PSY504 (Cognitive Psychology)

Midterm Fall 2024 Guess Paper

Solved Short Answer Questions and Long Answer Questions

(Covering Lessons 1–22)

Part B: Short Answer Questions (Solved)

1. What is cognitive psychology?

Cognitive psychology is the study of mental processes such as perception, memory, thinking, problem-
solving, and language. It focuses on how people acquire, process, and store information.

2. What are the key assumptions of cognitive psychology?

The mind functions like a computer, processing input (stimuli) into output (behavior).

Mental processes can be scientifically studied.

Cognitive processes are active, not passive.

3. Define perception and its role in cognition.

Perception is the process by which sensory information is interpreted to form a coherent representation
of the environment. It plays a critical role in cognition by influencing how we interpret and interact with
the world.

4. What is the information-processing model in cognitive psychology?

The information-processing model compares the human mind to a computer. It includes:

Input: Sensory information.

Processing: Mental operations (e.g., attention, memory).

Output: Decision-making or actions.

5. Explain the concept of attention in cognitive psychology.

Attention is the cognitive process of selectively focusing on specific information while ignoring others.
Types of attention include:

Selective attention: Focusing on one stimulus among many.

Divided attention: Handling multiple tasks simultaneously.

Sustained attention: Maintaining focus over time.

6. What is the difference between short-term memory and long-term memory?

Short-term memory (STM): Holds information temporarily (15-30 seconds) and has limited capacity (7 ±
2 items).

Long-term memory (LTM): Stores information for extended periods, potentially indefinitely, and has an
unlimited capacity.

7. What are schemas, and how do they influence cognition?

Schemas are mental frameworks or structures that organize knowledge and guide information
processing. They influence perception, memory, and problem-solving by shaping how new information
is interpreted and stored.

8. Define cognitive load and its types.

Cognitive load refers to the amount of mental effort required to process information. Types include:

Intrinsic load: Related to the complexity of the material.

Extraneous load: Due to poorly designed learning environments.

Germane load: Effort directed towards understanding and learning.

9. What is the role of problem-solving in cognitive psychology?

Problem-solving involves using cognitive processes to find solutions to challenges. It includes stages like
identifying the problem, generating solutions, and evaluating outcomes. Strategies include algorithms
and heuristics.

10. What is the serial position effect?

The serial position effect refers to the tendency to remember items at the beginning (primacy effect)
and end (recency effect) of a list better than those in the middle.

Part C: Long Answer Questions (Solved)

1. Discuss the historical development of cognitive psychology.

Cognitive psychology emerged as a reaction to behaviorism's limitations, focusing on internal mental

processes. Key milestones include:

Wilhelm Wundt: Early experiments on perception and attention.

Jean Piaget: Studies on cognitive development in children.

World War II: Research on attention, decision-making, and problem-solving.

Cognitive revolution (1950s): Led by figures like Noam Chomsky, challenging behaviorism with a focus on
mental processes.

Modern era: Integration of neuroscience and artificial intelligence to study cognition.

2. Explain the stages of memory with examples.

Memory involves three stages:

Encoding: Converting sensory input into a form that can be stored (e.g., studying a diagram).

Storage: Retaining encoded information over time (e.g., remembering the diagram’s content).

Retrieval: Accessing stored information when needed (e.g., recalling the diagram during an exam).

Types of Memory Systems:

Sensory Memory: Retains sensory input for a brief time (e.g., a fleeting image).

Short-Term Memory: Holds information temporarily (e.g., a phone number).

Long-Term Memory: Stores information indefinitely (e.g., knowledge of math formulas).

3. Compare and contrast bottom-up and top-down processing.

Bottom-Up Processing:

Driven by sensory input.

Begins with raw data and builds to higher-level processing.

Example: Recognizing a shape as a letter based on its features.

Top-Down Processing:

Guided by prior knowledge, expectations, or context.

Example: Reading a blurred word by guessing based on the sentence.

Comparison:

While bottom-up relies on data from the environment, top-down is influenced by cognition and
experience. Both processes often work together for perception

4. Explain the role of language in cognitive psychology.

Language is central to cognition as it enables communication, thought, and learning. Key concepts
include:

Noam Chomsky’s theory of universal grammar: Language development is innate.

Stages of language acquisition: Babbling, one-word stage, two-word stage, and sentence formation.

Influence on cognition: Language shapes thought (linguistic relativity) and supports problem-solving,
decision-making, and memory.

Applications of language studies in cognitive psychology include improving education, understanding

language disorders, and enhancing AI systems.

5. Discuss problem-solving strategies in cognitive psychology.

Problem-solving involves systematic approaches to overcoming challenges. Strategies include:

Algorithms: Step-by-step methods guaranteeing a solution (e.g., solving a math problem).

Heuristics: Mental shortcuts or rules of thumb (e.g., guessing based on experience).

Trial and Error: Testing multiple solutions until one works.

Insight: Sudden realization of a solution (e.g., solving a riddle).

Barriers to Problem-Solving:

Functional fixedness: Inability to see new uses for familiar objects.

Mental set: Reliance on past strategies that may not apply to a new problem.

