Understanding Perception and Memory Concepts

What is the term for the mental predisposition to perceive one thing and not another?

• Change blindness

• Perceptual set

• Inattentional blindness

• Gestalt

Answer explanation

The term 'perceptual set' refers to the mental predisposition to perceive certain stimuli while ignoring others, influencing how we interpret information based on expectations and experiences.

Which of the following is a depth cue that depends on the use of two eyes?

• Monocular cue

• Binocular cue

• Perceptual constancy

• Visual cliff

Answer explanation

A binocular cue is a depth cue that relies on the use of both eyes to perceive depth, such as convergence and retinal disparity. Monocular cues, on the other hand, only require one eye.

What is the term for the inability to see a problem from a new perspective?

• Fixation

• Mental set

• Confirmation bias

• Overconfidence

Answer explanation

Fixation refers to the inability to see a problem from a new perspective, often leading to a narrow focus on familiar solutions. This contrasts with mental set, which is a similar concept but emphasizes a habitual approach to problem-solving.

Which short-term memory component briefly holds auditory information?

• Visuospatial sketchpad

• Phonological loop

• Iconic memory

• long-term memory

Answer explanation

The phonological loop is a component of working memory that briefly holds auditory information, making it the correct choice. Echoic memory also deals with auditory information but is more about sensory storage.

What is the term for the process of getting information into the memory system?

• Retrieval

• Storage

• Encoding

• Chunking

Answer explanation

The process of getting information into the memory system is called encoding. It involves transforming sensory input into a form that can be stored and later retrieved, distinguishing it from retrieval and storage.

What is the term for a clear memory of an emotionally significant moment or event?

• Flashbulb memory

• Episodic memory

• Semantic memory

• Implicit memory

Answer explanation

A flashbulb memory is a vivid and detailed recollection of an emotionally significant event, such as a personal experience or a historical moment, making it the correct term for the question.

Which of the following refers to the tendency to recall best the last items in a list initially and the first items after a delay?

• Serial position effect

• Misinformation effect

• Source amnesia

• Déjà vu

Answer explanation

The serial position effect describes how we tend to remember the last items in a list (recency effect) and the first items after some time (primacy effect). This phenomenon explains the recall pattern mentioned in the question.

What is the term for the forward-acting disruptive effect of older learning on the recall of new information?

• Retroactive interference

• Proactive interference

• Repression

• Source amnesia

Answer explanation

Proactive interference refers to the phenomenon where older memories disrupt the recall of new information. In this case, previously learned material interferes with the ability to remember new data.

Which of the following is a methodical, logical rule or procedure that guarantees solving a particular problem?

• Heuristic

• Algorithm

• Divergent thinking

• Convergent thinking

Answer explanation

An algorithm is a systematic, logical procedure that guarantees a solution to a problem, unlike heuristics which are more rule-of-thumb strategies. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Algorithm'.

What is the term for the retention of learned skills, muscle memory or classically conditioned associations independent of conscious recollection?

• Explicit memory

• Implicit memory

• Semantic memory

• Episodic memory

Answer explanation

The term for retaining learned skills or conditioned associations without conscious recollection is 'implicit memory'. This contrasts with explicit memory, which involves conscious thought.