘snapshot’ of the world that fades almost immediately. This
contrasts with echoic memory, which pertains to auditory stimuli.
3. What is the typical capacity of short-term memory according to George Miller?
A. 3 plus or minus 2
B. 7 plus or minus 2
C. 10 plus or minus 1
D. Unlimited
Answer: B
Rationale: George Miller’s classic research suggested that humans can hold about seven
items of information in short-term memory. This concept is often referred to as the ‘magic
number seven.’ This capacity can be increased through the use of chunking techniques.
4. The process of grouping individual pieces of information into larger, meaningful units is
called:
A. Chunking
B. Mnemonics
C. Elaboration
D. Consolidation
, Answer: A
Rationale: Chunking allows an individual to organize information into familiar,
manageable units. By doing so, the limitations of short-term memory capacity can be
bypassed. This strategy is essential for mastering complex sequences like phone numbers
or musical patterns.
5. Which type of memory holds information for a long period and includes skills like riding a
bike?
A. Semantic memory
B. Episodic memory
C. Procedural memory
D. Declarative memory
Answer: C
Rationale: Procedural memory is a subset of long-term memory that involves motor skills
and habits. It is often referred to as implicit memory because we do not have to consciously
recall how to perform these actions. Examples include swimming, typing, or driving a car.
6. A memory of a highly emotional and significant event, like a natural disaster, is known as a:
A. Source memory
B. Implicit memory
C. Procedural memory