Guess Paper for PSY504: Cognitive Psychology (Midterm Fall 2024) with 30 solved MCQs,
short answers, and long answers,

Part A: 30 Solved MCQs

1. Cognitive psychology focuses on which of the following processes?

A) Emotions

B) Behavior

C) Mental processes

D) Genetics

Answer: C) Mental processes

2. Who is considered the father of cognitive psychology?

A) Wilhelm Wundt

B) Ulric Neisser
C) Sigmund Freud

D) B.F. Skinner

Answer: B) Ulric Neisser

3. What does the information-processing model compare the human mind to?

A) A library

B) A computer

C) A microscope

D) A camera

Answer: B) A computer

4. Which memory system has a very brief duration?

A) Sensory memory

B) Short-term memory

C) Long-term memory

D) Explicit memory

Answer: A) Sensory memory

5. What is the capacity of short-term memory according to Miller’s law?

A) 5 ± 1 items

B) 7 ± 2 items

C) 9 ± 3 items

D) Unlimited

Answer: B) 7 ± 2 items

6. What is the serial position effect?

A) Better memory for random information

B) Difficulty in remembering sequences

C) Better memory for the first and last items in a list

D) Improved recall due to cues

Answer: C) Better memory for the first and last items in a list

7. What is chunking in memory?

A) Forgetting large amounts of information

B) Grouping information into meaningful units

C) Repeating information to retain it

D) Retrieving information

Answer: B) Grouping information into meaningful units

8. Which term describes our inability to see a new use for an object?

A) Mental set

B) Insight

C) Functional fixedness

D) Heuristics

Answer: C) Functional fixedness

9. What does top-down processing rely on?

A) Raw sensory input

B) Context and prior knowledge

C) Physical environment

D) None of the above

Answer: B) Context and prior knowledge

10. What is a heuristic in problem-solving?

A) A guaranteed method

B) A step-by-step process

C) A mental shortcut

D) A random guess
Answer: C) A mental shortcut

11. What is the primary focus of cognitive psychology?

A) Observable behavior

B) Environmental factors

C) Internal mental processes

D) Biological influences

Answer: C) Internal mental processes

12. What is the term for the cognitive process of focusing on specific stimuli?

A) Memory

B) Perception

C) Attention

D) Language

Answer: C) Attention

13. Which type of memory is responsible for storing facts and knowledge?

A) Procedural memory

B) Episodic memory

C) Semantic memory

D) Sensory memory

Answer: C) Semantic memory

14. What is schema in cognitive psychology?

A) A sensory memory

B) A mental framework

C) A memory bias

D) An emotional state

Answer: B) A mental framework

15. What is an example of declarative memory?

A) Remembering how to ride a bike

B) Solving a puzzle

C) Recalling historical facts

D) Reflex actions

Answer: C) Recalling historical facts

Part B: Solved Short Answer Questions

1. What is cognitive psychology?

Cognitive psychology is the scientific study of mental processes, including perception, memory,
attention, language, problem-solving, and decision-making.

2. Explain the role of schemas in cognition.

Schemas are mental frameworks that help organize and interpret information. They guide
understanding and influence memory, perception, and decision-making by providing a structured
context for interpreting new information.

3. Differentiate between explicit and implicit memory.

Explicit Memory: Conscious recollection of facts and events (e.g., recalling a birthday).

Implicit Memory: Unconscious memory that influences behavior (e.g., riding a bike).

4. What is selective attention?

Selective attention is the process of focusing on one particular stimulus while ignoring others. For
example, listening to one conversation at a noisy party.

5. Define problem-solving and its stages.

Problem-solving is the process of finding solutions to complex issues. Stages include:

1. Identifying the problem.

2. Generating solutions.

3. Evaluating solutions.

4. Implementing the best solution.

Part C: Solved Long Answer Questions

1. Discuss the stages of memory according to the multi-store model.

The multi-store model divides memory into three stages:

Sensory Memory: Briefly holds sensory information (e.g., iconic and echoic memory). Duration is less
than 1 second.

Short-Term Memory (STM): Temporarily stores information (15–30 seconds). Capacity is limited (7 ± 2
items).

Long-Term Memory (LTM): Stores information indefinitely. Capacity is unlimited and includes declarative
(explicit) and procedural (implicit) memory.

2. Explain the differences between bottom-up and top-down processing with examples.

Bottom-Up Processing: Starts with raw sensory data and builds up to higher-level cognitive processes.

Example: Recognizing a face based on its features.

Top-Down Processing: Driven by prior knowledge, expectations, or context.

Example: Reading blurred handwriting by predicting words.

3. Describe the role of attention in cognitive processes.

Attention is the cognitive process of focusing on specific stimuli while ignoring others. It plays a key role
in perception, memory, and decision-making.

Selective Attention: Concentrating on one stimulus (e.g., studying in a noisy room).

Divided Attention: Managing multiple tasks simultaneously (e.g., driving while talking).

Sustained Attention: Maintaining focus over time (e.g., attending a lecture).

Applications: Attention research has improved education, work productivity, and treatment of attention-
related disorders.

4. Discuss the importance of problem-solving in cognitive psychology.

Problem-solving is essential for navigating challenges and achieving goals.

Strategies:

Algorithms: Step-by-step methods for guaranteed solutions.

Heuristics: Mental shortcuts to simplify decision-making.

Insight: Sudden realization of a solution.

Barriers:

Functional fixedness: Limiting the use of objects to their traditional functions.

Mental set: Relying on old methods for new problems.

Significance: Problem-solving research enhances education, artificial intelligence, and therapy

approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

Let me know if you'd like further clarification or additional questions!

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Shehzad 03300350720